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Downes (John R.) Elementary School

Q: Is Downes (John R.) Elementary School a good school?

Downes (John R.) Elementary School ranks 49 th of 106 Delaware elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades K-5

49^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 106 Delaware Elementary Schools

Better than 54% of Delaware elementary schools

Summary

Downes (John R.) Elementary School is a K-5 school in Newark, DE, serving 346 students within the Christina School District.

Downes has a few standout strengths that make it an interesting option for families. Most notably, the school has made incredible progress with attendance: chronic absenteeism dropped from 26.1% in 2021-2022 to just 9.2% in 2024-2025—far better than the district average of 19.8% and the state average of 17.1%. This means your child is much more likely to be in a classroom with consistent peers, which supports learning for everyone. Academically, Downes shows particular strength in the upper grades. In 5th grade, math proficiency (42%) and social studies proficiency (60%) both exceed district averages, and science scores have improved significantly. The school also does more with less: at $14,743 per student, it spends less than nearby schools like Maclary (R. Elisabeth) Elementary School ($21,898) or Brookside Elementary School ($20,812), yet achieves comparable results, with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 11.1:1.

However, there are some concerns to weigh. The school's overall statewide ranking has slipped from the top 20 (78th percentile) a few years ago to 49th (54th percentile) in 2025-2026. A significant and widening gap exists between female and male student performance—girls rank in the 62nd percentile while boys rank in the 29th percentile. When compared to nearby West Park Place Elementary School, which ranks 15th statewide, Downes trails notably in proficiency rates (e.g., 38% vs. 64% in 3rd grade ELA). That said, Downes outperforms several mid-tier peers like Gallaher (Robert S.) Elementary School and Smith (Jennie E.) Elementary School in 5th grade math. If you value strong attendance, efficient resource use, and solid upper-grade academics, Downes is worth a close look—just be aware of the gender gap and recent ranking decline.

346

Students ?

11.1

Student/teacher ratio ?

$27,294

Per pupil spending ?

26.2%

Free/discounted lunch ?

220 Casho Mill Road
Newark, DE 19711

(302) 454-2133

District: Christina School District

Students who attend Downes (John R.) Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Shue-Medill Middle School
High:	Newark High School

Racial breakdown:

White:

38.7%

African American:

24.6%

Hispanic:

19.9%

See top rated Delaware elementary schools

Compare Downes (John R.) Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 78th percentile in 2016 → 54th in 2026

Strengths

✓Above the Delaware median (54th percentile)

✓Small classes — about 11 students per teacher

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 24 percentile points since 2016

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school42%

District avg39%

Delaware avg42%

49^th of 106

Delaware public elementary schools ?

Top 46%▼ down 24 pts since 2016

From top 22% (2016) to top 46% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Delaware Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

