Merrill Elementary School

Summary:

Merrill Elementary School is a public elementary school serving 210 students in grades PK-5 in Merrill, Michigan, which is part of the Merrill Community Schools district. The school faces several key challenges, including low academic performance, high chronic absenteeism, and a student population with a high percentage of low-income families.

Merrill Elementary School has a significantly higher percentage of white students (95.24%) compared to the state average, and it has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Michigan elementary schools, with a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's academic performance, as measured by M-Step proficiency rates, is mixed compared to the state and district averages, with the school performing better than the state in 3rd and 5th grade English Language Arts but lagging behind in 4th grade ELA and all grade levels for Math and Science. Additionally, Merrill Elementary School has experienced a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 11.6% in 2017-2018 to 26.5% in 2022-2023, which is notably higher than the state average.

When comparing Merrill Elementary School to nearby schools, such as Bullock Creek Elementary School, Floyd School, and Pine River Elementary School, it becomes evident that Merrill Elementary School is underperforming compared to its peers, with higher academic proficiency rates, lower chronic absenteeism, and better overall rankings. This trend is concerning and suggests the need for a comprehensive review of the school's practices and the implementation of targeted strategies to improve student outcomes.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 325 W Alice St
       Merrill, MI  48637-8755


(989) 643-7283

District: Merrill Community Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
692nd of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,284 Help


Students who attend Merrill Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Merrill Middle School
High:    Merrill High School

Student/teacher ratio:  9.8 Help
Number of students:  190

Racial breakdown:

White:
95.8%
African American:
2.1%
Hispanic:
1.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  69.5% Help


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 Compare Merrill Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Merrill Elementary School ranks better than 53.4% of elementary schools in Michigan. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 50.3. (See more...)
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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 (95.8%), African American (2.1%), Hispanic (1.1%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 69.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Merrill Elementary School is 9.8. (See more...)
Help
Compare Merrill Elementary School employs 19.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Merrill Elementary School is $15,284.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Merrill Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Merrill Elementary School 692nd of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Merrill 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:


Merrill Community Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Merrill Community Schools 414th of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Merrill Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Merrill Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 67.13 528th 1545 65.8%
2007 73.74 339th 1565 78.3%
2008 73.57 377th 1577 76.1%
2009 72.65 416th 1589 73.8%
2010 66.82 634th 1552 59.1%
2011 59.29 802nd 1552 48.3%
2012 46.65 916th 1566 41.5%
2013 61.40 605th 1563 61.3%
2014 61.25 607th 1533 60.4%
2015 60.72 615th 1580 61.1%
2016 60.61 597th 1548 61.4%
2017 45.24 759th 1466 48.2%
2018 30.45 1075th 1448 25.8%
2019 26.65 1028th 1408 27.0%
2021 44.26 599th 1153 48.0%
2022 44.83 698th 1344 48.1%
2023 32.81 954th 1470 35.1%
2024 50.30 692nd 1486 53.4%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 29.55 1065th 1397 23.8%
2019 38.88 723rd 1134 36.2%
2021 70.12 156th 749 79.2%
2022 59.07 387th 1099 64.8%
2023 30.67 949th 1350 29.7%
2024 54.72 553rd 1381 60.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Merrill Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.60 1041st 1443 27.9%
2019 22.03 953rd 1171 18.6%
2021 43.96 485th 902 46.2%
2022 47.39 560th 1106 49.4%
2023 42.95 717th 1321 45.7%
2024 51.80 590th 1342 56.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Merrill Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.06 1052nd 1446 27.2%
2019 27.39 896th 1196 25.1%
2021 23.22 749th 915 18.1%
2022 21.90 899th 1139 21.1%
2023 17.90 1094th 1334 18.0%
2024 39.81 790th 1347 41.4%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Merrill Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 18.86 1091st 1253 12.9%
2019 16.22 1012th 1128 10.3%
2021 38.52 620th 1005 38.3%
2022 31.95 757th 1102 31.3%
2023 18.82 1021st 1198 14.8%
2024 37.43 762nd 1204 36.7%
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.

Merrill 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 Merrill 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 419 0 0 12 0 n/a n/a 0 431
1989 423 0 0 19 0 n/a n/a 0 442
1990 419 0 0 19 0 n/a n/a 0 438
1991 445 0 0 4 0 n/a n/a 0 449
1992 419 1 0 6 0 n/a n/a 0 426
1993 389 1 0 4 0 n/a n/a 0 394
1994 459 0 1 11 2 n/a n/a 0 473
1995 380 0 1 4 0 n/a n/a 0 385
1996 380 0 1 4 0 n/a n/a 0 385
1997 323 1 3 12 2 n/a n/a 0 341
1998 357 0 0 8 1 n/a n/a 0 366
1999 402 0 1 9 2 n/a n/a 0 414
2000 372 2 0 9 2 n/a n/a 12 397
2001 384 1 0 12 6 n/a n/a 0 403
2002 375 0 0 15 1 n/a n/a 0 391
2003 375 0 0 15 1 n/a n/a 0 391
2004 365 3 0 15 0 n/a n/a 0 383
2005 353 2 1 15 0 n/a n/a 0 371
2006 327 2 1 16 1 n/a n/a 0 347
2007 345 2 2 16 2 n/a n/a 0 367
2008 336 1 2 14 3 n/a n/a 0 356
2009 319 1 2 14 3 n/a n/a 0 339
2010 315 2 2 16 4 n/a n/a 0 339
2011 300 1 1 17 4 0 3 0 326
2012 303 2 0 15 4 0 5 0 329
2013 293 1 0 19 3 0 9 0 325
2014 281 0 0 20 2 0 3 0 306
2015 285 0 0 20 1 0 5 0 311
2016 273 0 0 21 1 0 4 0 299
2017 242 0 0 19 0 0 4 0 265
2018 222 0 0 13 0 0 3 0 238
2019 204 0 0 13 0 0 1 0 218
2020 204 2 0 9 0 0 1 0 216
2021 195 1 0 8 0 0 0 0 204
2022 187 2 0 2 1 0 2 0 194
2023 200 5 0 3 1 0 1 0 210
2024 182 4 0 2 1 0 1 0 190

