Cooley Elementary School

Summary:

Cooley Elementary School is a public elementary school in Waterford, Michigan, serving 408 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. The school consistently outperforms the Waterford School District and the state of Michigan in academic proficiency, with strong performance across various subjects and grade levels.

One of Cooley Elementary's key strengths is its ability to support economically disadvantaged students. Despite having a relatively high percentage (54.41%) of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, the school's academic performance remains strong, suggesting effective support for these students. Cooley also outperforms other elementary schools in the Waterford district, such as Beaumont Elementary and Schoolcraft Elementary, particularly in core subject areas like science and English language arts.

While Cooley Elementary has seen a concerning increase in chronic absenteeism, from 7.3% in 2018-2019 to 20.4% in 2022-2023, the school's overall academic performance remains strong. With a relatively high per-student spending of $15,594 and a statewide ranking in the top third of Michigan elementary schools, Cooley Elementary serves as a model of academic excellence within the Waterford School District.


Detail:

Public K-5

 2000 Highfield Rd
       Waterford, MI  48329-3827


(248) 673-0300

District: Waterford School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
494th of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,594 Help


Students who attend Cooley Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Pierce Middle School
High:    Waterford Kettering High School

Student/teacher ratio:  20.1 Help
Number of students:  408

Racial breakdown:

White:
74.0%
Hispanic:
12.0%
African American:
8.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  54.4% Help


 See top rated Michigan elementary schools

 Compare Cooley Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Cooley Elementary School ranks better than 66.8% of elementary schools in Michigan. It also ranks 2nd among 9 ranked elementary schools in the Waterford School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 64.26. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high 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 (74%), Hispanic (12%), African American (8.3%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 54.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Waterford School District. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Cooley Elementary School is 20.1. 7 elementary schools in the Waterford School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Cooley Elementary School employs 20.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Cooley Elementary School is $15,594. 6 elementary schools in the Waterford School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Cooley Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Cooley Elementary School 494th of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Cooley 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:


Waterford School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Waterford School District 378th of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Cooley Elementary School?

Rank History for Cooley Elementary School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Cooley Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 50.46 959th 1545 37.9%
2007 62.64 664th 1565 57.6%
2008 51.63 1003rd 1577 36.4%
2009 57.94 854th 1589 46.3%
2010 71.96 445th 1552 71.3%
2011 55.58 884th 1552 43.0%
2012 62.48 574th 1566 63.3%
2013 50.97 819th 1563 47.6%
2014 49.16 847th 1533 44.7%
2015 56.18 696th 1580 55.9%
2016 76.53 302nd 1548 80.5%
2017 79.81 213th 1466 85.5%
2018 80.24 270th 1448 81.4%
2019 73.72 315th 1408 77.6%
2021 48.58 537th 1153 53.4%
2022 66.01 393rd 1344 70.8%
2023 69.57 396th 1470 73.1%
2024 64.26 494th 1486 66.8%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Cooley Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 52.95 80th 195 59.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 90.09 56th 1397 96.0%
2019 77.82 137th 1134 87.9%
2021 67.38 178th 749 76.2%
2022 67.14 274th 1099 75.1%
2023 66.60 331st 1350 75.5%
2024 62.84 418th 1381 69.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Cooley Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 72.01 385th 1443 73.3%
2019 61.65 411th 1171 64.9%
2021 38.60 556th 902 38.4%
2022 60.76 370th 1106 66.5%
2023 69.93 307th 1321 76.8%
2024 52.48 584th 1342 56.5%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Cooley Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 81.13 235th 1446 83.7%
2019 74.21 262nd 1196 78.1%
2021 46.31 459th 915 49.8%
2022 60.78 397th 1139 65.1%
2023 60.40 491st 1334 63.2%
2024 64.14 437th 1347 67.6%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Cooley Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 93.06 7th 222 96.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Cooley Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 75.12 270th 1253 78.5%
2019 68.77 310th 1128 72.5%
2021 44.67 534th 1005 46.9%
2022 65.16 345th 1102 68.7%
2023 66.19 358th 1198 70.1%
2024 52.10 551st 1204 54.2%
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.

