Wilbur (Kathleen H.) Elementary

Wilbur (Kathleen H.) Elementary is a large K-5 school in Bear, DE, serving 1,052 students as part of the Colonial School District. The school holds a steady 2-star rating and ranks in the mid-to-lower tier statewide, though it consistently outperforms its own district across most subjects and grade levels.

One of the school's standout strengths is its exceptional support for English Language Learners (ELL). In the most recent school year, Wilbur ranked 8th out of 21 schools statewide for this group—a 3-star performance that far exceeds its overall ranking. This suggests highly effective, targeted programs for students learning English. Another bright spot is the school's low chronic absenteeism rate of 11.3%, which is dramatically better than both the district average (24.8%) and the state average (17.1%). This indicates strong student engagement and a welcoming environment. Wilbur also shines in 5th-grade Social Studies, where 66% of students scored proficient—beating both the district and state averages. However, there is a persistent gender gap, with female students consistently outperforming males, and a notable decline in performance for White students over the past few years that families may want to ask about.

Compared to nearby schools in the Appoquinimink School District, such as Loss (Olive B.) Elementary and Crystal Run Elementary, Wilbur's proficiency rates in reading and math are notably lower—typically in the 25-35% range versus 60%+ at those top-performing schools. This gap likely reflects differing community resources, but it's important context for parents comparing options. Within its own district, however, Wilbur is a relative bright spot, and its strong ELL support and improving attendance make it a solid choice for many families, especially those with English learners.