Thorne Elementary School

Summary:

Thorne Elementary School is a public elementary school in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, serving 599 students in grades PK-6. The school is part of the Westwood Community School District, which is ranked 593 out of 610 districts in the state and has a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Thorne Elementary faces significant challenges, including a student population that is predominantly African American (68.28%) and economically disadvantaged (over 88% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch). The school consistently ranks in the bottom 10% of Michigan elementary schools, with proficiency rates in M-Step English Language Arts and Math assessments that are 20-30 percentage points lower than the state and district averages. Chronic absenteeism rates at Thorne Elementary have been extremely high, ranging from 18.1% to 68.5% over the past few years, far exceeding the state average.

Compared to nearby schools in the Dearborn City School District and Dearborn Heights School District #7, Thorne Elementary's performance is significantly lower, with higher academic proficiency, lower chronic absenteeism, and better overall rankings. Despite receiving relatively high spending per student (up to $18,666) and a low student-teacher ratio (16.2), the school has consistently underperformed for the past decade, suggesting that a comprehensive, data-driven approach is needed to address the significant challenges facing the school and its students.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-6

 25251 Annapolis St
       Dearborn Heights, MI  48125-1815


(313) 292-1600

District: Westwood Community School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
1376th of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $18,666 Help


Students who attend Thorne Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Tomlinson Middle School
High:    Robichaud Senior High School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.2 Help
Number of students:  599

Racial breakdown:

African American:
68.3%
White:
20.5%
Two or more races:
7.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  88.5% Help


 See top rated Michigan elementary schools

 Compare Thorne Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Thorne Elementary School ranks worse than 92.6% of elementary schools in Michigan. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 8.32. (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 Racial makeup is: African American (68.3%), White (20.5%), two or more races (7.3%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 88.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Thorne Elementary School is 16.2. (See more...)
Help
Compare Thorne Elementary School employs 36.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Thorne Elementary School is $18,666.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Thorne Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Thorne Elementary School 1376th of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Thorne Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
White students:


Westwood Community School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Westwood Community School District 593rd of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Thorne Elementary School?

Rank History for Thorne Elementary School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Thorne Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 32.04 1287th 1545 16.7%
2007 51.69 964th 1565 38.4%
2008 39.25 1207th 1577 23.5%
2009 56.99 884th 1589 44.4%
2010 53.57 995th 1552 35.9%
2011 39.57 1180th 1552 24.0%
2012 20.19 1355th 1566 13.5%
2013 13.97 1393rd 1563 10.9%
2014 6.65 1469th 1533 4.2%
2015 9.27 1469th 1580 7.0%
2016 9.27 1420th 1548 8.3%
2017 4.51 1440th 1466 1.8%
2018 10.42 1360th 1448 6.1%
2019 6.01 1347th 1408 4.3%
2022 3.52 1331st 1344 1.0%
2023 6.03 1422nd 1470 3.3%
2024 8.32 1376th 1486 7.4%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Thorne Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 16.68 387th 403 4.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.63 1264th 1397 9.5%
2019 7.84 1098th 1134 3.2%
2022 4.65 1088th 1099 1.0%
2023 7.75 1308th 1350 3.1%
2024 11.67 1266th 1381 8.3%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Thorne Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 10.27 1331st 1443 7.8%
2019 4.50 1157th 1171 1.2%
2023 5.95 1281st 1321 3.0%
2024 14.30 1179th 1342 12.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Thorne Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 10.94 1315th 1446 9.1%
2019 7.89 1143rd 1196 4.4%
2022 3.81 1127th 1139 1.1%
2023 4.75 1317th 1334 1.3%
2024 5.89 1312th 1347 2.6%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Thorne Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.42 326th 475 31.4%
2019 22.34 171st 212 19.3%
2023 17.18 290th 321 9.7%
2024 25.64 262nd 348 24.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at Thorne Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 4.30 1237th 1253 1.3%
2019 6.65 1106th 1128 2.0%
2024 5.47 1182nd 1204 1.8%
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.