Cooley 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: 4)
0%

100%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, July 25, 2013

Open Quote My daughter has just finished 5th grade, and my son is going into 2nd, and we plan on sending our 4 year old to Cooley as well. We have been extremely pleased with the teachers and education that we have received at Cooley Elementary. Both my children have has fantastic teachers who challenged them. My daughter excelled and most teachers gave her work above her grade level to continue to challenge her. My son has focus issues and his teachers have been very helpful with providing him positive reinforcement to keep him on track and he is excelling as well. I belong to the Waterford Moms Club and know several parents who school of choice their children to Cooley. The new principal seems very focused on continuing the challenge the school, works great with the parents and for the welfare of the children. We could not be happier with the education my children are receiving and would recommend Cooley to anyone. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Cooley Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 279 3 6 6 0 n/a n/a 0 294
1989 274 2 7 9 0 n/a n/a 0 292
1990 281 1 6 8 0 n/a n/a 0 296
1991 256 3 4 5 0 n/a n/a 4 272
1992 250 0 4 7 0 n/a n/a 0 261
1993 241 1 4 4 0 n/a n/a 0 250
1994 235 0 2 2 0 n/a n/a 0 239
1995 386 5 7 9 0 n/a n/a 0 407
1996 386 5 7 9 0 n/a n/a 0 407
1997 403 10 6 4 0 n/a n/a 1 424
1998 416 7 3 3 0 n/a n/a -3 426
1999 453 4 4 3 0 n/a n/a 0 464
2000 448 5 8 7 0 n/a n/a 0 468
2001 443 7 7 13 0 n/a n/a 0 470
2002 409 10 14 18 0 n/a n/a 0 451
2003 409 10 14 18 0 n/a n/a 0 451
2004 409 10 14 18 0 n/a n/a 0 451
2005 389 14 12 20 1 n/a n/a 0 436
2006 355 17 14 22 2 n/a n/a 0 410
2007 379 18 14 26 2 n/a n/a 0 439
2008 363 30 8 27 3 n/a n/a 0 431
2009 372 28 7 20 5 n/a n/a 0 432
2010 373 29 8 20 3 n/a n/a 0 433
2011 373 30 9 25 6 1 0 0 444
2012 365 30 13 19 5 1 0 0 433
2013 383 34 15 26 5 1 0 0 464
2014 366 31 16 30 3 0 3 0 449
2015 379 33 15 46 2 1 15 0 491
2016 373 26 11 51 2 0 20 0 483
2017 370 25 10 54 3 0 20 0 482
2018 375 28 8 52 2 0 25 0 490
2019 354 25 6 53 2 0 21 0 461
2020 341 27 5 42 2 1 15 0 433
2021 302 30 7 40 2 1 10 0 392
2022 302 25 7 42 0 1 10 0 387
2023 302 34 11 49 0 0 12 0 408

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 Cooley Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 294 n/a n/a n/a
1989 292 n/a n/a 3.8
1990 296 25.0 11.8 6.4
1991 272 n/a n/a n/a
1992 261 n/a n/a 9.6
1993 250 n/a 0.0 10
1994 239 10.4 23.0 8.8
1995 407 15.0 27.1 14
1996 407 15.0 27.1 14
1997 424 17.0 24.9 17
1998 426 20.0 21.3 14.2
1999 464 20.0 23.2 9.7
2000 468 17.5 26.7 16.5
2001 470 21.1 22.3 15.5
2002 451 12.0 37.6 17.7
2003 451 12.0 37.6 17.7
2004 451 14.5 31.1 17.3
2005 436 20.0 21.8 19.7
2006 410 20.9 19.6 19.3
2007 439 22.0 20.0 21.2
2008 431 22.2 19.4 26
2009 432 21.8 19.8 28
2010 433 21.7 19.9 35.8
2011 444 24.2 18.3 36.5
2012 433 21.7 19.9 40.6
2013 464 23.2 19.9 44.2
2014 449 24.6 18.2 46.1
2015 491 25.0 19.6 47.3
2016 483 26.0 18.5 48.9
2017 482 24.9 19.3 48.3
2018 490 24.3 20.1 54.5
2019 461 25.2 18.2 55.1
2020 433 23.6 18.3 56.4
2021 392 21.6 18.1 51.5
2022 387 20.7 18.6 52.7
2023 408 20.2 20.1 54.4

