Serving 238 students in grades Prekindergarten-3, J.w. Smith Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-39% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-39% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 238 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: J.W. Smith Elementary serves the southeast part of Bemidji, MN, encompassing an area of approximately 7.6 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
J.w. Smith Elementary School's student population of 238 students has grown by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-3
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
238 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
'Practicing how to be Respectful, Responsible, Safe, and Kind while learning is what we do each and every day.'
School Rankings
J.w. Smith Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of J.w. Smith Elementary School is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1314 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
46%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
63%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
7%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
3%
12%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
12%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
23%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)47.5%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is J.w. Smith Elementary School's ranking?
J.w. Smith Elementary School is ranked #1314 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 30-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend J.w. Smith Elementary School?
238 students attend J.w. Smith Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of J.w. Smith Elementary School students are American Indian, 23% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of J.w. Smith Elementary School?
J.w. Smith Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does J.w. Smith Elementary School offer ?
J.w. Smith Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-3 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is J.w. Smith Elementary School part of?
J.w. Smith Elementary School is part of Bemidji Public School District.
School Reviews
Review J.w. Smith Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