Thorne 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: 3)
50%

0%

0%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Saturday, March 21, 2015

Open Quote I have to say, the kg-2nd side of the school has been awesome! I have nothing bad to say on that end of the school.. Now for the 3rd-6th grade side, it's a different story! I've had nothing but issues with that side since my child started! The principal WILL pick sides and favor certain students over others! The office staff is rude, most of the faculty are rude, and the principal.. I won't say how I really feel about her!! I cannot wait for this school year to end so I can get my children out of there, and in a school that is fair, and doesn't allow the principal to bully children! Close Quote


Facebook Profile Picture by a parent on FaceBook
Saturday, July 23, 2011

Open Quote The Staff at Thorne Elementary School are awesome my children came from detroit public schools and were behind at Thorne School the Teachers and other staff members
helped my children to get caught up summer school was also for one of my children to catch up at her level it's not to put down Detroit School's but seriouly Thorne Elementary is putting first the students. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Thorne Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 483 402 0 12 5 n/a n/a 0 902
1989 488 406 4 9 3 n/a n/a 3 913
1990 476 392 4 10 1 n/a n/a 0 883
1991 491 379 17 17 0 n/a n/a 0 904
1992 473 389 2 10 3 n/a n/a 0 877
1993 500 434 7 5 4 n/a n/a 0 950
1994 503 464 4 5 3 n/a n/a 0 979
1995 499 544 3 7 5 n/a n/a 0 1058
1996 499 544 3 7 5 n/a n/a 0 1058
1997 477 569 12 6 2 n/a n/a 0 1066
1998 337 439 9 4 3 n/a n/a 0 792
1999 336 439 8 8 4 n/a n/a 0 795
2000 289 461 8 4 3 n/a n/a 0 765
2001 289 487 8 2 0 n/a n/a 0 786
2002 233 442 11 10 4 n/a n/a 0 700
2003 233 442 11 10 4 n/a n/a 0 700
2004 355 358 9 11 4 n/a n/a 0 737
2005 304 365 14 19 5 n/a n/a 0 707
2006 291 326 10 31 5 n/a n/a 0 663
2007 289 329 6 36 4 n/a n/a 0 664
2008 258 332 4 32 2 n/a n/a 0 628
2009 264 352 10 20 1 n/a n/a 0 647
2010 252 426 7 17 0 n/a n/a 0 702
2011 175 388 7 22 0 0 1 0 593
2012 190 383 6 22 0 0 0 0 601
2013 177 388 9 21 1 0 8 0 604
2014 183 617 6 37 3 0 16 0 862
2015 185 586 4 38 4 0 22 0 839
2016 162 552 2 27 2 0 27 0 772
2017 149 499 2 33 4 0 52 0 739
2018 149 543 1 27 5 0 40 0 765
2019 116 516 0 24 4 0 39 0 699
2020 116 504 0 27 4 0 35 0 686
2021 120 456 0 27 3 0 29 0 635
2022 112 413 0 32 2 0 28 0 587
2023 123 409 0 21 2 0 44 0 599

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 Thorne Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 902 n/a n/a n/a
1989 913 n/a n/a 42.8
1990 883 42.0 21.0 41.9
1991 904 n/a n/a n/a
1992 877 n/a n/a 49.7
1993 950 n/a 0.0 0
1994 979 39.2 25.0 48.3
1995 1058 48.1 22.0 54.4
1996 1058 48.1 22.0 54.4
1997 1066 45.0 23.7 57.4
1998 792 41.0 19.3 55.3
1999 795 41.0 19.4 62.6
2000 765 50.1 15.3 72.3
2001 786 47.0 16.7 84.7
2002 700 54.1 12.9 79.1
2003 700 54.1 12.9 79.1
2004 737 48.6 15.2 99.6
2005 707 51.6 13.7 70.4
2006 663 51.6 12.8 62.3
2007 664 44.8 14.8 69.7
2008 628 44.8 14.0 74
2009 647 44.7 14.5 79
2010 702 44.5 15.7 85.3
2011 593 41.4 14.3 87.4
2012 601 36.4 16.5 84.9
2013 604 36.4 16.5 82
2014 862 35.7 24.1 80.7
2015 839 43.0 19.5 73.3
2016 772 45.0 17.1 88.2
2017 739 41.2 17.9 90
2018 765 41.0 18.6 89.2
2019 699 40.0 17.4 90.7
2020 686 41.0 16.7 88.9
2021 635 40.2 15.7 84.6
2022 587 39.2 14.9 90.3
2023 599 36.8 16.2 88.5

