Townsend Elementary School

Townsend Elementary School in Townsend, DE, serves 435 students in grades 1 through 5 and is part of the highly regarded Appoquinimink School District, which holds a 5-star rating and ranks 4th out of 34 districts in Delaware. The school itself has earned a consistent 4-star rating and has climbed dramatically in state rankings over the past decade—from the 50th percentile in 2011-2012 to the 85th percentile (16th out of 106 elementary schools) in 2025-2026, demonstrating sustained, meaningful improvement.

What truly sets Townsend apart is its exceptional performance across all student groups and subjects. In 2025-2026, the school outperformed the state average in every single subject and grade level tested, and it beat its own district average in 8 out of 9 test categories. The school also excels in science and social studies, with 82.61% of 5th graders proficient in social studies—20 points higher than the state average. Perhaps most notably, Townsend has ranked #1 in the state for African American student performance for three consecutive years, a remarkable achievement that reflects an equitable, inclusive learning environment where all students thrive. The school also boasts remarkably low chronic absenteeism at just 6.1%, less than half the district rate and a third of the state rate, signaling strong family engagement and a welcoming school climate.

Compared to nearby schools, Townsend is a clear academic leader. It outperforms Bunker Hill Elementary, Silver Lake Elementary, and Brick Mill Elementary by significant margins in core subjects. While Cedar Lane Elementary ranks higher overall, Townsend actually beats it in 5th-grade social studies and has a better attendance rate. And compared to Old State Elementary—the closest comparable school—Townsend wins in nearly every academic metric. With a student-teacher ratio of 13.5 and lower per-student spending than most peers, Townsend delivers top-tier results efficiently, making it a standout choice for families in the area.