Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

Summary:

Downie (Carrie) Elementary School is a public elementary school in New Castle, Delaware, serving 353 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. The school is part of the Colonial School District, which is ranked 28th out of 32 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Downie (Carrie) Elementary School faces significant academic challenges, consistently performing below the state and district averages in Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts and Mathematics. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, only 9.09% of 3rd-grade students were proficient or better in ELA, compared to 23.67% in the district and 39.45% statewide. The school also has a high rate of chronic absenteeism, rising from 16.0% in 2018-2019 to 28.6% in 2022-2023, which is notably higher than the state average. Downie (Carrie) Elementary School has consistently ranked in the bottom quarter of Delaware elementary schools, with a ranking of 100 out of 106 schools in the 2023-2024 school year and a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger.

When compared to nearby schools in the Colonial School District, Downie (Carrie) Elementary School consistently performs worse academically, with lower proficiency rates in ELA and Mathematics. For example, Pleasantville Elementary School, which is only 2.61 miles away, has significantly higher proficiency rates in both subjects. The school's diverse student population, high rates of chronic absenteeism, and lower academic proficiency rates suggest the need for targeted interventions and support to improve student outcomes.


Detail:

Public K-5

 1201 Delaware Street
       New Castle, DE  19720-6098


(302) 323-2926

District: Colonial School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
100th of 106 Delaware Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,319 Help


Students who attend Downie (Carrie) Elementary School usually attend:

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

Student/teacher ratio:  14.1 Help
Number of students:  353

Racial breakdown:

African American:
44.2%
White:
27.2%
Hispanic:
22.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  50.3% Help


 See top rated Delaware elementary schools

 Compare Downie (Carrie) Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Downie (Carrie) Elementary School ranks worse than 94.3% of elementary schools in Delaware. It also ranks last among 8 ranked elementary schools in the Colonial School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 10. (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 Downie (Carrie) Elementary School has the smallest elementary school student body size in the Colonial School District. Student population at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: African American (44.2%), White (27.2%), Hispanic (22.4%). (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School is 14.1, which is the highest among 8 elementary schools in the Colonial School District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Downie (Carrie) Elementary School employs 25 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School is $14,319. 6 elementary schools in the Colonial School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Downie (Carrie) Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Colonial School District:

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


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Rank History for Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2011 72.46 24th 91 73.6%
2012 51.03 48th 90 46.7%
2013 56.66 45th 91 50.5%
2015 30.10 81st 108 25.0%
2016 23.84 72nd 86 16.3%
2017 22.59 70th 86 18.6%
2018 19.83 68th 85 20.0%
2019 17.53 88th 105 16.2%
2021 12.62 89th 95 6.3%
2022 9.68 95th 104 8.7%
2023 14.44 88th 103 14.6%
2024 10.00 100th 106 5.7%
See the entire list of Delaware Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 25.65 73rd 92 20.7%
2023 33.04 48th 66 27.3%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 16.35 87th 99 12.1%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 14.47 85th 99 14.1%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 28.67 55th 72 23.6%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 7.48 77th 82 6.1%
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.

Downie (Carrie) Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
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Data source: Delaware Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1.5)
0%

0%

0%

50%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Open Quote The principle is rude & when I asked a question I never got a straight answer! I would like to know where all the school tax & fundraiser money goes, if my 1st grader can't even have a field trip to Herr's Factory (which has free tours) But every other grade had a field trip this year!! It's a shame the people who are supposed to be making our children feel better about theirselves, is making them feel as though they are being punished!! Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Open Quote 25years ago I attended Carrie Downie myself. My son (who is in the first grade now) and I both had the same kindergarden teacher. I am VERY displeased with the way the school is being run this year! The school is too small and everyone has to cram in the "bus court" for honor roll assembleys that only last 10 min.!! And I do NOT think is is fair to my son who has worked hard all year, to be aware that EVERY OTHER GRADE ...5th,4th,3rd,2nd&kindergarden (which was today 5/19/2010) had a field trip except his grade!!! I recieved a letter explaining where all the money goes from fundraisers.. In that letter it included $5 per student per field trip!!! I know when you home school your children you have to take them on field trips. So why would the school want to break sprits of 6 & 7 year olds!! I would like to know who I can talk to about this problem,before it becomes a bigger one!! I have donated waters, juices, snacks & money for numerous activities!! And will NEVER do it again!! I will spread the word on how Carrie Downie spends its fundraiser money, and maybe all kids will be treated equally!....please reply [email protected] I will make this right!!! so please respond soon, or I will find someone in the school district that will! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Downie (Carrie) 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 351 167 4 9 0 n/a n/a 0 531
1989 339 175 6 5 0 n/a n/a 0 525
1990 305 187 4 10 n/a n/a n/a 0 506
1991 322 172 2 7 0 n/a n/a 0 503
1992 324 171 2 11 1 n/a n/a 0 509
1993 335 191 7 7 0 n/a n/a 0 540
1994 324 193 4 16 0 n/a n/a 0 537
1995 272 253 3 19 0 n/a n/a 0 547
1996 272 253 3 19 0 n/a n/a 0 547
1997 219 164 1 11 0 n/a n/a 0 395
1998 200 159 2 11 0 n/a n/a 0 372
1999 272 191 6 28 0 n/a n/a 0 497
2000 295 232 9 29 0 n/a n/a 0 565
2001 265 193 10 33 0 n/a n/a 0 501
2002 213 223 23 32 2 n/a n/a 0 493
2003 213 223 23 32 2 n/a n/a 0 493
2004 183 209 16 41 3 n/a n/a 0 452
2005 169 210 13 31 2 n/a n/a 0 425
2006 152 242 19 24 1 n/a n/a 0 438
2007 137 250 18 36 1 n/a n/a 0 442
2008 158 195 12 91 2 n/a n/a 0 458
2009 156 205 8 99 4 n/a n/a 0 472
2010 145 181 11 92 3 n/a n/a 0 432
2011 188 213 14 128 2 1 11 0 557
2012 142 160 5 99 3 0 20 0 429
2013 159 193 6 140 3 0 23 0 524
2014 137 109 9 111 3 1 27 0 397
2015 131 101 10 87 2 1 22 0 354
2016 158 105 9 84 1 1 24 0 382
2017 176 110 7 76 1 0 30 0 400
2018 164 133 7 82 0 0 22 0 408
2019 153 135 6 83 0 0 24 0 401
2020 146 150 4 80 0 1 21 0 402
2021 123 147 3 80 1 1 17 0 372
2022 116 147 1 81 0 1 14 0 360
2023 96 156 1 79 0 2 19 0 353

