Explorer Elementary

Summary:

Explorer Elementary is a public elementary school located in Caledonia, Michigan, serving 527 students in grades K-5 and part of the Kentwood Public Schools district.

Explorer Elementary consistently outperforms the Kentwood district and the state of Michigan in academic achievement, with strong performance across grade levels and subjects. In the 2023-2024 school year, Explorer had 51% of 3rd graders, 72% of 4th graders, and 62.9% of 5th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 46%, 49.8%, and 46.2% for the Kentwood district, respectively. In math, Explorer had 47.4% of 3rd graders, 63.4% of 4th graders, and 45.7% of 5th graders proficient or better, compared to 41.1%, 40.3%, and 33.9% for the Kentwood district. Explorer also outperforms the state in science and social studies for 5th grade. The school's diverse student population, including strong performance among African American, Hispanic, and White subgroups, is another key strength.

While Explorer Elementary outperforms nearby Meadowlawn, Brookwood, Challenger, Glenwood, and Southwood elementary schools in the Kentwood district, it lags behind the highly ranked Cross Creek Charter Academy and Byron Center Public Schools district. Explorer Elementary also faces challenges with increasing chronic absenteeism, an area the school may need to address.


Detail:

Public K-5

 2307 68th St SE
       Caledonia, MI  49316-9083


(616) 554-0302

District: Kentwood Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
229th of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,777 Help


Students who attend Explorer Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Pinewood Middle School
High:    East Kentwood High School

Student/teacher ratio:  17.0 Help
Number of students:  563

Racial breakdown:

White:
36.1%
African American:
25.8%
Hispanic:
14.0%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  56.7% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Explorer Elementary ranks better than 84.6% of elementary schools in Michigan. It also ranks first among 10 ranked elementary schools in the Kentwood Public Schools District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 81.97. (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 Student population at Explorer Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (36.1%), African American (25.8%), Hispanic (14%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 56.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Kentwood Public Schools District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Explorer Elementary is 17. 6 elementary schools in the Kentwood Public Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Explorer Elementary employs 33 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Explorer Elementary is $13,777. 5 elementary schools in the Kentwood Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Explorer Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Explorer Elementary 229th of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Explorer Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Kentwood Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Kentwood Public Schools 318th of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Explorer Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 77.68 228th 1545 85.2%
2007 70.96 423rd 1565 73.0%
2008 80.38 197th 1577 87.5%
2009 71.97 439th 1589 72.4%
2010 69.06 558th 1552 64.0%
2011 66.29 580th 1552 62.6%
2012 66.86 497th 1566 68.3%
2013 69.86 440th 1563 71.8%
2014 60.13 640th 1533 58.3%
2015 58.02 658th 1580 58.4%
2016 72.37 376th 1548 75.7%
2017 66.00 406th 1466 72.3%
2018 65.40 521st 1448 64.0%
2019 72.49 332nd 1408 76.4%
2021 64.57 335th 1153 70.9%
2022 78.04 243rd 1344 81.9%
2023 79.71 252nd 1470 82.9%
2024 81.97 229th 1486 84.6%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 85.50 8th 81 90.1%
2024 47.46 34th 78 56.4%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 46.16 131st 270 51.5%
2019 71.63 29th 117 75.2%
2021 39.56 26th 42 38.1%
2023 76.69 32nd 180 82.2%
2024 64.19 58th 184 68.5%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 61.80 113th 403 72.0%
2023 74.57 28th 195 85.6%
2024 67.46 56th 225 75.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 66.46 381st 1397 72.7%
2019 71.18 218th 1134 80.8%
2021 61.91 223rd 749 70.2%
2022 76.90 143rd 1099 87.0%
2023 84.16 113th 1350 91.6%
2024 88.14 72nd 1381 94.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 68.36 440th 1443 69.5%
2019 66.91 327th 1171 72.1%
2021 59.32 300th 902 66.7%
2022 69.90 268th 1106 75.8%
2023 66.73 353rd 1321 73.3%
2024 81.99 182nd 1342 86.4%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 60.43 563rd 1446 61.1%
2019 68.14 330th 1196 72.4%
2021 60.97 313th 915 65.8%
2022 74.46 248th 1139 78.2%
2023 83.63 161st 1334 87.9%
2024 75.51 267th 1347 80.2%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.03 80th 101 20.8%
2023 35.46 60th 84 28.6%
2024 56.42 52nd 97 46.4%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 84.06 36th 475 92.4%
2019 88.89 11th 212 94.8%
2021 87.42 2nd 51 96.1%
2022 74.14 25th 158 84.2%
2023 55.31 104th 321 67.6%
2024 79.97 35th 348 89.9%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 87.20 14th 222 93.7%
2023 66.37 47th 188 75.0%
2024 65.38 53rd 201 73.6%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Explorer Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 72.17 317th 1253 74.7%
2019 76.69 212th 1128 81.2%
2021 88.68 60th 1005 94.0%
2022 93.26 40th 1102 96.4%
2023 97.45 4th 1198 99.7%
2024 91.62 61st 1204 94.9%
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.

