Owen Elementary School

Summary:

Owen Elementary School is a public elementary school in Pontiac, Michigan, serving students from kindergarten to 6th grade as part of the Pontiac City School District. The school faces significant challenges, including high chronic absenteeism, low academic performance, and a high percentage of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.

Owen Elementary School has consistently struggled with high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 15.6% in 2020-2021 to 71.1% in 2021-2022, which is much higher than the state average. Academically, the school's performance on M-Step tests is significantly lower than the state and district averages, with only 8.7% of 3rd-grade students proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 39.6% statewide. The school's math and science scores also lag behind. Despite relatively high per-student spending of $20,249, the academic outcomes remain poor.

While some nearby schools within the Pontiac City School District, such as Rogers School and Alcott School, perform slightly better academically, they still trail the state averages. In contrast, schools in neighboring districts, like Cooley Elementary School and Carpenter Elementary School, significantly outperform Owen Elementary and the other Pontiac City schools.


Detail:

Public K-6

 1700 Baldwin Ave
       Pontiac, MI  48340-1116


(248) 451-7870

District: Pontiac City School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
1431st of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $20,249 Help


Students who attend Owen Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Pontiac Middle School
High:    Pontiac High School

Student/teacher ratio:  15.6 Help
Number of students:  289

Racial breakdown:

African American:
51.6%
Hispanic:
32.9%
White:
6.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  85.1% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Owen Elementary School ranks worse than 96.3% of elementary schools in Michigan. It also ranks 4th among 5 ranked elementary schools in the Pontiac City School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 6.27. (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 (51.6%), Hispanic (32.9%), White (6.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 85.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Owen Elementary School is 15.6, which is the 2nd best among 5 elementary schools in the Pontiac City School District. (See more...)
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Compare Owen Elementary School employs 18.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Owen Elementary School is $20,249. 3 elementary schools in the Pontiac City School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Owen Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Owen Elementary School 1431st of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Owen Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Male students:


Pontiac City School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Pontiac City School District 592nd of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Owen Elementary School?

Rank History for Owen Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Owen Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 14.78 1439th 1545 6.9%
2007 25.58 1363rd 1565 12.9%
2008 27.29 1350th 1577 14.4%
2009 6.27 1539th 1589 3.1%
2010 11.55 1474th 1552 5.0%
2011 6.84 1504th 1552 3.1%
2012 12.00 1451st 1566 7.3%
2013 5.99 1520th 1563 2.8%
2014 4.46 1512th 1533 1.4%
2015 8.54 1489th 1580 5.8%
2016 8.90 1428th 1548 7.8%
2017 5.81 1409th 1466 3.9%
2018 9.45 1374th 1448 5.1%
2019 7.13 1328th 1408 5.7%
2022 6.45 1283rd 1344 4.5%
2023 12.29 1274th 1470 13.3%
2024 6.27 1431st 1486 3.7%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Owen Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.54 252nd 270 6.7%
2023 54.78 76th 180 57.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.22 1270th 1397 9.1%
2019 9.09 1089th 1134 4.0%
2022 8.80 1047th 1099 4.7%
2023 15.99 1162nd 1350 13.9%
2024 9.01 1314th 1381 4.9%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Owen Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 6.93 1402nd 1443 2.8%
2023 9.51 1224th 1321 7.3%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Owen Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.24 1257th 1446 13.1%
2022 8.88 1082nd 1139 5.0%
2023 15.92 1127th 1334 15.5%
2024 8.92 1265th 1347 6.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Owen Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.91 361st 475 24.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Owen Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.41 200th 222 9.9%
2023 41.66 101st 188 46.3%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Hispanic 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.

Owen 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
Sunday, August 7, 2011

Open Quote The absolute worst kindergarten/first grade experience ever. I couldn't wait to get my son out of this school. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Owen 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 280 154 0 28 7 n/a n/a 0 469
1989 293 136 2 35 7 n/a n/a 0 473
1990 261 122 2 39 4 n/a n/a 0 428
1991 242 121 4 35 5 n/a n/a 0 407
1992 298 118 5 41 7 n/a n/a 0 469
1993 330 127 5 51 10 n/a n/a 0 523
1994 298 204 4 65 7 n/a n/a 0 578
1995 307 216 4 71 5 n/a n/a 0 603
1996 307 216 4 71 5 n/a n/a 0 603
1997 300 226 6 59 4 n/a n/a 0 595
1998 282 109 11 58 5 n/a n/a 0 465
1999 260 110 10 67 5 n/a n/a 0 452
2000 188 96 16 56 3 n/a n/a 0 359
2001 169 134 10 64 4 n/a n/a 0 381
2002 110 118 15 69 3 n/a n/a 0 315
2003 110 118 15 69 3 n/a n/a 0 315
2004 123 143 24 93 4 n/a n/a 0 387
2005 112 129 20 94 2 n/a n/a 1 358
2006 96 134 20 120 2 n/a n/a 4 376
2007 84 133 27 105 2 n/a n/a 2 353
2008 73 115 22 81 3 n/a n/a 1 295
2009 71 133 23 107 2 n/a n/a 0 336
2010 49 151 12 174 2 n/a n/a 0 388
2011 41 144 12 163 1 0 4 0 365
2012 49 108 14 151 0 0 3 0 325
2013 51 118 19 160 1 0 4 0 353
2014 57 144 17 167 2 0 7 0 394
2015 49 125 14 167 0 0 17 0 372
2016 50 130 21 194 1 0 16 0 412
2017 38 204 5 144 3 0 15 0 409
2018 40 220 4 162 1 0 16 0 443
2019 33 213 8 180 1 0 20 0 455
2020 34 158 3 128 2 0 16 0 341
2021 16 151 4 135 2 0 15 0 323
2022 17 149 7 102 2 0 15 0 292
2023 20 149 9 95 2 0 14 0 289

