Castle Hills Elementary School

Summary:

Castle Hills Elementary School is a public elementary school located in New Castle, Delaware, serving 492 students in grades K-5 and part of the Colonial School District, which is ranked 28 out of 32 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Castle Hills Elementary has a diverse student population, with 41.06% African American, 27.85% Hispanic, and 19.51% White students, which differs notably from nearby schools like Pleasantville Elementary and Richey Elementary. However, the school consistently underperforms the district and state in standardized test scores, with only 22.89% of 3rd graders, 19.15% of 4th graders, and 17.71% of 5th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the district and state averages. Additionally, Castle Hills Elementary has experienced a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 19.7% in 2018-2019 to 32.5% in 2022-2023, which is notably higher than nearby schools like Wilmington Manor Elementary.

The consistent low performance and high chronic absenteeism at Castle Hills Elementary suggest that the school is struggling to provide a high-quality education to its diverse student population. The school's performance is particularly concerning for certain student subgroups, such as African American and Hispanic students, who rank significantly lower than their peers in the state. While Castle Hills shares the same school district as Eisenberg (Harry O.) Elementary and Pleasantville Elementary, its academic performance and other key metrics are notably lower, indicating the need for targeted interventions and support to address these issues and improve student outcomes.


Detail:

Public K-5

 502 Moores Lane
       New Castle, DE  19720-3499


(302) 323-2915

District: Colonial School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
96th of 106 Delaware Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,324 Help


Students who attend Castle Hills Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Read (George) Middle School
High:    Penn (William) High School

Student/teacher ratio:  12.3 Help
Number of students:  492

Racial breakdown:

African American:
41.1%
Hispanic:
27.8%
White:
19.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  53.9% Help


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 Compare Castle Hills Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Castle Hills Elementary School ranks worse than 90.6% of elementary schools in Delaware. It also ranks 6th among 8 ranked elementary schools in the Colonial School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 12.27. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Castle Hills Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: African American (41.1%), Hispanic (27.8%), White (19.5%). (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Castle Hills Elementary School is 12.3, which is the 4th best among 8 elementary schools in the Colonial School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Castle Hills Elementary School employs 40 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Castle Hills Elementary School is $15,324, which is the 4th highest among 8 elementary schools in the Colonial School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Castle Hills Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Castle Hills Elementary School 96th of 106 Delaware public elementary schools. (See Castle Hills Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Male students:
African American students:


Colonial School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Colonial School District 28th of 32 Delaware school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Castle Hills Elementary School?

Rank History for Castle Hills Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Castle Hills Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2011 53.98 49th 91 46.2%
2012 34.63 67th 90 25.6%
2013 34.28 70th 91 23.1%
2015 41.78 64th 108 40.7%
2016 35.52 62nd 86 27.9%
2017 25.30 68th 86 20.9%
2018 17.46 72nd 85 15.3%
2019 25.23 79th 105 24.8%
2021 23.57 72nd 95 24.2%
2022 17.20 86th 104 17.3%
2023 16.48 85th 103 17.5%
2024 12.27 96th 106 9.4%
See the entire list of Delaware Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Castle Hills Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 43.25 15th 29 48.3%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Castle Hills Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 40.15 56th 92 39.1%
2022 19.70 56th 62 9.7%
2023 10.96 63rd 66 4.5%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Castle Hills Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 21.32 81st 99 18.2%
2022 9.34 85th 90 5.6%
2023 12.77 82nd 89 7.9%
2024 7.52 94th 97 3.1%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Castle Hills Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 22.94 75th 99 24.2%
2022 15.53 82nd 90 8.9%
2023 9.69 86th 89 3.4%
2024 10.87 89th 97 8.2%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Castle Hills Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 25.71 61st 72 15.3%
2022 12.88 56th 60 6.7%
2023 21.06 51st 60 15.0%
2024 16.45 57th 62 8.1%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Castle Hills Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 41.66 23rd 37 37.8%
2022 32.28 26th 36 27.8%
2023 17.70 38th 42 9.5%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Castle Hills Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 21.38 71st 82 13.4%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Delaware Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Castle Hills Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Delaware Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Open Quote I have no problems with this school the teachers keep in contact with you and my son loves it there. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Castle Hills Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 311 113 1 9 1 n/a n/a 0 435
1989 294 134 5 7 0 n/a n/a 0 440
1990 318 120 1 6 n/a n/a n/a 0 445
1991 300 108 2 11 0 n/a n/a 0 421
1992 287 129 1 7 0 n/a n/a 0 424
1993 235 153 4 7 1 n/a n/a 0 400
1994 204 158 4 10 1 n/a n/a 0 377
1995 202 132 3 15 1 n/a n/a 0 353
1996 202 132 3 15 1 n/a n/a 0 353
1997 258 234 4 25 1 n/a n/a 0 522
1998 261 267 4 37 1 n/a n/a 0 570
1999 331 418 6 46 1 n/a n/a 0 802
2000 309 393 5 70 2 n/a n/a 0 779
2001 308 343 3 81 1 n/a n/a 0 736
2002 363 163 33 160 3 n/a n/a 0 722
2003 363 163 33 160 3 n/a n/a 0 722
2004 321 174 47 161 2 n/a n/a 0 705
2005 310 183 42 174 3 n/a n/a 0 712
2006 271 203 37 195 4 n/a n/a 0 710
2007 279 193 35 204 2 n/a n/a 0 713
2008 246 330 51 141 3 n/a n/a 0 771
2009 235 319 52 138 2 n/a n/a 0 746
2010 250 298 32 144 1 n/a n/a 0 725
2011 236 290 38 162 2 0 1 0 729
2012 236 290 30 185 2 1 3 0 747
2013 226 240 18 165 2 2 3 0 656
2014 212 238 19 180 3 2 5 0 659
2015 208 239 17 171 4 2 17 0 658
2016 180 216 18 168 3 2 22 0 609
2017 172 246 15 166 2 3 18 0 622
2018 159 242 23 147 1 2 24 0 598
2019 142 228 33 163 2 1 29 0 598
2020 143 252 32 165 3 2 34 0 631
2021 120 219 30 154 4 3 32 0 562
2022 96 199 23 126 5 2 31 0 482
2023 96 202 19 137 6 1 31 0 492

