Thurston Elementary School

Summary:

Thurston Elementary School is a public K-5 elementary school in Ann Arbor Public Schools, a highly-ranked school district in Michigan. With around 495 students, Thurston consistently performs above state and district averages on standardized tests, ranking among the top 100 elementary schools in Michigan.

Thurston's academic excellence is evident across grade levels and student subgroups. In 2023-2024, 63% of 3rd graders, 62.5% of 4th graders, and 75.4% of 5th graders were proficient or better in English Language Arts, outpacing the district's averages. The school also excels in supporting specific student populations, ranking 57th out of 1,347 Michigan elementary schools for male students and 15th out of 184 for English Language Learners. Thurston's diverse student body, which is 45.66% White, 8.08% African American, 6.26% Hispanic, 29.29% Asian, and 10.51% two or more races, demonstrates the school's commitment to serving a wide range of learners.

When compared to nearby schools, Wines Elementary outperforms Thurston in some academic areas, while Martin Luther King Elementary maintains exceptional outcomes despite having a higher percentage of Asian and lower-income students. However, Thurston's consistent ranking among the top schools in Michigan, along with the district's overall high performance, suggest that the school provides a strong educational foundation for its diverse student population.


Detail:

Public K-5

 2300 Prairie St
       Ann Arbor, MI  48105-1444


(734) 994-1970

District: Ann Arbor Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
82nd of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $18,120 Help


Students who attend Thurston Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Clague Middle School
High:    Huron High School

Student/teacher ratio:  14.2 Help
Number of students:  495

Racial breakdown:

White:
45.7%
Asian:
29.3%
Two or more races:
10.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  17.8% Help


 See top rated Michigan elementary schools

 Compare Thurston Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Thurston Elementary School ranks better than 94.5% of elementary schools in Michigan. It also ranks 8th among 20 ranked elementary schools in the Ann Arbor Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 91.84. (See more...)
Help
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
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (45.7%), Asian (29.3%), two or more races (10.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 17.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Thurston Elementary School is 14.2. 13 elementary schools in the Ann Arbor Public Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Thurston Elementary School employs 34.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Thurston Elementary School is $18,120. 17 elementary schools in the Ann Arbor Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Thurston Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Thurston Elementary School 82nd of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Thurston Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
White students:


Ann Arbor Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Ann Arbor Public Schools 71st of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Thurston Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Thurston Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 81.99 135th 1545 91.3%
2007 84.01 101st 1565 93.5%
2008 85.14 66th 1577 95.8%
2009 80.59 188th 1589 88.2%
2010 81.01 116th 1552 92.5%
2011 81.26 138th 1552 91.1%
2012 95.02 25th 1566 98.4%
2013 92.17 52nd 1563 96.7%
2014 90.49 69th 1533 95.5%
2015 89.05 111th 1580 93.0%
2016 90.15 96th 1548 93.8%
2017 92.22 53rd 1466 96.4%
2018 90.47 100th 1448 93.1%
2019 92.20 66th 1408 95.3%
2022 87.27 130th 1344 90.3%
2023 91.72 89th 1470 93.9%
2024 91.84 82nd 1486 94.5%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Thurston Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 88.06 13th 180 92.8%
2024 87.65 15th 184 91.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Thurston Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 58.83 545th 1397 61.0%
2023 85.51 102nd 1350 92.4%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Thurston Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 89.70 90th 1443 93.8%
2019 89.40 68th 1171 94.2%
2022 81.54 143rd 1106 87.1%
2023 83.41 158th 1321 88.0%
2024 84.23 152nd 1342 88.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Thurston Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 87.85 125th 1446 91.4%
2019 90.81 62nd 1196 94.8%
2022 83.97 133rd 1139 88.3%
2023 94.80 35th 1334 97.4%
2024 92.54 57th 1347 95.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Thurston Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 68.23 30th 101 70.3%
2022 30.61 37th 51 27.5%
2023 68.03 29th 84 65.5%
2024 70.68 32nd 97 67.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Thurston Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 97.82 6th 475 98.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at Thurston Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 90.22 66th 1253 94.7%
2019 93.03 39th 1128 96.5%
2022 87.07 94th 1102 91.5%
2023 86.64 115th 1198 90.4%
2024 81.05 186th 1204 84.6%
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.

