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Washington School

Summary:

Washington School is an elementary school located in Bessemer, MI, serving 190 students in grades K-6. The school is part of the Bessemer Area School District, which is ranked 208 out of 610 school districts in Michigan and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While Washington School has some strengths, such as its higher-than-average ELA proficiency in certain grade levels, it also faces significant challenges. The school has experienced a concerning increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 14.6% in 2018-2019 to 37.3% in 2022-2023, which is significantly higher than the state average. Additionally, the school's academic performance, as measured by M-Step test scores, is mixed compared to the state and district averages, with some grade levels and subjects performing better and others lagging behind. The school also has a high percentage of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, with 76.84% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch in 2022-2023.

Over the past several years, Washington School's statewide ranking has steadily declined, from a high of 441 out of 1,466 Michigan elementary schools in 2016-2017 to 757 out of 1,486 in 2023-2024. This suggests that the school is not keeping pace with improvements in other schools across the state. To address these issues, the school and district may need to focus on targeted interventions, equitable resource allocation, and a comprehensive approach to supporting the diverse needs of its student population.


Detail:

Public K-6

 301 E Sellar St
       Bessemer, MI  49911-1522

(906) 663-4515

District: Bessemer Area School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
757th of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,833 Help


Students who attend Washington School usually attend:

High:    AD Johnston JrSr High School

Student/teacher ratio:  11.5 Help
Number of students:  190

Racial breakdown:

White:
86.3%
Two or more races:
8.4%
Hispanic:
2.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  76.8% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Washington School ranks worse than 50.9% of elementary schools in Michigan. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 45.7. (See more...)
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Chronic absenteeism in a 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
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (86.3%), two or more races (8.4%), Hispanic (2.1%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 76.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Washington School is 11.5. (See more...)
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Compare Washington School employs 16.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Washington School is $14,833.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Washington School:

SchoolDigger ranks Washington School 757th of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Washington School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
White students:


Bessemer Area School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Bessemer Area School District 208th of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Washington School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Washington School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 81.55 144th 1545 90.7%
2007 74.91 308th 1565 80.3%
2008 68.45 544th 1577 65.5%
2009 70.30 502nd 1589 68.4%
2010 71.03 484th 1552 68.8%
2011 66.67 567th 1552 63.5%
2012 66.15 506th 1566 67.7%
2013 65.67 522nd 1563 66.6%
2014 62.90 580th 1533 62.2%
2015 55.21 706th 1580 55.3%
2016 60.63 595th 1548 61.6%
2017 63.56 441st 1466 69.9%
2018 60.51 606th 1448 58.1%
2019 55.99 577th 1408 59.0%
2021 41.22 649th 1153 43.7%
2022 51.46 601st 1344 55.3%
2023 41.02 837th 1470 43.1%
2024 45.70 757th 1486 49.1%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Washington School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 58.78 546th 1397 60.9%
2019 80.91 107th 1134 90.6%
2022 73.80 179th 1099 83.7%
2023 52.17 582nd 1350 56.9%
2024 59.28 485th 1381 64.9%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Washington School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 56.73 638th 1443 55.8%
2022 61.76 357th 1106 67.7%
2023 48.41 631st 1321 52.2%
2024 49.39 627th 1342 53.3%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Washington School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 60.65 559th 1446 61.3%
2019 61.32 418th 1196 65.1%
2022 51.07 534th 1139 53.1%
2023 33.97 863rd 1334 35.3%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Washington School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 48.14 670th 1253 46.5%
2019 47.84 585th 1128 48.1%
2021 49.05 481st 1005 52.1%
2022 48.99 557th 1102 49.5%
2023 32.91 823rd 1198 31.3%
2024 30.28 854th 1204 29.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Michigan 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.

Washington School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: Michigan Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Washington School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 340 1 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 343
1989 339 1 0 0 3 n/a n/a 0 343
1990 328 1 1 0 4 n/a n/a -6 328
1991 339 1 1 0 3 n/a n/a 1 345
1992 359 1 2 0 2 n/a n/a 0 364
1993 363 0 3 0 7 n/a n/a 0 373
1994 375 0 3 0 0 n/a n/a 0 378
1995 284 1 2 0 2 n/a n/a 0 289
1996 284 1 2 0 2 n/a n/a 0 289
1997 289 2 2 0 5 n/a n/a 0 298
1998 265 2 3 0 4 n/a n/a 0 274
1999 273 2 2 0 3 n/a n/a 0 280
2000 245 2 2 2 3 n/a n/a 8 262
2001 255 2 1 2 3 n/a n/a 0 263
2002 255 6 1 1 0 n/a n/a 0 263
2003 255 6 1 1 0 n/a n/a 0 263
2004 245 1 2 0 1 n/a n/a 9 258
2005 181 4 2 2 2 n/a n/a 0 191
2006 221 6 1 0 4 n/a n/a 0 232
2007 238 3 1 1 3 n/a n/a 0 246
2008 234 4 1 1 6 n/a n/a 0 246
2009 259 5 2 1 2 n/a n/a 1 270
2010 201 6 0 2 3 n/a n/a 0 212
2011 206 8 0 2 3 0 1 0 220
2012 225 9 0 4 4 0 1 0 243
2013 217 5 0 4 2 0 2 0 230
2014 215 4 0 6 1 0 2 0 228
2015 200 3 1 5 2 0 4 0 215
2016 194 2 1 5 0 0 9 0 211
2017 200 1 1 8 2 0 12 0 224
2018 189 0 1 7 2 0 15 0 214
2019 183 0 1 4 2 0 18 0 208
2020 188 1 1 7 2 0 15 0 214
2021 161 1 1 5 2 0 13 0 183
2022 169 3 0 5 3 0 14 0 194
2023 164 3 0 4 3 0 16 0 190

