Polk Elementary School

Summary:

Polk Elementary School is a public magnet elementary school serving grades PK-5 in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, with a student population of 368. The school is part of the Dearborn Heights School District #7, which is ranked 519 out of 610 districts in Michigan and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Polk Elementary faces significant challenges, including low academic performance, high chronic absenteeism, and a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students. The school consistently underperforms compared to the state and district averages on M-Step assessments, with only 11.8% of 3rd graders proficient in English Language Arts in 2023-2024, compared to 39.6% statewide. Polk also has had high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 5.5% in 2020-2021 to 42.2% in 2021-2022, which is significantly higher than the state average. Additionally, over 80% of Polk's students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage.

When comparing Polk Elementary to other nearby schools in the same district, such as Bedford School and Pardee School, Polk consistently ranks lower in academic performance and has higher chronic absenteeism rates. This suggests that the challenges faced by Polk Elementary may be unique within the district. Furthermore, examining schools outside of the Dearborn Heights School District #7, such as Nowlin Elementary and Duvall Elementary in the Dearborn City School District, reveals a stark contrast in academic achievement, with these higher-performing schools having significantly better test scores and lower chronic absenteeism rates, despite serving similar student populations in terms of socioeconomic status.


Detail:

Public, Magnet PK, KG-5

 4651 Polk St
       Dearborn Heights, MI  48125-2939


(313) 203-0500

District: Dearborn Heights School District #7

SchoolDigger Rank:
1134th of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $16,195 Help


Students who attend Polk Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Oakley W Best Middle School
High:    Annapolis High School

Student/teacher ratio:  18.1 Help
Number of students:  368

Racial breakdown:

White:
69.0%
African American:
14.1%
Hispanic:
10.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  83.2% Help


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 Compare Polk Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Polk Elementary School ranks worse than 76.3% of elementary schools in Michigan. It also ranks 2nd among 3 ranked elementary schools in the Dearborn Heights School District #7. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 22.56. (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
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (69%), African American (14.1%), Hispanic (10.1%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 83.2% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Polk Elementary School is 18.1. 1 elementary schools in the Dearborn Heights School District #7 have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Polk Elementary School employs 20.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Polk Elementary School is $16,195, which is the highest among 3 elementary schools in the Dearborn Heights School District #7!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Polk Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Polk Elementary School 1134th of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Polk Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Dearborn Heights School District #7:

SchoolDigger ranks Dearborn Heights School District #7 519th of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Polk Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Polk Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 40.81 1173rd 1545 24.1%
2007 55.63 865th 1565 44.7%
2008 50.75 1016th 1577 35.6%
2009 32.97 1302nd 1589 18.1%
2010 47.57 1112th 1552 28.4%
2011 32.34 1269th 1552 18.2%
2012 37.03 1106th 1566 29.4%
2013 46.83 903rd 1563 42.2%
2019 9.77 1288th 1408 8.5%
2021 7.40 1112th 1153 3.6%
2022 18.03 1101st 1344 18.1%
2023 20.46 1140th 1470 22.4%
2024 22.56 1134th 1486 23.7%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Polk Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 57.35 71st 184 61.4%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 17.00 1001st 1134 11.7%
2021 8.57 732nd 749 2.3%
2022 25.36 861st 1099 21.7%
2023 21.69 1087th 1350 19.5%
2024 27.37 1039th 1381 24.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Polk Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 18.62 938th 1106 15.2%
2023 25.37 979th 1321 25.9%
2024 28.68 979th 1342 27.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Polk Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 15.15 1056th 1196 11.7%
2022 16.97 971st 1139 14.7%
2023 14.71 1149th 1334 13.9%
2024 11.88 1221st 1347 9.4%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Polk Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 5.95 1112th 1128 1.4%
2021 6.95 985th 1005 2.0%
2022 15.50 984th 1102 10.7%
2023 13.50 1090th 1198 9.0%
2024 14.23 1078th 1204 10.5%
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.

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





Data source: Michigan Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Polk 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 361 0 4 3 2 n/a n/a 0 370
1989 366 0 5 2 4 n/a n/a 0 377
1990 319 0 7 6 1 n/a n/a 0 333
1991 328 1 5 4 2 n/a n/a 0 340
1992 314 4 3 2 2 n/a n/a 0 325
1993 303 2 3 1 2 n/a n/a 0 311
1994 310 2 0 6 3 n/a n/a 0 321
1995 327 5 0 1 3 n/a n/a 0 336
1996 327 5 0 1 3 n/a n/a 0 336
1997 331 1 1 1 3 n/a n/a 0 337
1998 342 5 2 5 5 n/a n/a 0 359
1999 338 8 2 7 6 n/a n/a 0 361
2000 308 8 2 8 6 n/a n/a 0 332
2001 331 9 2 10 5 n/a n/a 0 357
2002 309 18 1 15 2 n/a n/a 0 345
2003 309 18 1 15 2 n/a n/a 0 345
2004 298 30 1 20 1 n/a n/a 0 350
2005 315 35 2 28 3 n/a n/a 0 383
2006 317 24 0 31 2 n/a n/a 0 374
2007 300 36 0 30 2 n/a n/a 0 368
2008 289 41 n/a 31 3 n/a n/a 0 364
2009 254 43 0 31 4 n/a n/a 0 332
2010 263 55 1 33 4 n/a n/a 0 356
2011 245 61 1 20 3 0 7 0 337
2012 208 63 1 34 5 0 7 0 318
2013 200 42 1 36 3 0 4 0 286
2014 253 71 0 40 2 0 1 0 367
2015 276 59 2 44 3 0 1 0 385
2016 261 62 2 52 3 0 10 0 390
2017 223 57 3 55 5 0 11 0 354
2018 216 57 5 51 5 0 7 0 341
2019 243 57 1 55 7 0 12 0 375
2020 238 42 1 50 4 0 16 0 351
2021 256 37 2 45 5 0 13 0 358
2022 262 46 2 46 2 0 21 0 379
2023 254 52 5 37 0 0 20 0 368