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Castle Hills Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 435 24.5 17.7 24.4
1989 440 24.0 18.3 17.3
1990 445 24.0 18.5 22.2
1991 421 25.0 16.8 25.4
1992 424 23.0 18.4 28.8
1993 400 27.0 14.8 37
1994 377 20.5 18.4 38.5
1995 353 18.0 19.6 43.1
1996 353 18.0 19.6 43.1
1997 522 28.0 18.6 38.3
1998 570 30.0 19.0 42.6
1999 802 43.4 18.5 54.7
2000 779 47.0 16.6 46.6
2001 736 45.0 16.4 35.9
2002 722 43.0 16.8 51
2003 722 43.0 16.8 51
2004 705 47.0 15.0 42.8
2005 712 48.0 14.8 49.6
2006 710 46.0 15.4 47.6
2007 713 46.0 15.5 58.5
2008 771 54.0 14.3 54.1
2009 746 49.0 15.2 43.7
2010 725 48.0 15.1 73
2011 729 48.0 15.1 73.3
2012 747 51.0 14.6 74
2013 656 44.0 14.9 78.7
2014 659 42.0 15.6 60.8
2015 658 42.0 15.6 55
2016 609 43.0 14.1 53.9
2017 622 41.0 15.1 n/a
2018 598 41.0 14.5 n/a
2019 598 43.0 13.9 n/a
2020 631 44.0 14.3 n/a
2021 562 45.0 12.4 n/a
2022 482 40.0 12.0 n/a
2023 492 40.0 12.3 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Castle Hills Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 435 24.5 17.7 24.4
1989 440 24.0 18.3 17.3
1990 445 24.0 18.5 22.2
1991 421 25.0 16.8 25.4
1992 424 23.0 18.4 28.8
1993 400 27.0 14.8 37
1994 377 20.5 18.4 38.5
1995 353 18.0 19.6 43.1
1996 353 18.0 19.6 43.1
1997 522 28.0 18.6 38.3
1998 570 30.0 19.0 42.6
1999 802 43.4 18.5 54.7
2000 779 47.0 16.6 46.6
2001 736 45.0 16.4 35.9
2002 722 43.0 16.8 51
2003 722 43.0 16.8 51
2004 705 47.0 15.0 42.8
2005 712 48.0 14.8 49.6
2006 710 46.0 15.4 47.6
2007 713 46.0 15.5 58.5
2008 771 54.0 14.3 54.1
2009 746 49.0 15.2 43.7
2010 725 48.0 15.1 73
2011 729 48.0 15.1 73.3
2012 747 51.0 14.6 74
2013 656 44.0 14.9 78.7
2014 659 42.0 15.6 60.8
2015 658 42.0 15.6 55
2016 609 43.0 14.1 53.9
2017 622 41.0 15.1 n/a
2018 598 41.0 14.5 n/a
2019 598 43.0 13.9 n/a
2020 631 44.0 14.3 n/a
2021 562 45.0 12.4 n/a
2022 482 40.0 12.0 n/a
2023 492 40.0 12.3 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Castle Hills Elementary School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $814 (5.3%) $17,498 (114.2%) $15,324

Data source: Delaware Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Castle Hills Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 79th of 105 Elementary schoolsRanks 85th of 103 Elementary schools
 7.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Castle Hills Elementary School)28.822.7
 6.1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Colonial School District)33.225.3
 8%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Delaware)50.538.4
 12.1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Castle Hills Elementary School)29.725
 4.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Colonial School District)30.224.7
 5.6%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Delaware)5342.2
 10.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Castle Hills Elementary School)42.626.9
 15.7%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Colonial School District)39.227.6
 11.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Delaware)53.539.9
 13.6%
4th Grade Mathematics (Castle Hills Elementary School)49.122.6
 26.5%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Colonial School District)31.920.7
 11.2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Delaware)50.839.1
 11.7%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Castle Hills Elementary School)45.125.3
 19.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Colonial School District)46.133.5
 12.6%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Delaware)56.944.1
 12.8%
5th Grade Mathematics (Castle Hills Elementary School)3316.7
 16.3%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Colonial School District)29.118.4
 10.7%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Delaware)44.432.3
 12.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students598492
 17.7%
African American228202
 11.4%
American Indian26
 200%
Asian3319
 42.4%
Hispanic163137
 16%
Pacific Islander11
White14296
 32.4%
Two or More Races2931
 6.9%


Schools Near Castle Hills Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Castle Hills Elementary School

Students at Castle Hills Elementary School are 41% African American, 28% Hispanic, 20% White, 6% Two or more races, 4% Asian, 1% American Indian.

Castle Hills Elementary School ranks in the bottom 9.4% of Delaware elementary schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 492 students attended Castle Hills Elementary School.

Students who attend Castle Hills Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Read (George) Middle School
High : Penn (William) High School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Delaware Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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