Willow Hill Elementary School

Summary:

Willow Hill Elementary School is a public elementary school in Traverse City, Michigan, serving 421 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Traverse City Area Public Schools district, which is ranked 168 out of 610 districts in Michigan and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Willow Hill Elementary consistently outperforms the Traverse City Area Public Schools district and the state of Michigan in academic proficiency, with 79.5% of its 3rd-grade students scoring proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 57.7% for the district and 39.6% for the state. However, the school has a relatively homogeneous student population, with 91.69% of students identifying as White, higher than nearby schools like Traverse Heights Elementary (65.37% White) and Central Grade School (83.72% White). Additionally, Willow Hill has a lower percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (23.99%) compared to schools like Blair Elementary (71.7%) and Traverse Heights Elementary (80.16%).

Willow Hill Elementary's lower chronic absenteeism rate (12.5%) compared to the district average and nearby schools like Blair Elementary (35.8%), Traverse Heights Elementary (30.7%), and Central Grade School (26.8%) is a positive indicator. However, the school's relative lack of racial diversity and higher socioeconomic status of its student population may be areas for the school and district to further examine and address.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 1250 Hill St
       Traverse City, MI  49684-1406


(231) 933-8540

District: Traverse City Area Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
207th of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,451 Help


Students who attend Willow Hill Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    West Middle School
High:    Traverse City High School
    West Senior High

Student/teacher ratio:  21.1 Help
Number of students:  444

Racial breakdown:

White:
91.2%
Hispanic:
3.4%
Two or more races:
2.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  24.1% Help


 See top rated Michigan elementary schools

 Compare Willow Hill Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Willow Hill Elementary School ranks better than 86.1% of elementary schools in Michigan. It also ranks 2nd among 11 ranked elementary schools in the Traverse City Area Public Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 83.89. (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: White (91.2%), Hispanic (3.4%), two or more races (2.7%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 24.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Willow Hill Elementary School is 21.1, which is the highest among 11 elementary schools in the Traverse City Area Public Schools District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Willow Hill Elementary School employs 20.9 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Willow Hill Elementary School is $13,451, which is the lowest among 11 elementary schools in the Traverse City Area Public Schools District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Willow Hill Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Willow Hill Elementary School 207th of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Willow Hill 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:


Traverse City Area Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Traverse City Area Public Schools 168th of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Willow Hill Elementary School?

Rank History for Willow Hill Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Willow Hill Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 72.77 351st 1545 77.3%
2007 64.55 604th 1565 61.4%
2008 71.73 442nd 1577 72.0%
2009 71.01 474th 1589 70.2%
2010 77.01 245th 1552 84.2%
2011 73.01 407th 1552 73.8%
2012 64.12 536th 1566 65.8%
2013 70.41 432nd 1563 72.4%
2014 68.49 456th 1533 70.3%
2015 80.72 251st 1580 84.1%
2016 81.15 234th 1548 84.9%
2017 79.16 225th 1466 84.7%
2018 84.83 185th 1448 87.2%
2019 83.54 172nd 1408 87.8%
2021 80.06 181st 1153 84.3%
2022 78.98 229th 1344 83.0%
2023 83.51 204th 1470 86.1%
2024 83.89 207th 1486 86.1%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Willow Hill Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 76.55 221st 1397 84.2%
2019 79.75 116th 1134 89.8%
2022 84.98 61st 1099 94.4%
2023 74.32 221st 1350 83.6%
2024 80.16 149th 1381 89.2%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Willow Hill Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 80.79 232nd 1443 83.9%
2019 77.27 189th 1171 83.9%
2021 84.50 82nd 902 90.9%
2022 73.25 230th 1106 79.2%
2023 82.15 168th 1321 87.3%
2024 74.73 253rd 1342 81.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Willow Hill Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 86.23 153rd 1446 89.4%
2019 76.34 234th 1196 80.4%
2021 64.37 267th 915 70.8%
2022 74.00 253rd 1139 77.8%
2023 78.09 246th 1334 81.6%
2024 86.35 134th 1347 90.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Willow Hill Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 81.45 174th 1253 86.1%
2019 82.23 148th 1128 86.9%
2021 81.94 129th 1005 87.2%
2022 74.41 240th 1102 78.2%
2023 79.35 207th 1198 82.7%
2024 79.07 213th 1204 82.3%
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.