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





Data source: Michigan Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

0%

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0%

100%

  

Reviews:
by a citizen
Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Open Quote bad school,mean teachers,bad kids,dirty halls i dont reccomend Close Quote



Enrollment information for Thurston Elementary School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 258 88 46 6 4 n/a n/a -7 395
1989 269 87 48 4 1 n/a n/a -4 405
1990 239 71 52 7 1 n/a n/a -11 359
1991 213 61 47 4 1 n/a n/a 9 335
1992 204 65 52 5 0 n/a n/a 0 326
1993 200 57 41 3 0 n/a n/a 0 301
1994 209 65 33 3 1 n/a n/a 0 311
1995 226 59 48 6 1 n/a n/a 0 340
1996 226 59 48 6 1 n/a n/a 0 340
1997 204 40 42 6 1 n/a n/a 0 293
1998 219 53 49 6 1 n/a n/a 0 328
1999 293 61 56 5 3 n/a n/a 0 418
2000 278 58 67 3 1 n/a n/a 0 407
2001 303 59 81 7 2 n/a n/a 0 452
2002 292 38 78 14 2 n/a n/a 0 424
2003 292 38 78 14 2 n/a n/a 0 424
2004 269 34 72 7 1 n/a n/a 0 383
2005 211 30 75 15 2 n/a n/a 32 365
2006 221 31 93 16 1 n/a n/a 35 397
2007 207 27 91 16 1 n/a n/a 34 376
2008 196 27 109 12 1 n/a n/a 23 368
2009 179 43 124 14 1 n/a n/a 50 411
2010 203 39 136 9 2 n/a n/a 44 433
2011 189 37 143 14 2 0 33 0 418
2012 160 36 132 15 2 0 34 0 379
2013 181 45 135 20 2 0 33 0 416
2014 188 49 134 15 4 0 31 0 421
2015 185 42 129 20 2 0 33 0 411
2016 196 47 144 25 3 0 46 0 461
2017 195 40 136 22 2 0 50 0 445
2018 204 50 154 28 2 0 55 0 493
2019 207 47 170 28 2 0 57 0 511
2020 209 39 168 29 0 1 52 0 498
2021 190 47 150 35 1 1 51 0 475
2022 198 48 136 25 1 0 51 0 459
2023 226 40 145 31 1 0 52 0 495

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 Thurston Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 395 n/a n/a n/a
1989 405 n/a n/a 9.1
1990 359 24.0 14.9 8.6
1991 335 n/a n/a n/a
1992 326 n/a n/a n/a
1993 301 n/a 0.0 13.6
1994 311 15.8 19.7 12.9
1995 340 16.8 20.2 11.2
1996 340 16.8 20.2 11.2
1997 293 16.0 18.3 10.6
1998 328 14.0 23.4 14.3
1999 418 21.0 19.9 10.5
2000 407 21.7 18.8 12.8
2001 452 23.2 19.5 14.6
2002 424 23.4 18.1 8
2003 424 23.4 18.1 8
2004 383 23.3 16.4 7.3
2005 365 25.3 14.4 9.3
2006 397 23.1 17.2 8.3
2007 376 26.3 14.3 7.3
2008 368 23.6 15.6 8.7
2009 411 23.5 17.5 16.3
2010 433 23.1 18.7 14.1
2011 418 22.0 19.0 11.5
2012 379 21.7 17.4 11.3
2013 416 24.1 17.2 13.5
2014 421 22.9 18.3 14.5
2015 411 26.0 15.8 13.4
2016 461 27.0 17.0 12.4
2017 445 29.8 14.9 13
2018 493 34.5 14.2 13.8
2019 511 33.7 15.1 11.9
2020 498 35.4 14.0 11.4
2021 475 34.4 13.7 14.7
2022 459 36.6 12.5 15.5
2023 495 34.8 14.2 17.8