7^th of 15Elementary Schools in the Christina School District

15^th of 34Christina School District among Delaware districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Delaware percentile	Rating
2026	52.2	49 of 106	53.8%	★★★☆☆
2025	51.8	43 of 109	60.6%	★★★☆☆
2024	65.2	30 of 106	71.7%	★★★★☆
2023	59.9	36 of 103	65.0%	★★★☆☆
2022	67.2	29 of 104	72.1%	★★★★☆
2021	66.0	25 of 95	73.7%	★★★★☆
2019	73.0	25 of 105	76.2%	★★★★☆
2018	74.9	19 of 85	77.6%	★★★★☆
2017	77.9	18 of 86	79.1%	★★★★☆
2016	77.5	19 of 86	77.9%	★★★★☆
2015	77.3	22 of 108	79.6%	★★★★☆
2013	76.2	21 of 91	76.9%	★★★★☆
2012	73.9	24 of 90	73.3%	★★★★☆
2011	76.9	19 of 91	79.1%	★★★★☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Delaware percentile	Rating
2024	57.9	21 of 62	66.1%	★★★☆☆
2019	70.4	16 of 72	77.8%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Delaware percentile	Rating
2026	62.9	37 of 98	62.2%	★★★☆☆
2025	69.7	26 of 97	73.2%	★★★★☆
2024	64.1	28 of 97	71.1%	★★★★☆
2023	70.4	21 of 89	76.4%	★★★★☆
2022	64.5	26 of 90	71.1%	★★★★☆
2021	75.2	13 of 67	80.6%	★★★★☆
2019	77.1	18 of 99	81.8%	★★★★☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Delaware percentile	Rating
2026	46.1	40 of 75	46.7%	★★★☆☆
2024	67.5	11 of 66	83.3%	★★★★☆
2023	45.6	34 of 66	48.5%	★★★☆☆
2022	59.1	22 of 62	64.5%	★★★☆☆
2019	51.1	48 of 92	47.8%	★★☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Delaware percentile	Rating
2026	28.4	70 of 98	28.6%	★★☆☆☆
2025	27.5	69 of 97	28.9%	★★☆☆☆
2024	48.3	44 of 97	54.6%	★★★☆☆
2023	42.5	53 of 89	40.4%	★★☆☆☆
2022	57.0	30 of 90	66.7%	★★★☆☆
2021	41.3	37 of 67	44.8%	★★☆☆☆
2019	61.6	41 of 99	58.6%	★★★☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Delaware percentile	Rating
2026	69.6	22 of 78	71.8%	★★★★☆
2025	72.0	19 of 77	75.3%	★★★★☆
2024	40.9	46 of 73	37.0%	★★☆☆☆
2023	74.9	15 of 70	78.6%	★★★★☆
2022	69.5	21 of 75	72.0%	★★★★☆
2021	58.1	23 of 65	64.6%	★★★☆☆
2019	65.7	25 of 82	69.5%	★★★★☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

White (2026)72nd percentile+18 vs school

African American (2024)66th percentile-6 vs school

Female (2026)62nd percentile+8 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)47th percentile-7 vs school

Male (2026)29th percentile-25 vs school

By subject vs Delaware (2025-2026) ?

