Palms Elementary School

Summary:

Palms Elementary School is a public magnet elementary school located in Ira, Michigan, serving 237 students in grades K-5. While the school is part of the highly-ranked East China School District, it faces several challenges, including a lack of racial diversity, declining academic performance, and high chronic absenteeism rates.

Palms Elementary School's student population is predominantly white (97.47%), which is significantly higher than the surrounding schools. Academically, the school's proficiency rates on M-Step tests are generally lower than the district and state averages, particularly in English Language Arts and Math. Additionally, the school has experienced a concerning increase in chronic absenteeism, from 7.1% in 2018-2019 to 18.1% in 2022-2023, which is higher than the state average. The school also has a relatively high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 35.02% to 37.02% over the past three school years.

Compared to nearby schools, Palms Elementary School's academic performance is generally lower than Pine River Elementary School and Belle River Elementary School, which are also part of the East China School District. However, Palms Elementary School's performance is higher than some of the other nearby schools, such as Millside Elementary and New Haven Elementary, which are in different districts. The school's declining statewide ranking and decrease in its SchoolDigger star rating from 5 to 3 stars are also concerning trends that may require targeted interventions and strategies to address these issues and improve student outcomes.


Detail:

Public, Magnet K-5

 6101 Palms Rd
       Ira, MI  48023-1510


(810) 676-1350

District: East China School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
565th of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,814 Help


Students who attend Palms Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Marine City Middle School
High:    Marine City High School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.6 Help
Number of students:  237

Racial breakdown:

White:
97.5%
Two or more races:
1.7%
African American:
0.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  35% Help


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 Compare Palms Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Palms Elementary School ranks better than 62% of elementary schools in Michigan. It also ranks 3rd among 4 ranked elementary schools in the East China School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 59.14. (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 Palms Elementary School has the smallest elementary school student body size in the East China School District. Racial makeup is: White (97.5%), two or more races (1.7%), African American (0.4%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 35% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the East China School District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Palms Elementary School is 16.6. 2 elementary schools in the East China School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Palms Elementary School employs 14.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Palms Elementary School is $13,814, which is the highest among 4 elementary schools in the East China School District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Palms Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Palms Elementary School 565th of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Palms Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


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


East China School District:

SchoolDigger ranks East China School District 161st of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Palms Elementary School?

Rank History for Palms Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Palms Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 69.85 445th 1545 71.2%
2007 62.49 670th 1565 57.2%
2008 69.50 515th 1577 67.3%
2009 56.31 895th 1589 43.7%
2010 70.59 502nd 1552 67.7%
2011 80.01 189th 1552 87.8%
2012 83.88 184th 1566 88.3%
2013 80.16 251st 1563 83.9%
2014 86.09 145th 1533 90.5%
2015 82.52 221st 1580 86.0%
2016 81.79 221st 1548 85.7%
2017 81.04 202nd 1466 86.2%
2018 73.82 379th 1448 73.8%
2019 55.16 590th 1408 58.1%
2021 43.58 609th 1153 47.2%
2022 57.14 527th 1344 60.8%
2023 59.57 554th 1470 62.3%
2024 59.14 565th 1486 62.0%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 67.64 356th 1397 74.5%
2023 58.22 471st 1350 65.1%
2024 58.39 494th 1381 64.2%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Palms Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 71.63 392nd 1443 72.8%
2019 64.59 370th 1171 68.4%
2021 35.73 598th 902 33.7%
2022 55.85 435th 1106 60.7%
2023 62.51 426th 1321 67.8%
2024 54.56 549th 1342 59.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Palms Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 76.58 312th 1446 78.4%
2019 42.65 687th 1196 42.6%
2021 67.71 240th 915 73.8%
2023 50.05 627th 1334 53.0%
2024 53.32 586th 1347 56.5%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Palms Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 61.59 456th 1253 63.6%
2019 44.46 632nd 1128 44.0%
2021 35.74 665th 1005 33.8%
2022 44.86 608th 1102 44.8%
2023 48.18 619th 1198 48.3%
2024 44.74 651st 1204 45.9%
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.

Palms 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: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Open Quote We are school of choice and found this GEM of a school when looking for our son to start Kindergarten. The teachers have all been here for decades and they are Wonderful Amazing Kind Loving Teachers....All of them! The staff is fantastic! The parents are involved. It’s one big family and the students are thriving because of it! There is no better choice then Palms Elementary school! Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Open Quote I enrolled in school of choice to attend Palms and I'm so happy I did. My daughter flourishes there and never feels overwhelmed. It's such a family oriented school. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Open Quote Palms is more than a school to our family. It's an extension of our home, that cares for my son and his education as much as we do. The staff, environment, and the education are exceptional. Best decision we could have made. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Palms 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 173 0 0 0 3 n/a n/a 0 176
1989 196 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 198
1990 172 0 1 0 1 n/a n/a 0 174
1991 155 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 155
1992 174 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 174
1993 161 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 162
1994 176 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 177
1995 185 0 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 187
1996 185 0 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 187
1997 188 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 189
1998 188 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 189
1999 194 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 195
2000 202 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 203
2001 203 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 204
2002 252 3 4 0 1 n/a n/a 0 260
2003 252 3 4 0 1 n/a n/a 0 260
2004 274 3 3 1 4 n/a n/a 0 285
2005 235 1 3 1 2 n/a n/a 0 242
2006 213 1 4 2 2 n/a n/a 0 222
2007 222 3 2 2 1 n/a n/a 0 230
2008 218 1 2 1 n/a n/a n/a 0 222
2009 225 2 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 230
2010 282 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 282
2011 284 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 286
2012 264 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 268
2013 263 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 266
2014 260 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 264
2015 251 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 253
2016 256 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 260
2017 229 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 234
2018 210 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 214
2019 220 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 223
2020 205 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 210
2021 228 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 235
2022 230 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 233
2023 231 1 0 1 0 0 4 0 237