Explorer Elementary 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 Explorer Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1994 421 35 15 7 1 n/a n/a 0 479
1995 519 62 31 12 1 n/a n/a 0 625
1996 519 62 31 12 1 n/a n/a 0 625
1997 430 49 23 10 2 n/a n/a 0 514
1998 382 51 30 13 2 n/a n/a 0 478
1999 363 54 29 14 3 n/a n/a 0 463
2000 357 63 23 22 4 n/a n/a 0 469
2001 357 84 27 31 3 n/a n/a 0 502
2002 331 88 31 23 2 n/a n/a 0 475
2003 331 88 31 23 2 n/a n/a 0 475
2004 331 73 36 31 5 n/a n/a 5 481
2005 305 70 42 36 3 n/a n/a 8 464
2006 284 96 44 46 4 n/a n/a 13 487
2007 253 115 64 40 4 n/a n/a 23 499
2008 219 105 72 41 4 n/a n/a 29 470
2009 204 97 70 43 2 n/a n/a 35 451
2010 201 100 88 37 2 n/a n/a 40 468
2011 198 112 85 50 0 1 34 0 480
2012 215 104 72 40 0 1 30 0 462
2013 235 111 68 38 0 1 28 0 481
2014 252 123 67 30 0 1 27 0 500
2015 236 121 56 56 0 1 30 0 500
2016 231 119 63 66 0 1 32 0 512
2017 218 112 59 70 0 0 49 0 508
2018 209 142 56 70 1 0 57 0 535
2019 195 153 53 45 1 0 54 0 501
2020 198 159 57 56 1 0 59 0 530
2021 204 156 60 60 2 0 61 0 543
2022 203 137 62 61 2 0 56 0 521
2023 192 133 70 73 3 0 56 0 527
2024 203 145 65 79 3 0 68 0 563

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 Explorer Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1994 479 25.0 19.2 8.8
1995 625 27.3 22.9 9.1
1996 625 27.3 22.9 9.1
1997 514 23.0 22.3 8.9
1998 478 24.0 19.9 10.7
1999 463 24.0 19.3 9.7
2000 469 23.2 20.2 16.2
2001 502 25.1 20.0 18.5
2002 475 24.9 19.1 21.9
2003 475 24.9 19.1 21.9
2004 481 25.1 19.2 24.2
2005 464 23.4 19.8 27
2006 487 22.7 21.5 29.7
2007 499 23.5 21.2 31.1
2008 470 24.0 19.6 35.1
2009 451 25.0 18.0 32.7
2010 468 23.8 19.6 45.8
2011 480 24.7 19.4 43.1
2012 462 23.3 19.8 46.1
2013 481 26.8 17.9 42.2
2014 500 26.1 19.1 45.2
2015 500 28.0 17.8 47
2016 512 26.0 19.6 45.9
2017 508 24.3 20.8 43.9
2018 535 27.0 19.8 51
2019 501 25.8 19.4 54.3
2020 530 31.7 16.7 51.5
2021 543 32.4 16.7 54.9
2022 521 32.4 16.0 57.8
2023 527 32.0 16.4 55.8
2024 563 33.0 17.0 56.7

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 Explorer Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1994 479 25.0 19.2 8.8
1995 625 27.3 22.9 9.1
1996 625 27.3 22.9 9.1
1997 514 23.0 22.3 8.9
1998 478 24.0 19.9 10.7
1999 463 24.0 19.3 9.7
2000 469 23.2 20.2 16.2
2001 502 25.1 20.0 18.5
2002 475 24.9 19.1 21.9
2003 475 24.9 19.1 21.9
2004 481 25.1 19.2 24.2
2005 464 23.4 19.8 27
2006 487 22.7 21.5 29.7
2007 499 23.5 21.2 31.1
2008 470 24.0 19.6 35.1
2009 451 25.0 18.0 32.7
2010 468 23.8 19.6 45.8
2011 480 24.7 19.4 43.1
2012 462 23.3 19.8 46.1
2013 481 26.8 17.9 42.2
2014 500 26.1 19.1 45.2
2015 500 28.0 17.8 47
2016 512 26.0 19.6 45.9
2017 508 24.3 20.8 43.9
2018 535 27.0 19.8 51
2019 501 25.8 19.4 54.3
2020 530 31.7 16.7 51.5
2021 543 32.4 16.7 54.9
2022 521 32.4 16.0 57.8
2023 527 32.0 16.4 55.8
2024 563 33.0 17.0 56.7

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 Explorer Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $931 (9.4%) $9,013 (90.6%) $9,944
2020 $920 (8.9%) $9,468 (91.1%) $10,388
2021 $2,382 (21.5%) $8,673 (78.5%) $11,055
2022 $1,865 (14.2%) $11,263 (85.8%) $13,128
2023 $1,470 (10.7%) $12,307 (89.3%) $13,777

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Explorer Elementary

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 332nd of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 252nd of 1470 Elementary schools
 6.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Explorer Elementary)48.770.2
 21.5%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Kentwood Public Schools)47.149.3
 2.2%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Explorer Elementary)5060
 10%
   3rd Grade Math (Kentwood Public Schools)49.641.8
 7.8%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Explorer Elementary)66.762.9
 3.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Kentwood Public Schools)55.447.1
 8.3%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Explorer Elementary)62.757.7
 5%
   4th Grade Math (Kentwood Public Schools)53.239.4
 13.8%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Explorer Elementary)69.458.9
 10.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Kentwood Public Schools)52.447.9
 4.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Explorer Elementary)49.441.1
 8.3%
   5th Grade Math (Kentwood Public Schools)39.830
 9.8%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.831.5
 3.3%
5th Grade Social Studies (Explorer Elementary)25.935.6
 9.7%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Kentwood Public Schools)16.219.2
 3%
   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 Students501527
 5.2%
African American153133
 13.1%
American Indian13
 200%
Asian5370
 32.1%
Hispanic4573
 62.2%
Pacific Islander00
White195192
 1.5%
Two or More Races5456
 3.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients54.3%55.8%
 1.5%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Explorer Elementary

Explorer Elementary ranks 229th of 1486 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2023-24 school year, 563 students attended Explorer Elementary.

Students who attend Explorer Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Pinewood Middle School
High : East Kentwood High School

Students at Explorer Elementary are 36% White, 26% African American, 14% Hispanic, 12% Two or more races, 12% Asian.


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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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