Social Studies50%~ state avg

Mathematics42%~ state avg

English Language Arts41%~ state avg

Science33%+3 vs state

★

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Schools Near Downes (John R.) Elementary School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				DeSSA Science (2026)	DeSSA Social Studies (2026)		Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts (2026)			Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics (2026)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	DeSSA Science 5th Grade	DeSSA Social Studies 4th Grade	DeSSA Social Studies 5th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts 3rd Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts 4th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments English Language Arts 5th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 3rd Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 4th Grade	Smarter Balanced Assessments Mathematics 5th Grade	Total
Downes (John R.) Elementary School	Public	K-5	220 Casho Mill Road	Newark	19711	New Castle County	Christina School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 454-2133	346	31	11.1		134 (38.7%)	85 (24.6%)	69 (19.9%)	35 (10.1%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	22 (6.4%)	52.2	49^th of 106 public elementary schools	53.8%		51.8	43^rd of 109 public elementary schools	60.6%	6	32.9	40.0	60.3	38.2	37.5	48.6	45.6	38.8	42.0	$27,294
West Park Place Elementary School	Public	K-5	193 West Park Place	Newark	19711	New Castle County	Christina School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 454-2290	350	27	12.9		128 (36.6%)	101 (28.9%)	41 (11.7%)	45 (12.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	35 (10.0%)	85.7	15^th of 106 public elementary schools	85.8%		83.3	20^th of 109 public elementary schools	81.7%	5	54.4	63.8	78.2	64.2	61.7	55.4	59.3	54.4	52.6	$25,094
McVey (Joseph M.) Elementary School	Public	K-5	908 Janice Drive	Newark	19713	New Castle County	Christina School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 454-2145	319	28	11.3		98 (30.7%)	135 (42.3%)	64 (20.1%)	9 (2.8%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (3.8%)	40.5	62^nd of 106 public elementary schools	41.5%		39.7	59^th of 109 public elementary schools	45.9%	3	29.6	32.7	66.0	31.3	42.1	35.2	31.3	38.6	33.3	$31,338
Maclary (R. Elisabeth) Elementary School	Public	K-5	300 St. Regis Drive	Newark	19711	New Castle County	Christina School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 454-2142	244	23	10.6		80 (32.8%)	61 (25.0%)	84 (34.4%)	7 (2.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (4.9%)	42.8	58^th of 106 public elementary schools	45.3%		41.4	57^th of 109 public elementary schools	47.7%	1	22.0	45.2	64.1	37.5	40.4	37.5	29.4	38.5	29.3	$35,752
Brookside Elementary School	Public	K-5	800 Marrows Road	Newark	19713	New Castle County	Christina School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 454-5454	260	26	10.0		50 (19.2%)	85 (32.7%)	97 (37.3%)	10 (3.8%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (6.5%)	59.3	37^th of 106 public elementary schools	65.1%		36.1	65^th of 109 public elementary schools	40.4%	28	33.3	37.0	72.6	51.5	41.7	52.0	47.1	41.7	37.3	$34,709
Smith (Jennie E.) Elementary School	Public	K-5	142 Brennen Drive	Newark	19713	New Castle County	Christina School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 722-2864	413	40	10.3		130 (31.5%)	123 (29.8%)	107 (25.9%)	29 (7.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.7%)	21 (5.1%)	41.7	61^st of 106 public elementary schools	42.5%		40.5	58^th of 109 public elementary schools	46.8%	3	17.8	51.3	54.2	34.4	39.7	33.3	36.9	46.8	26.0	$28,999
Brader (Henry M.) Elementary School	Public	K-5	1899 South College Avenue	Newark	19702	New Castle County	Christina School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 552-6200	324	27	12.0		72 (22.2%)	127 (39.2%)	88 (27.2%)	8 (2.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	29 (9.0%)	42.5	60^th of 106 public elementary schools	43.4%		26.1	79^th of 109 public elementary schools	27.5%	19	14.6	48.0	64.2	38.3	51.0	35.2	38.3	37.3	18.5	$33,115
Wilson (Etta J.) Elementary School	Public	K-5	14 Forge Road	Newark	19711	New Castle County	Christina School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 454-2180	271	21	12.9		123 (45.4%)	63 (23.2%)	47 (17.3%)	14 (5.2%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.7%)	22 (8.1%)	85.9	14^th of 106 public elementary schools	86.8%		86.7	11^th of 109 public elementary schools	89.9%	3	55.8	51.2	78.9	58.1	52.3	75.5	54.6	57.8	61.5	$27,584
Forest Oak Elementary School	Public	K-5	55 South Meadowood Drive	Newark	19711	New Castle County	Red Clay Consolidated School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 454-3420	429	33	13.2		139 (32.4%)	30 (7.0%)	235 (54.8%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	22 (5.1%)	34	67^th of 106 public elementary schools	36.8%		44.2	54^th of 109 public elementary schools	50.5%	13	21.4	29.5	60.0	37.5	20.9	44.3	40.3	20.6	30.0	$24,451
Gallaher (Robert S.) Elementary School	Public	K-5	800 North Brownleaf Road	Newark	19713	New Castle County	Christina School District	No	No	No	Yes	(302) 454-2464	469	49	9.5		123 (26.2%)	148 (31.6%)	140 (29.9%)	29 (6.2%)	2 (0.4%)	1 (0.2%)	26 (5.5%)	46.7	56^th of 106 public elementary schools	47.2%		39.2	61^st of 109 public elementary schools	44.0%	5	23.3	38.3	62.5	43.5	39.8	46.6	50.7	31.0	30.1	$29,427

Frequently Asked Questions about Downes (John R.) Elementary School

How many students attend Downes (John R.) Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 346 students attended Downes (John R.) Elementary School.

What schools do graduates of Downes (John R.) Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Downes (John R.) Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Shue-Medill Middle School
High : Newark High School

What district is Downes (John R.) Elementary School in?

Christina School District

Is Downes (John R.) Elementary School a good school?

Downes (John R.) Elementary School ranks 49^th of 106 Delaware elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Downes (John R.) Elementary School?

Students at Downes (John R.) Elementary School are 39% White, 25% African American, 20% Hispanic, 10% Asian, 6% Two or more races.

Rate Downes (John R.) Elementary School!

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Latest Delaware data All new data »

2025–26 DeSSA, SAT & Smarter Balanced Assessments scoresNewAug 18, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataMar 23, 2026

2024–25 attendance dataJan 20, 2026

2021–22 through 2023–24 school spending dataJan 7, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Delaware 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.