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 Palms Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 176 n/a n/a n/a
1989 198 n/a n/a 7.1
1990 174 18.0 9.6 7.5
1991 155 n/a n/a n/a
1992 174 n/a n/a 11.5
1993 162 n/a 0.0 10.5
1994 177 10.0 17.7 6.8
1995 187 11.0 17.0 4.8
1996 187 11.0 17.0 4.8
1997 189 12.0 15.8 7.4
1998 189 10.0 18.9 4.2
1999 195 11.0 17.7 4.6
2000 203 11.5 17.7 6.4
2001 204 15.0 13.6 3.9
2002 260 13.1 19.8 8.5
2003 260 13.1 19.8 8.5
2004 285 14.0 20.4 8.8
2005 242 13.5 17.9 10.3
2006 222 14.6 15.2 9.9
2007 230 14.2 16.2 11.3
2008 222 14.0 15.9 13.1
2009 230 14.0 16.4 14.8
2010 282 15.3 18.4 27.3
2011 286 13.8 20.6 25.5
2012 268 13.1 20.3 25
2013 266 13.9 19.0 27.8
2014 264 13.8 19.0 29.5
2015 253 13.0 19.4 24.5
2016 260 13.0 20.0 20
2017 234 12.3 18.9 19.7
2018 214 11.3 18.9 29.9
2019 223 11.7 19.0 34.1
2020 210 11.7 17.8 34.3
2021 235 14.2 16.5 37
2022 233 14.4 16.1 36.1
2023 237 14.2 16.6 35

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 Palms Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 176 n/a n/a n/a
1989 198 n/a n/a 7.1
1990 174 18.0 9.6 7.5
1991 155 n/a n/a n/a
1992 174 n/a n/a 11.5
1993 162 n/a 0.0 10.5
1994 177 10.0 17.7 6.8
1995 187 11.0 17.0 4.8
1996 187 11.0 17.0 4.8
1997 189 12.0 15.8 7.4
1998 189 10.0 18.9 4.2
1999 195 11.0 17.7 4.6
2000 203 11.5 17.7 6.4
2001 204 15.0 13.6 3.9
2002 260 13.1 19.8 8.5
2003 260 13.1 19.8 8.5
2004 285 14.0 20.4 8.8
2005 242 13.5 17.9 10.3
2006 222 14.6 15.2 9.9
2007 230 14.2 16.2 11.3
2008 222 14.0 15.9 13.1
2009 230 14.0 16.4 14.8
2010 282 15.3 18.4 27.3
2011 286 13.8 20.6 25.5
2012 268 13.1 20.3 25
2013 266 13.9 19.0 27.8
2014 264 13.8 19.0 29.5
2015 253 13.0 19.4 24.5
2016 260 13.0 20.0 20
2017 234 12.3 18.9 19.7
2018 214 11.3 18.9 29.9
2019 223 11.7 19.0 34.1
2020 210 11.7 17.8 34.3
2021 235 14.2 16.5 37
2022 233 14.4 16.1 36.1
2023 237 14.2 16.6 35

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 Palms Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $305 (3.2%) $9,169 (96.8%) $9,474
2020 $326 (3.2%) $9,787 (96.8%) $10,112
2021 $349 (3.2%) $10,634 (96.8%) $10,983
2022 $498 (4.3%) $11,009 (95.7%) $11,507
2023 $1,476 (10.7%) $12,338 (89.3%) $13,814

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Palms 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 590th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 554th of 1470 Elementary schools
 4.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Palms Elementary School)50.929.5
 21.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (East China School District)39.442.4
 3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Palms Elementary School)58.531.8
 26.7%
   3rd Grade Math (East China School District)43.246.2
 3%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Palms Elementary School)52.662.2
 9.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (East China School District)43.948.1
 4.2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Palms Elementary School)42.159.5
 17.4%
   4th Grade Math (East China School District)40.335.9
 4.4%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Palms Elementary School)54.256.7
 2.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (East China School District)50.250.4
 0.2%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Palms Elementary School)31.343.3
 12%
   5th Grade Math (East China School District)35.133.1
 2%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.831.5
 3.3%
5th Grade Social Studies (Palms Elementary School)18.820
 1.2%
   5th Grade Social Studies (East China School District)24.621.8
 2.8%
   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 Students223237
 6.3%
African American21
 50%
American Indian00
Asian00
Hispanic11
Pacific Islander00
White220231
 5%
Two or More Races04
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients34.1%35%
 0.9%


Schools Near Palms Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Palms Elementary School

In the 2022-23 school year, 237 students attended Palms Elementary School.

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

Middle : Marine City Middle School
High : Marine City High School

Students at Palms Elementary School are 97% White, 2% Two or more races.

Palms Elementary School ranks 565th of 1486 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.


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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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