Pepper Elementary School

Summary:

Pepper Elementary School is a public elementary school in Oak Park, Michigan, serving 367 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Oak Park School District, which is ranked 603 out of 610 districts in the state and has a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Pepper Elementary School faces significant challenges, with a student population that is 94.55% African American and consistently low academic performance. The school ranks in the bottom 10-15% of Michigan elementary schools, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Math, and Science that are well below the state averages. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, only 15.9% of 3rd graders were proficient in ELA, compared to 39.6% statewide. The school also struggles with high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 10.9% in 2020-2021 to 70.4% in 2021-2022. Additionally, over 80% of Pepper Elementary students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage.

While Pepper Elementary School has seen a significant increase in per-student spending, from $11,532 in 2019-2020 to $19,804 in 2022-2023, this increased funding has not translated into improved academic outcomes. Nearby schools in the Berkley School District, such as Rogers Elementary School and Norup International School, demonstrate significantly higher academic performance, with proficiency rates well above the state averages. This stark contrast highlights the systemic challenges facing Pepper Elementary School and the Oak Park School District as a whole.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 24301 Church St
       Oak Park, MI  48237-1980


(248) 336-7680

District: Oak Park School District of the City of

SchoolDigger Rank:
1430th of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $19,804 Help


Students who attend Pepper Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Oak Park Preparatory Academy
High:    Oak Park High School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.7 Help
Number of students:  367

Racial breakdown:

African American:
94.6%
American Indian:
1.9%
Two or more races:
1.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  83.1% Help


 See top rated Michigan elementary schools

 Compare Pepper Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Pepper Elementary School ranks worse than 96.2% of elementary schools in Michigan. It also ranks first among 3 ranked elementary schools in the Oak Park School District of the City of! (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 6.29. (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 Racial makeup is: African American (94.6%), American Indian (1.9%), two or more races (1.9%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 83.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Oak Park School District of the City of. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Pepper Elementary School is 16.7, which is the 2nd best among 3 elementary schools in the Oak Park School District of the City of. (See more...)
Help
Compare Pepper Elementary School employs 21.9 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Pepper Elementary School is $19,804, which is the 2nd highest among 3 elementary schools in the Oak Park School District of the City of.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Pepper Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Pepper Elementary School 1430th of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Pepper 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:


Oak Park School District of the City of:

SchoolDigger ranks Oak Park School District of the City of 603rd of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Pepper Elementary School?

Rank History for Pepper Elementary School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Pepper Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 34.22 1260th 1545 18.4%
2007 23.74 1378th 1565 11.9%
2008 13.33 1471st 1577 6.7%
2009 17.04 1437th 1589 9.6%
2010 22.60 1381st 1552 11.0%
2011 19.51 1387th 1552 10.6%
2012 20.54 1351st 1566 13.7%
2013 18.20 1334th 1563 14.7%
2014 12.24 1385th 1533 9.7%
2015 14.41 1377th 1580 12.8%
2016 10.29 1397th 1548 9.8%
2017 9.62 1328th 1466 9.4%
2018 16.80 1259th 1448 13.1%
2019 10.37 1278th 1408 9.2%
2022 7.66 1253rd 1344 6.8%
2023 10.22 1313th 1470 10.7%
2024 6.29 1430th 1486 3.8%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 24.00 1148th 1397 17.8%
2019 15.37 1019th 1134 10.1%
2022 12.60 1004th 1099 8.6%
2023 15.76 1167th 1350 13.6%
2024 8.38 1330th 1381 3.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Pepper Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 20.18 1185th 1443 17.9%
2019 17.21 1006th 1171 14.1%
2023 8.78 1234th 1321 6.6%
2024 6.39 1305th 1342 2.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Pepper Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.02 1261st 1446 12.8%
2019 5.49 1170th 1196 2.2%
2022 7.13 1094th 1139 4.0%
2023 11.09 1209th 1334 9.4%
2024 7.00 1287th 1347 4.5%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Pepper Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.52 190th 475 60.0%
2019 29.16 144th 212 32.1%
2022 29.26 109th 158 31.0%
2023 28.47 230th 321 28.3%
2024 17.65 312th 348 10.3%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for African American 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.