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 Polk Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 370 n/a n/a n/a
1989 377 n/a n/a 11.9
1990 333 17.0 19.5 13.2
1991 340 n/a n/a n/a
1992 325 n/a n/a 22.5
1993 311 n/a 0.0 23.5
1994 321 12.7 25.3 20.6
1995 336 14.3 23.5 24.4
1996 336 14.3 23.5 24.4
1997 337 14.0 24.1 25.5
1998 359 13.0 27.6 24
1999 361 15.0 24.1 15.2
2000 332 16.3 20.4 28.9
2001 357 16.8 21.3 24.6
2002 345 16.1 21.4 35.1
2003 345 16.1 21.4 35.1
2004 350 16.1 21.7 40.6
2005 383 17.1 22.4 42
2006 374 16.9 22.1 44.4
2007 368 17.4 21.1 10.1
2008 364 16.5 22.1 54.9
2009 332 16.0 20.8 61.1
2010 356 16.8 21.1 67.4
2011 337 17.0 19.8 70.3
2012 318 16.8 18.8 78.9
2013 286 15.0 19.0 75.2
2014 367 13.1 27.8 71.4
2015 385 15.0 25.6 75.1
2016 390 17.0 22.9 78.7
2017 354 18.1 19.5 79.4
2018 341 19.6 17.3 81.8
2019 375 19.6 19.1 83.5
2020 351 18.6 18.8 88.3
2021 358 19.2 18.5 84.6
2022 379 19.5 19.4 84.2
2023 368 20.3 18.1 83.2

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 Polk Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 370 n/a n/a n/a
1989 377 n/a n/a 11.9
1990 333 17.0 19.5 13.2
1991 340 n/a n/a n/a
1992 325 n/a n/a 22.5
1993 311 n/a 0.0 23.5
1994 321 12.7 25.3 20.6
1995 336 14.3 23.5 24.4
1996 336 14.3 23.5 24.4
1997 337 14.0 24.1 25.5
1998 359 13.0 27.6 24
1999 361 15.0 24.1 15.2
2000 332 16.3 20.4 28.9
2001 357 16.8 21.3 24.6
2002 345 16.1 21.4 35.1
2003 345 16.1 21.4 35.1
2004 350 16.1 21.7 40.6
2005 383 17.1 22.4 42
2006 374 16.9 22.1 44.4
2007 368 17.4 21.1 10.1
2008 364 16.5 22.1 54.9
2009 332 16.0 20.8 61.1
2010 356 16.8 21.1 67.4
2011 337 17.0 19.8 70.3
2012 318 16.8 18.8 78.9
2013 286 15.0 19.0 75.2
2014 367 13.1 27.8 71.4
2015 385 15.0 25.6 75.1
2016 390 17.0 22.9 78.7
2017 354 18.1 19.5 79.4
2018 341 19.6 17.3 81.8
2019 375 19.6 19.1 83.5
2020 351 18.6 18.8 88.3
2021 358 19.2 18.5 84.6
2022 379 19.5 19.4 84.2
2023 368 20.3 18.1 83.2

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 Polk Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,222 (12.1%) $8,836 (87.9%) $10,058
2020 $1,717 (15.0%) $9,705 (85.0%) $11,423
2021 $1,735 (13.9%) $10,782 (86.1%) $12,517
2022 $1,956 (15.2%) $10,941 (84.8%) $12,896
2023 $2,394 (14.8%) $13,801 (85.2%) $16,195

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Polk 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 1288th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 1140th of 1470 Elementary schools
 13.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Polk Elementary School)18.58
 10.5%
   3rd Grade Math (Dearborn Heights School District #7)29.620.2
 9.4%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Polk Elementary School)14.831.7
 16.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Dearborn Heights School District #7)23.929.5
 5.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Polk Elementary School)1341.7
 28.7%
   4th Grade Math (Dearborn Heights School District #7)22.224
 1.8%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Polk Elementary School)29.819.2
 10.6%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Dearborn Heights School District #7)32.821.6
 11.2%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Polk Elementary School)17.517.3
 0.2%
   5th Grade Math (Dearborn Heights School District #7)22.214.2
 8%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.831.5
 3.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students375368
 1.9%
African American5752
 8.8%
American Indian70
 100%
Asian15
 400%
Hispanic5537
 32.7%
Pacific Islander00
White243254
 4.5%
Two or More Races1220
 66.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients83.5%83.2%
 0.3%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Elementary School

Students at Polk Elementary School are 69% White, 14% African American, 10% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

In the 2022-23 school year, 368 students attended Polk Elementary School.

Polk Elementary School ranks in the bottom 23.7% of Michigan elementary schools.

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

Middle : Oakley W Best Middle School
High : Annapolis 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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