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 Cooley Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 294 n/a n/a n/a
1989 292 n/a n/a 3.8
1990 296 25.0 11.8 6.4
1991 272 n/a n/a n/a
1992 261 n/a n/a 9.6
1993 250 n/a 0.0 10
1994 239 10.4 23.0 8.8
1995 407 15.0 27.1 14
1996 407 15.0 27.1 14
1997 424 17.0 24.9 17
1998 426 20.0 21.3 14.2
1999 464 20.0 23.2 9.7
2000 468 17.5 26.7 16.5
2001 470 21.1 22.3 15.5
2002 451 12.0 37.6 17.7
2003 451 12.0 37.6 17.7
2004 451 14.5 31.1 17.3
2005 436 20.0 21.8 19.7
2006 410 20.9 19.6 19.3
2007 439 22.0 20.0 21.2
2008 431 22.2 19.4 26
2009 432 21.8 19.8 28
2010 433 21.7 19.9 35.8
2011 444 24.2 18.3 36.5
2012 433 21.7 19.9 40.6
2013 464 23.2 19.9 44.2
2014 449 24.6 18.2 46.1
2015 491 25.0 19.6 47.3
2016 483 26.0 18.5 48.9
2017 482 24.9 19.3 48.3
2018 490 24.3 20.1 54.5
2019 461 25.2 18.2 55.1
2020 433 23.6 18.3 56.4
2021 392 21.6 18.1 51.5
2022 387 20.7 18.6 52.7
2023 408 20.2 20.1 54.4

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 Cooley Elementary School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,156 (10.2%) $10,207 (89.8%) $11,363
2020 $984 (8.6%) $10,403 (91.4%) $11,387
2021 $1,491 (12.1%) $10,879 (87.9%) $12,370
2022 $1,559 (11.3%) $12,264 (88.7%) $13,823
2023 $2,409 (15.4%) $13,185 (84.6%) $15,594

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Cooley 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 315th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 396th of 1470 Elementary schools
 4.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Cooley Elementary School)46.842.2
 4.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Waterford School District)44.838.6
 6.2%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Cooley Elementary School)46.835.4
 11.4%
   3rd Grade Math (Waterford School District)37.134.8
 2.3%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Cooley Elementary School)68.353.7
 14.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Waterford School District)50.943.9
 7%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Cooley Elementary School)64.651.9
 12.7%
   4th Grade Math (Waterford School District)44.237.9
 6.3%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Cooley Elementary School)61.465.8
 4.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Waterford School District)41.946
 4.1%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Cooley Elementary School)45.742.1
 3.6%
   5th Grade Math (Waterford School District)28.326.7
 1.6%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.831.5
 3.3%
5th Grade Social Studies (Cooley Elementary School)42.932.9
 10%
   5th Grade Social Studies (Waterford School District)15.114.9
 0.2%
   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 Students461408
 11.5%
African American2534
 36%
American Indian20
 100%
Asian611
 83.3%
Hispanic5349
 7.5%
Pacific Islander00
White354302
 14.7%
Two or More Races2112
 42.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients55.1%54.4%
 0.7%


Schools Near Cooley Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Cooley Elementary School

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

Middle : Pierce Middle School
High : Waterford Kettering High School

Students at Cooley Elementary School are 74% White, 12% Hispanic, 8% African American, 3% Two or more races, 3% Asian.

Cooley Elementary School ranks 494th of 1486 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 408 students attended Cooley Elementary School.


Rate Cooley Elementary School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Cooley 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 102 milliseconds.