Pepper 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: 1)
0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, April 28, 2016

Open Quote The principal of this school is a serious problem. The teachers lack real support because they are constantly trying to get the kids behavior under control. The kids RUN THE SCHOOL .... the principal does not hold them accountable. The kids enjoy going to the office like it’s a party and they don't care about being kicked out of class. I saw with my own eyes the principal is more like a friend than a firm leader. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Pepper Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 208 262 18 2 0 n/a n/a 0 490
1989 196 277 7 0 0 n/a n/a 0 480
1990 186 317 16 0 0 n/a n/a 0 519
1991 176 311 8 5 2 n/a n/a 18 520
1992 164 341 14 1 2 n/a n/a 0 522
1993 178 332 9 2 1 n/a n/a 0 522
1994 174 342 9 0 0 n/a n/a 0 525
1995 147 358 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 509
1996 147 358 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 509
1997 133 397 6 0 0 n/a n/a 0 536
1998 106 430 6 0 1 n/a n/a 0 543
1999 88 452 7 1 0 n/a n/a 0 548
2000 77 442 5 0 2 n/a n/a 0 526
2001 61 467 7 3 2 n/a n/a 0 540
2002 33 417 4 4 3 n/a n/a 0 461
2003 33 417 4 4 3 n/a n/a 0 461
2004 27 369 1 3 2 n/a n/a 0 402
2005 20 328 6 1 1 n/a n/a 0 356
2006 19 341 6 1 2 n/a n/a 0 369
2007 21 368 5 0 2 n/a n/a 0 396
2008 17 378 4 n/a 1 n/a n/a 0 400
2009 17 346 3 0 2 n/a n/a 0 368
2010 13 367 4 0 2 n/a n/a 0 386
2011 13 420 4 1 1 0 2 0 441
2012 8 470 4 2 0 0 2 0 486
2013 8 471 3 3 0 0 1 0 486
2014 4 437 1 2 0 0 5 0 449
2015 4 418 0 0 0 0 6 0 428
2016 8 447 0 1 0 0 6 0 462
2017 6 395 0 1 0 0 5 0 407
2018 10 382 0 1 0 0 1 0 394
2019 11 440 0 2 0 0 4 0 457
2020 10 473 1 6 1 0 3 0 494
2021 5 394 1 4 1 0 4 0 409
2022 2 359 0 2 4 0 5 0 372
2023 5 347 0 1 7 0 7 0 367

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 Pepper Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 490 n/a n/a n/a
1989 480 n/a n/a 27.1
1990 519 31.0 16.7 30.4
1991 520 n/a n/a n/a
1992 522 n/a n/a n/a
1993 522 n/a 0.0 41.6
1994 525 21.0 25.0 34.1
1995 509 17.7 28.8 33.8
1996 509 17.7 28.8 33.8
1997 536 21.0 25.5 38.6
1998 543 20.0 27.2 36.1
1999 548 21.0 26.1 41.4
2000 526 20.8 25.3 40.3
2001 540 28.8 18.8 43.5
2002 461 24.3 19.0 49.9
2003 461 24.3 19.0 49.9
2004 402 24.1 16.7 47.5
2005 356 22.3 16.0 49.2
2006 369 24.3 15.2 55.6
2007 396 24.4 16.2 61.1
2008 400 21.3 18.8 57.3
2009 368 19.7 18.7 68.8
2010 386 20.8 18.5 66.6
2011 441 25.0 17.6 71.7
2012 486 24.0 20.2 78.8
2013 486 25.3 19.2 80.9
2014 449 25.7 17.4 75.5
2015 428 25.0 17.1 88.8
2016 462 26.0 17.7 81.6
2017 407 24.5 16.6 83.8
2018 394 28.3 13.9 85.5
2019 457 29.8 15.3 86.2
2020 494 28.8 17.1 81.6
2021 409 25.5 16.0 76.8
2022 372 23.7 15.6 73.9
2023 367 21.9 16.7 83.1