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 Thorne Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 902 n/a n/a n/a
1989 913 n/a n/a 42.8
1990 883 42.0 21.0 41.9
1991 904 n/a n/a n/a
1992 877 n/a n/a 49.7
1993 950 n/a 0.0 0
1994 979 39.2 25.0 48.3
1995 1058 48.1 22.0 54.4
1996 1058 48.1 22.0 54.4
1997 1066 45.0 23.7 57.4
1998 792 41.0 19.3 55.3
1999 795 41.0 19.4 62.6
2000 765 50.1 15.3 72.3
2001 786 47.0 16.7 84.7
2002 700 54.1 12.9 79.1
2003 700 54.1 12.9 79.1
2004 737 48.6 15.2 99.6
2005 707 51.6 13.7 70.4
2006 663 51.6 12.8 62.3
2007 664 44.8 14.8 69.7
2008 628 44.8 14.0 74
2009 647 44.7 14.5 79
2010 702 44.5 15.7 85.3
2011 593 41.4 14.3 87.4
2012 601 36.4 16.5 84.9
2013 604 36.4 16.5 82
2014 862 35.7 24.1 80.7
2015 839 43.0 19.5 73.3
2016 772 45.0 17.1 88.2
2017 739 41.2 17.9 90
2018 765 41.0 18.6 89.2
2019 699 40.0 17.4 90.7
2020 686 41.0 16.7 88.9
2021 635 40.2 15.7 84.6
2022 587 39.2 14.9 90.3
2023 599 36.8 16.2 88.5

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 Thorne Elementary School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $2,385 (18.2%) $10,726 (81.8%) $13,111
2020 $2,378 (18.4%) $10,552 (81.6%) $12,930
2021 $2,979 (19.9%) $12,022 (80.1%) $15,000
2022 $10,214 (56.8%) $7,761 (43.2%) $17,975
2023 $5,758 (30.8%) $12,907 (69.1%) $18,666

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Thorne 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 1347th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 1422nd of 1470 Elementary schools
 1.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Thorne Elementary School)10.111.1
 1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Westwood Community School District)9.610.2
 0.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Thorne Elementary School)16.99.6
 7.3%
   3rd Grade Math (Westwood Community School District)1311.8
 1.2%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade Math (Thorne Elementary School)9.45
 4.5%
   4th Grade Math (Westwood Community School District)9.15
 4.1%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Thorne Elementary School)5.917.3
 11.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Westwood Community School District)5.616
 10.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Thorne Elementary School)20.411.4
 9%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Westwood Community School District)19.112
 7.1%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)41.737.5
 4.2%
6th Grade Math (Thorne Elementary School)11.94.3
 7.6%
   6th Grade Math (Westwood Community School District)10.66.5
 4.1%
   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 Students699599
 14.3%
African American516409
 20.7%
American Indian42
 50%
Asian00
Hispanic2421
 12.5%
Pacific Islander00
White116123
 6%
Two or More Races3944
 12.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients90.7%88.5%
 2.2%


Schools Near Thorne Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Thorne Elementary School

In the 2022-23 school year, 599 students attended Thorne Elementary School.

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

Middle : Tomlinson Middle School
High : Robichaud Senior High School

Thorne Elementary School ranks in the bottom 7.4% of Michigan elementary schools.

Students at Thorne Elementary School are 68% African American, 21% White, 7% Two or more races, 4% Hispanic.


Rate Thorne Elementary School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Thorne Elementary School!




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.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 228 milliseconds.