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 Owen Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 469 n/a n/a n/a
1989 473 n/a n/a 31.9
1990 428 21.0 20.3 33.9
1991 407 n/a n/a n/a
1992 469 n/a n/a 45.6
1993 523 n/a 0.0 50.5
1994 578 23.0 25.1 47.1
1995 603 22.9 26.3 57
1996 603 22.9 26.3 57
1997 595 23.0 25.9 56
1998 465 20.0 23.3 53.1
1999 452 20.0 22.6 43.4
2000 359 21.0 17.1 61
2001 381 14.0 27.2 78.7
2002 315 19.0 16.6 83.2
2003 315 19.0 16.6 83.2
2004 387 22.0 17.6 n/a
2005 358 22.0 16.3 n/a
2006 376 22.0 17.1 0
2007 353 19.0 18.6 87.2
2008 295 17.7 16.7 91.2
2009 336 20.0 16.8 89.9
2010 388 21.2 18.2 82.2
2011 365 16.2 22.4 70.4
2012 325 19.4 16.7 80.3
2013 353 16.0 22.0 67.4
2014 394 15.0 26.2 77.4
2015 372 18.0 20.6 77.2
2016 412 22.0 18.7 72.3
2017 409 21.5 19.0 74.1
2018 443 18.0 24.6 91.2
2019 455 15.5 29.3 82.6
2020 341 15.6 21.8 84.2
2021 323 15.1 21.3 83.3
2022 292 15.6 18.7 81.2
2023 289 18.5 15.6 85.1

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 Owen Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 469 n/a n/a n/a
1989 473 n/a n/a 31.9
1990 428 21.0 20.3 33.9
1991 407 n/a n/a n/a
1992 469 n/a n/a 45.6
1993 523 n/a 0.0 50.5
1994 578 23.0 25.1 47.1
1995 603 22.9 26.3 57
1996 603 22.9 26.3 57
1997 595 23.0 25.9 56
1998 465 20.0 23.3 53.1
1999 452 20.0 22.6 43.4
2000 359 21.0 17.1 61
2001 381 14.0 27.2 78.7
2002 315 19.0 16.6 83.2
2003 315 19.0 16.6 83.2
2004 387 22.0 17.6 n/a
2005 358 22.0 16.3 n/a
2006 376 22.0 17.1 0
2007 353 19.0 18.6 87.2
2008 295 17.7 16.7 91.2
2009 336 20.0 16.8 89.9
2010 388 21.2 18.2 82.2
2011 365 16.2 22.4 70.4
2012 325 19.4 16.7 80.3
2013 353 16.0 22.0 67.4
2014 394 15.0 26.2 77.4
2015 372 18.0 20.6 77.2
2016 412 22.0 18.7 72.3
2017 409 21.5 19.0 74.1
2018 443 18.0 24.6 91.2
2019 455 15.5 29.3 82.6
2020 341 15.6 21.8 84.2
2021 323 15.1 21.3 83.3
2022 292 15.6 18.7 81.2
2023 289 18.5 15.6 85.1

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 Owen Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,250 (23.6%) $4,039 (76.4%) $5,289
2020 $3,910 (31.4%) $8,536 (68.6%) $12,446
2021 $5,487 (36.7%) $9,445 (63.3%) $14,932
2022 $6,979 (38.9%) $10,945 (61.1%) $17,924
2023 $7,730 (38.2%) $12,519 (61.8%) $20,249

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Owen 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 1328th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 1274th of 1470 Elementary schools
 7.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
4th Grade Math (Owen Elementary School)11.57.7
 3.8%
   4th Grade Math (Pontiac City School District)9.712.7
 3%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Owen Elementary School)17.925
 7.1%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Pontiac City School District)14.916.5
 1.6%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Owen Elementary School)10.718.4
 7.7%
   5th Grade Math (Pontiac City School District)10.38.4
 1.9%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.831.5
 3.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students455289
 36.5%
African American213149
 30%
American Indian12
 100%
Asian89
 12.5%
Hispanic18095
 47.2%
Pacific Islander00
White3320
 39.4%
Two or More Races2014
 30%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients82.6%85.1%
 2.5%


Schools Near Owen Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Owen Elementary School

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

Middle : Pontiac Middle School
High : Pontiac High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 289 students attended Owen Elementary School.

Students at Owen Elementary School are 52% African American, 33% Hispanic, 7% White, 5% Two or more races, 3% Asian.

Owen Elementary School ranks in the bottom 3.7% of Michigan elementary schools.


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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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