Willow Hill 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: 3)
50%

0%

0%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Open Quote Terrible school and the staff is not nice very cliquey Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, August 23, 2012

Open Quote My daughter wouldn't have it any other way. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Willow Hill 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 411 1 4 3 1 n/a n/a 0 420
1989 387 1 3 2 2 n/a n/a 0 395
1990 381 0 2 1 2 n/a n/a 0 386
1991 340 0 2 1 2 n/a n/a 0 345
1992 328 0 3 1 0 n/a n/a 0 332
1993 368 0 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 372
1994 379 0 3 0 1 n/a n/a 0 383
1995 335 0 4 3 2 n/a n/a 0 344
1996 335 0 4 3 2 n/a n/a 0 344
1997 342 1 3 2 2 n/a n/a 0 350
1998 316 0 2 0 5 n/a n/a 0 323
1999 293 0 2 1 0 n/a n/a 0 296
2000 248 1 3 1 2 n/a n/a 0 255
2001 304 0 4 1 1 n/a n/a 0 310
2002 319 0 1 4 0 n/a n/a 0 324
2003 319 0 1 4 0 n/a n/a 0 324
2004 348 0 2 4 2 n/a n/a 0 356
2005 372 0 3 0 5 n/a n/a 0 380
2006 337 2 3 1 3 n/a n/a 0 346
2007 320 3 10 1 3 n/a n/a 0 337
2008 341 n/a 9 n/a 4 n/a n/a 0 354
2009 393 3 7 5 3 n/a n/a 0 411
2010 416 3 7 3 4 n/a n/a 0 433
2011 408 2 7 5 9 0 10 0 441
2012 438 3 3 4 8 0 6 0 462
2013 436 3 3 6 7 0 13 0 468
2014 428 5 5 7 7 1 12 0 465
2015 413 6 4 10 5 1 9 0 448
2016 401 6 5 15 4 1 10 0 442
2017 421 6 4 10 4 0 12 0 457
2018 419 5 3 18 5 0 15 0 465
2019 401 4 3 17 5 0 10 0 440
2020 409 6 1 23 5 0 9 0 453
2021 381 5 1 21 3 0 11 0 422
2022 384 2 5 21 3 0 8 0 423
2023 386 4 3 17 1 0 10 0 421
2024 405 6 3 15 3 0 12 0 444

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 Willow Hill Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 420 n/a n/a n/a
1989 395 n/a n/a 6.3
1990 386 25.0 15.4 4.1
1991 345 n/a n/a n/a
1992 332 n/a n/a 5.1
1993 372 n/a 0.0 7.3
1994 383 18.0 21.3 9.4
1995 344 18.1 19.0 10.5
1996 344 18.1 19.0 10.5
1997 350 18.0 19.4 5.7
1998 323 18.0 17.9 10.5
1999 296 15.0 19.7 5.7
2000 255 16.0 15.9 12.2
2001 310 16.4 18.9 12.3
2002 324 17.5 18.5 12.7
2003 324 17.5 18.5 12.7
2004 356 17.4 20.5 12.1
2005 380 16.4 23.2 13.7
2006 346 16.6 20.8 17.3
2007 337 17.3 19.5 16.6
2008 354 16.4 21.6 19.8
2009 411 22.0 18.7 32.4
2010 433 19.2 22.4 29.1
2011 441 23.2 19.0 29.3
2012 462 23.3 19.8 28.4
2013 468 21.8 21.4 25
2014 465 20.2 22.9 28
2015 448 23.0 19.4 19
2016 442 22.0 20.0 18.1
2017 457 22.0 20.6 18.6
2018 465 22.7 20.4 25.8
2019 440 21.1 20.8 22.5
2020 453 22.6 20.0 22.3
2021 422 19.8 21.2 19.9
2022 423 20.7 20.4 21.7
2023 421 21.7 19.3 24
2024 444 20.9 21.1 24.1