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 Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 531 24.0 22.1 24.3
1989 525 24.0 21.8 25.5
1990 506 24.0 21.0 27.3
1991 503 24.5 20.5 25.6
1992 509 25.0 20.3 32
1993 540 26.0 20.8 38.1
1994 537 27.5 19.5 38.5
1995 547 28.0 19.5 43.1
1996 547 28.0 19.5 43.1
1997 395 23.0 17.2 43.5
1998 372 24.0 15.5 44.4
1999 497 26.0 19.1 34.6
2000 565 31.0 18.2 27.6
2001 501 31.0 16.2 23.4
2002 493 25.5 19.3 40
2003 493 25.5 19.3 40
2004 452 28.0 16.1 37.8
2005 425 27.0 15.7 43.1
2006 438 28.0 15.6 40.6
2007 442 28.0 15.8 47.1
2008 458 30.0 15.3 45.4
2009 472 31.0 15.2 44.3
2010 432 28.0 15.4 65.3
2011 557 28.0 19.8 58
2012 429 30.0 14.3 75.5
2013 524 33.0 15.8 76.1
2014 397 24.0 16.5 57.7
2015 354 26.0 13.6 47.2
2016 382 24.0 15.9 50.3
2017 400 24.0 16.6 n/a
2018 408 24.0 17.0 n/a
2019 401 26.0 15.4 n/a
2020 402 27.0 14.8 n/a
2021 372 27.0 13.7 n/a
2022 360 27.0 13.3 n/a
2023 353 25.0 14.1 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 Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 531 24.0 22.1 24.3
1989 525 24.0 21.8 25.5
1990 506 24.0 21.0 27.3
1991 503 24.5 20.5 25.6
1992 509 25.0 20.3 32
1993 540 26.0 20.8 38.1
1994 537 27.5 19.5 38.5
1995 547 28.0 19.5 43.1
1996 547 28.0 19.5 43.1
1997 395 23.0 17.2 43.5
1998 372 24.0 15.5 44.4
1999 497 26.0 19.1 34.6
2000 565 31.0 18.2 27.6
2001 501 31.0 16.2 23.4
2002 493 25.5 19.3 40
2003 493 25.5 19.3 40
2004 452 28.0 16.1 37.8
2005 425 27.0 15.7 43.1
2006 438 28.0 15.6 40.6
2007 442 28.0 15.8 47.1
2008 458 30.0 15.3 45.4
2009 472 31.0 15.2 44.3
2010 432 28.0 15.4 65.3
2011 557 28.0 19.8 58
2012 429 30.0 14.3 75.5
2013 524 33.0 15.8 76.1
2014 397 24.0 16.5 57.7
2015 354 26.0 13.6 47.2
2016 382 24.0 15.9 50.3
2017 400 24.0 16.6 n/a
2018 408 24.0 17.0 n/a
2019 401 26.0 15.4 n/a
2020 402 27.0 14.8 n/a
2021 372 27.0 13.7 n/a
2022 360 27.0 13.3 n/a
2023 353 25.0 14.1 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 Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $403 (2.8%) $16,680 (116.5%) $14,319

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Downie (Carrie) 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 88th of 105 Elementary schoolsRanks 88th of 103 Elementary schools
 1.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Downie (Carrie) Elementary School)30.933.3
 2.5%
   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 (Downie (Carrie) Elementary School)2522.7
 2.3%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Colonial School District)30.224.7
 5.6%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Delaware)5342.2
 10.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Downie (Carrie) Elementary School)45.118
 27.1%
   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 (Downie (Carrie) Elementary School)31.78.2
 23.5%
   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 (Downie (Carrie) Elementary School)37.717.9
 19.8%
   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 (Downie (Carrie) Elementary School)2610.7
 15.3%
   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 Students401353
 12%
African American135156
 15.6%
American Indian00
Asian61
 83.3%
Hispanic8379
 4.8%
Pacific Islander02
White15396
 37.3%
Two or More Races2419
 20.8%


Schools Near Downie (Carrie) Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Downie (Carrie) Elementary School

Students who attend Downie (Carrie) Elementary School usually go on to attend:

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

In the 2022-23 school year, 353 students attended Downie (Carrie) Elementary School.

Downie (Carrie) Elementary School ranks in the bottom 5.7% of Delaware elementary schools.

Students at Downie (Carrie) Elementary School are 44% African American, 27% White, 22% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races.


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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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