Summary:
Zip code 19901, encompassing the Dover and Camden areas of Delaware, is home to 6 elementary schools serving approximately 2,443 students across the Capital School District and the Caesar Rodney School District, with grade configurations ranging from K-4 to 1-5.
Families in this zip code face a stark choice, as the two districts deliver dramatically different results. The standout is Major George S. Welch Elementary School, ranking in the top 5% of all Delaware elementary schools with a 95th percentile score and 5 stars. It posts exceptional proficiency rates—79.7% in 4th grade ELA and 86.4% in 5th grade Social Studies—while maintaining the lowest student-teacher ratio in the area at 9:1 and a chronic absenteeism rate of just 10.6%. Allen Frear Elementary School is a close second, ranking in the 92nd percentile with consistent 60-69% proficiency across ELA and Math, the lowest chronic absenteeism in the zip code at 8.5%, and a 12.2:1 student-teacher ratio. At the other end of the spectrum, East Dover Elementary School ranks in the 7th percentile with 0 stars, showing just 14.1-14.5% Math proficiency and a 20.8% chronic absenteeism rate, while South Dover Elementary School (6th percentile) and Towne Point Elementary School (20th percentile) also struggle significantly.
The data reveals that money doesn't guarantee success—Major George S. Welch spends the most per student ($18,374) and achieves the best results, but East Dover spends nearly as much ($17,553) with the worst outcomes, while Allen Frear spends the least ($10,213) yet excels. Chronic absenteeism is a powerful predictor: top performers have roughly half the absenteeism of struggling schools. Star Hill Elementary School offers a glimmer of hope, showing significant year-over-year improvement in 5th grade ELA (from 25.3% to 45.6%) despite its mid-pack 28th percentile ranking, suggesting an upward trajectory for families considering this option.
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