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 Merrill Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 431 n/a n/a n/a
1989 442 n/a n/a 17.2
1990 438 23.0 19.0 18.5
1991 449 n/a n/a n/a
1992 426 n/a n/a n/a
1993 394 n/a 0.0 0
1994 473 19.0 24.9 23.9
1995 385 21.2 18.2 28.8
1996 385 21.2 18.2 28.8
1997 341 21.0 16.2 31.1
1998 366 21.0 17.4 26.2
1999 414 24.0 17.3 22.9
2000 397 22.5 17.1 44.7
2001 403 23.6 17.1 38
2002 391 23.0 17.0 45.3
2003 391 23.0 17.0 45.3
2004 383 23.5 16.3 45.2
2005 371 20.6 18.0 44.5
2006 347 19.0 18.3 46.1
2007 367 21.6 17.0 39.2
2008 356 21.1 16.9 38.5
2009 339 17.8 19.0 43.7
2010 339 18.2 18.5 54.6
2011 326 20.1 16.1 44.8
2012 329 18.4 17.8 54.7
2013 325 18.8 17.2 54.8
2014 306 17.9 17.0 62.1
2015 311 20.0 15.5 61.7
2016 299 16.0 18.6 57.9
2017 265 16.5 16.0 54.7
2018 238 16.7 14.2 60.9
2019 218 15.7 13.8 64.2
2020 216 15.1 14.2 59.7
2021 204 13.7 14.8 63.2
2022 194 17.2 11.2 63.9
2023 210 17.0 12.3 61
2024 190 19.2 9.8 69.5

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 Merrill Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 431 n/a n/a n/a
1989 442 n/a n/a 17.2
1990 438 23.0 19.0 18.5
1991 449 n/a n/a n/a
1992 426 n/a n/a n/a
1993 394 n/a 0.0 0
1994 473 19.0 24.9 23.9
1995 385 21.2 18.2 28.8
1996 385 21.2 18.2 28.8
1997 341 21.0 16.2 31.1
1998 366 21.0 17.4 26.2
1999 414 24.0 17.3 22.9
2000 397 22.5 17.1 44.7
2001 403 23.6 17.1 38
2002 391 23.0 17.0 45.3
2003 391 23.0 17.0 45.3
2004 383 23.5 16.3 45.2
2005 371 20.6 18.0 44.5
2006 347 19.0 18.3 46.1
2007 367 21.6 17.0 39.2
2008 356 21.1 16.9 38.5
2009 339 17.8 19.0 43.7
2010 339 18.2 18.5 54.6
2011 326 20.1 16.1 44.8
2012 329 18.4 17.8 54.7
2013 325 18.8 17.2 54.8
2014 306 17.9 17.0 62.1
2015 311 20.0 15.5 61.7
2016 299 16.0 18.6 57.9
2017 265 16.5 16.0 54.7
2018 238 16.7 14.2 60.9
2019 218 15.7 13.8 64.2
2020 216 15.1 14.2 59.7
2021 204 13.7 14.8 63.2
2022 194 17.2 11.2 63.9
2023 210 17.0 12.3 61
2024 190 19.2 9.8 69.5

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 Merrill Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,769 (15.8%) $9,454 (84.2%) $11,223
2020 $2,113 (19.2%) $8,904 (80.8%) $11,018
2021 $2,644 (23.8%) $8,482 (76.2%) $11,126
2022 $4,365 (32.1%) $9,242 (67.9%) $13,608
2023 $4,036 (26.4%) $11,247 (73.6%) $15,284

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Merrill 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 1028th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 954th of 1470 Elementary schools
 8.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Merrill Elementary School)21.624.2
 2.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Merrill Community Schools)21.624.2
 2.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Merrill Elementary School)5027.3
 22.7%
   3rd Grade Math (Merrill Community Schools)5027.3
 22.7%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Merrill Elementary School)36.729
 7.7%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Merrill Community Schools)36.729
 7.7%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Merrill Elementary School)28.645.2
 16.6%
   4th Grade Math (Merrill Community Schools)28.645.2
 16.6%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Merrill Elementary School)20.730.3
 9.6%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Merrill Community Schools)20.730.3
 9.6%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Merrill Elementary School)20.724.2
 3.5%
   5th Grade Math (Merrill Community Schools)20.724.2
 3.5%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.831.5
 3.3%
5th Grade Social Studies (Merrill Elementary School)20.718.2
 2.5%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Merrill Community Schools)20.718.2
 2.5%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Michigan)17.415.5
 1.9%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students218210
 3.7%
African American05
American Indian01
Asian00
Hispanic133
 76.9%
Pacific Islander00
White204200
 2%
Two or More Races11
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients64.2%61%
 3.3%


Schools Near Merrill Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Merrill Elementary School

In the 2023-24 school year, 190 students attended Merrill Elementary School.

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

Middle : Merrill Middle School
High : Merrill High School

Merrill Elementary School ranks 692nd of 1486 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at Merrill Elementary School are 96% White, 2% African American, 1% Hispanic.


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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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