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 Pepper Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 490 n/a n/a n/a
1989 480 n/a n/a 27.1
1990 519 31.0 16.7 30.4
1991 520 n/a n/a n/a
1992 522 n/a n/a n/a
1993 522 n/a 0.0 41.6
1994 525 21.0 25.0 34.1
1995 509 17.7 28.8 33.8
1996 509 17.7 28.8 33.8
1997 536 21.0 25.5 38.6
1998 543 20.0 27.2 36.1
1999 548 21.0 26.1 41.4
2000 526 20.8 25.3 40.3
2001 540 28.8 18.8 43.5
2002 461 24.3 19.0 49.9
2003 461 24.3 19.0 49.9
2004 402 24.1 16.7 47.5
2005 356 22.3 16.0 49.2
2006 369 24.3 15.2 55.6
2007 396 24.4 16.2 61.1
2008 400 21.3 18.8 57.3
2009 368 19.7 18.7 68.8
2010 386 20.8 18.5 66.6
2011 441 25.0 17.6 71.7
2012 486 24.0 20.2 78.8
2013 486 25.3 19.2 80.9
2014 449 25.7 17.4 75.5
2015 428 25.0 17.1 88.8
2016 462 26.0 17.7 81.6
2017 407 24.5 16.6 83.8
2018 394 28.3 13.9 85.5
2019 457 29.8 15.3 86.2
2020 494 28.8 17.1 81.6
2021 409 25.5 16.0 76.8
2022 372 23.7 15.6 73.9
2023 367 21.9 16.7 83.1

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 Pepper Elementary School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $823 (6.6%) $11,736 (93.4%) $12,559
2020 $814 (7.1%) $10,718 (92.9%) $11,532
2021 $1,890 (13.0%) $12,703 (87.0%) $14,593
2022 $2,976 (16.1%) $15,482 (83.9%) $18,458
2023 $2,592 (13.1%) $17,212 (86.9%) $19,804

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Pepper 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 1278th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 1313th of 1470 Elementary schools
 1.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Pepper Elementary School)29.915.2
 14.7%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Oak Park School District of the City of)23.917.5
 6.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Pepper Elementary School)31.26.1
 25.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Oak Park School District of the City of)22.18.1
 14%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Pepper Elementary School)14.112.1
 2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Oak Park School District of the City of)18.515
 3.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Pepper Elementary School)8.36.1
 2.2%
   4th Grade Math (Oak Park School District of the City of)16.54.2
 12.3%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Pepper Elementary School)14.922.8
 7.9%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Oak Park School District of the City of)16.89.5
 7.3%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Pepper Elementary School)9.610.5
 0.9%
   5th Grade Math (Oak Park School District of the City of)10.42.9
 7.5%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.831.5
 3.3%
5th Grade Social Studies (Pepper Elementary School)9.512.3
 2.8%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Oak Park School District of the City of)6.82.9
 3.9%
   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 Students457367
 19.7%
African American440347
 21.1%
American Indian07
Asian00
Hispanic21
 50%
Pacific Islander00
White115
 54.5%
Two or More Races47
 75%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients86.2%83.1%
 3.1%


Schools Near Pepper Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Pepper Elementary School

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

Middle : Oak Park Preparatory Academy
High : Oak Park High School

Students at Pepper Elementary School are 95% African American, 2% American Indian, 2% Two or more races, 1% White.

Pepper Elementary School ranks in the bottom 3.8% of Michigan elementary schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 367 students attended Pepper Elementary School.


Rate Pepper Elementary School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Pepper 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 91 milliseconds.