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 Willow Hill Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 420 n/a n/a n/a
1989 395 n/a n/a 6.3
1990 386 25.0 15.4 4.1
1991 345 n/a n/a n/a
1992 332 n/a n/a 5.1
1993 372 n/a 0.0 7.3
1994 383 18.0 21.3 9.4
1995 344 18.1 19.0 10.5
1996 344 18.1 19.0 10.5
1997 350 18.0 19.4 5.7
1998 323 18.0 17.9 10.5
1999 296 15.0 19.7 5.7
2000 255 16.0 15.9 12.2
2001 310 16.4 18.9 12.3
2002 324 17.5 18.5 12.7
2003 324 17.5 18.5 12.7
2004 356 17.4 20.5 12.1
2005 380 16.4 23.2 13.7
2006 346 16.6 20.8 17.3
2007 337 17.3 19.5 16.6
2008 354 16.4 21.6 19.8
2009 411 22.0 18.7 32.4
2010 433 19.2 22.4 29.1
2011 441 23.2 19.0 29.3
2012 462 23.3 19.8 28.4
2013 468 21.8 21.4 25
2014 465 20.2 22.9 28
2015 448 23.0 19.4 19
2016 442 22.0 20.0 18.1
2017 457 22.0 20.6 18.6
2018 465 22.7 20.4 25.8
2019 440 21.1 20.8 22.5
2020 453 22.6 20.0 22.3
2021 422 19.8 21.2 19.9
2022 423 20.7 20.4 21.7
2023 421 21.7 19.3 24
2024 444 20.9 21.1 24.1

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 Willow Hill Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $390 (4.1%) $9,094 (95.9%) $9,485
2020 $546 (5.7%) $9,003 (94.3%) $9,549
2021 $845 (8.2%) $9,398 (91.8%) $10,243
2022 $1,278 (11.0%) $10,313 (89.0%) $11,592
2023 $829 (6.2%) $12,622 (93.8%) $13,451

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Willow Hill 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 172nd of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 204th of 1470 Elementary schools
 1.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Willow Hill Elementary School)79.575.4
 4.1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Traverse City Area Public Schools)60.152.2
 7.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Willow Hill Elementary School)82.276.5
 5.7%
   3rd Grade Math (Traverse City Area Public Schools)55.550.2
 5.3%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Hill Elementary School)65.466.1
 0.7%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Traverse City Area Public Schools)55.954.4
 1.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Willow Hill Elementary School)74.462.5
 11.9%
   4th Grade Math (Traverse City Area Public Schools)49.839.9
 9.9%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Hill Elementary School)78.871.4
 7.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Traverse City Area Public Schools)59.554
 5.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Willow Hill Elementary School)5042.9
 7.1%
   5th Grade Math (Traverse City Area Public Schools)43.537.6
 5.9%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.831.5
 3.3%
5th Grade Social Studies (Willow Hill Elementary School)18.223.2
 5%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Traverse City Area Public Schools)15.619.1
 3.5%
   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 Students440421
 4.3%
African American44
American Indian51
 80%
Asian33
Hispanic1717
Pacific Islander00
White401386
 3.7%
Two or More Races1010
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients22.5%24%
 1.5%


Schools Near Willow Hill Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Willow Hill Elementary School

Students who attend Willow Hill Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : West Middle School
High : Traverse City High School
High : West Senior High

Willow Hill Elementary School ranks 207th of 1486 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2023-24 school year, 444 students attended Willow Hill Elementary School.

Students at Willow Hill Elementary School are 91% White, 3% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races, 1% African American.


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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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