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 Washington School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 343 n/a n/a n/a
1989 343 n/a n/a 25.1
1990 328 23.0 14.2 27.4
1991 345 n/a n/a n/a
1992 364 n/a n/a 34.9
1993 373 n/a 0.0 42.6
1994 378 19.5 19.4 23
1995 289 19.5 14.8 26.3
1996 289 19.5 14.8 26.3
1997 298 22.0 13.5 33.2
1998 274 22.0 12.5 29.6
1999 280 21.0 13.3 34.3
2000 262 21.0 12.1 55.1
2001 263 20.5 12.8 49.8
2002 263 n/a n/a 49.8
2003 263 n/a n/a 49.8
2004 258 n/a n/a 49
2005 191 16.5 11.6 63.9
2006 232 14.4 16.1 45.7
2007 246 17.0 14.5 47.2
2008 246 17.1 14.4 45.1
2009 270 16.7 16.2 47.6
2010 212 17.7 11.9 50
2011 220 17.6 12.5 52.3
2012 243 16.6 14.6 58
2013 230 14.6 15.7 56.1
2014 228 14.6 15.6 54.8
2015 215 15.0 14.3 50.2
2016 211 14.0 15.0 52.6
2017 224 14.4 15.5 52.2
2018 214 14.4 14.8 62.1
2019 208 16.5 12.6 65.4
2020 214 18.0 11.8 65.4
2021 183 15.3 11.9 68.9
2022 194 15.9 12.1 74.2
2023 190 16.5 11.5 76.8

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 Washington School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 343 n/a n/a n/a
1989 343 n/a n/a 25.1
1990 328 23.0 14.2 27.4
1991 345 n/a n/a n/a
1992 364 n/a n/a 34.9
1993 373 n/a 0.0 42.6
1994 378 19.5 19.4 23
1995 289 19.5 14.8 26.3
1996 289 19.5 14.8 26.3
1997 298 22.0 13.5 33.2
1998 274 22.0 12.5 29.6
1999 280 21.0 13.3 34.3
2000 262 21.0 12.1 55.1
2001 263 20.5 12.8 49.8
2002 263 n/a n/a 49.8
2003 263 n/a n/a 49.8
2004 258 n/a n/a 49
2005 191 16.5 11.6 63.9
2006 232 14.4 16.1 45.7
2007 246 17.0 14.5 47.2
2008 246 17.1 14.4 45.1
2009 270 16.7 16.2 47.6
2010 212 17.7 11.9 50
2011 220 17.6 12.5 52.3
2012 243 16.6 14.6 58
2013 230 14.6 15.7 56.1
2014 228 14.6 15.6 54.8
2015 215 15.0 14.3 50.2
2016 211 14.0 15.0 52.6
2017 224 14.4 15.5 52.2
2018 214 14.4 14.8 62.1
2019 208 16.5 12.6 65.4
2020 214 18.0 11.8 65.4
2021 183 15.3 11.9 68.9
2022 194 15.9 12.1 74.2
2023 190 16.5 11.5 76.8

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 Washington School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $845 (7.3%) $10,787 (92.7%) $11,632
2020 $876 (6.8%) $12,056 (93.2%) $12,933
2021 $2,285 (12.9%) $15,412 (87.1%) $17,696
2022 $1,424 (10.2%) $12,552 (89.8%) $13,976
2023 $1,651 (11.1%) $13,182 (88.9%) $14,833

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Washington 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 577th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 837th of 1470 Elementary schools
 16%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Washington School)59.143.5
 15.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Bessemer Area School District)59.143.5
 15.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Washington School)5026.1
 23.9%
   3rd Grade Math (Bessemer Area School District)5026.1
 23.9%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Washington School)28.651.9
 23.3%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Bessemer Area School District)28.651.9
 23.3%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Washington School)38.133.3
 4.8%
   4th Grade Math (Bessemer Area School District)38.133.3
 4.8%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Washington School)57.430
 27.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Bessemer Area School District)57.430
 27.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Washington School)31.923.7
 8.2%
   5th Grade Math (Bessemer Area School District)31.923.7
 8.2%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.830
 4.8%
5th Grade Social Studies (Washington School)29.813.2
 16.6%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Bessemer Area School District)29.813.2
 16.6%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Michigan)17.415.5
 1.9%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Washington School)48.142.1
 6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Bessemer Area School District)48.142.1
 6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)41.737.5
 4.2%
6th Grade Math (Washington School)33.321.1
 12.2%
   6th Grade Math (Bessemer Area School District)33.321.1
 12.2%
   6th Grade Math (Michigan)35.129.6
 5.5%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students208190
 8.7%
African American03
American Indian23
 50%
Asian10
 100%
Hispanic44
Pacific Islander00
White183164
 10.4%
Two or More Races1816
 11.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients65.4%76.8%
 11.5%

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Frequently Asked Questions about Washington School

Washington School ranks 757th of 1486 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students at Washington School are 86% White, 8% Two or more races, 2% Hispanic, 2% African American, 2% American Indian.

In the 2022-23 school year, 190 students attended Washington School.

Students who attend Washington School usually go on to attend:

High : AD Johnston JrSr 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 Michigan 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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