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 Thurston Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 395 n/a n/a n/a
1989 405 n/a n/a 9.1
1990 359 24.0 14.9 8.6
1991 335 n/a n/a n/a
1992 326 n/a n/a n/a
1993 301 n/a 0.0 13.6
1994 311 15.8 19.7 12.9
1995 340 16.8 20.2 11.2
1996 340 16.8 20.2 11.2
1997 293 16.0 18.3 10.6
1998 328 14.0 23.4 14.3
1999 418 21.0 19.9 10.5
2000 407 21.7 18.8 12.8
2001 452 23.2 19.5 14.6
2002 424 23.4 18.1 8
2003 424 23.4 18.1 8
2004 383 23.3 16.4 7.3
2005 365 25.3 14.4 9.3
2006 397 23.1 17.2 8.3
2007 376 26.3 14.3 7.3
2008 368 23.6 15.6 8.7
2009 411 23.5 17.5 16.3
2010 433 23.1 18.7 14.1
2011 418 22.0 19.0 11.5
2012 379 21.7 17.4 11.3
2013 416 24.1 17.2 13.5
2014 421 22.9 18.3 14.5
2015 411 26.0 15.8 13.4
2016 461 27.0 17.0 12.4
2017 445 29.8 14.9 13
2018 493 34.5 14.2 13.8
2019 511 33.7 15.1 11.9
2020 498 35.4 14.0 11.4
2021 475 34.4 13.7 14.7
2022 459 36.6 12.5 15.5
2023 495 34.8 14.2 17.8

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 Thurston Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $341 (2.7%) $12,267 (97.3%) $12,608
2020 $630 (5.0%) $11,938 (95.0%) $12,568
2021 $922 (7.2%) $11,906 (92.8%) $12,828
2022 $1,895 (11.8%) $14,183 (88.2%) $16,078
2023 $692 (3.8%) $17,427 (96.2%) $18,120

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Thurston 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 66th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 89th of 1470 Elementary schools
 1.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Thurston Elementary School)73.667.7
 5.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Ann Arbor Public Schools)67.460
 7.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Thurston Elementary School)77.968.3
 9.6%
   3rd Grade Math (Ann Arbor Public Schools)7059.2
 10.8%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Thurston Elementary School)66.266.7
 0.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Ann Arbor Public Schools)6560.1
 4.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Thurston Elementary School)81.971.6
 10.3%
   4th Grade Math (Ann Arbor Public Schools)67.861.9
 5.9%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Thurston Elementary School)78.967.2
 11.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Ann Arbor Public Schools)68.261.7
 6.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Thurston Elementary School)76.965.2
 11.7%
   5th Grade Math (Ann Arbor Public Schools)65.358.4
 6.9%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.831.5
 3.3%
5th Grade Social Studies (Thurston Elementary School)32.140
 7.9%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Ann Arbor Public Schools)34.737.2
 2.5%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Michigan)17.418.6
 1.2%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students511495
 3.1%
African American4740
 14.9%
American Indian21
 50%
Asian170145
 14.7%
Hispanic2831
 10.7%
Pacific Islander00
White207226
 9.2%
Two or More Races5752
 8.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients11.9%17.8%
 5.8%


Schools Near Thurston Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Thurston Elementary School

Students who attend Thurston Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Clague Middle School
High : Huron High School

Students at Thurston Elementary School are 46% White, 29% Asian, 11% Two or more races, 8% African American, 6% Hispanic.

In the 2022-23 school year, 495 students attended Thurston Elementary School.

Yes. Thurston Elementary School ranks in the top 5.5% of Michigan elementary schools.


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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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