Redwood Elementary

Redwood Elementary in Hartford, MI, serves 516 students in Kindergarten through 5th grade and is part of the Hartford Public Schools district, a rural community where nearly 89% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Redwood Elementary faces significant academic challenges, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math running roughly 10-20 percentage points below state averages. For example, only 19.2% of 3rd graders are proficient in ELA compared to the state average of 38.2%. The school holds a 1-star rating and ranks in the bottom quarter of Michigan elementary schools. However, there are encouraging signs. The school has shown gradual improvement, moving from the 5th percentile in 2020-2021 to the 28th percentile in 2025-2026. Math scores in the lower grades have improved, and chronic absenteeism at 25.9% is actually better than the district average of 33.7% and slightly better than the state average. Notably, the school appears relatively effective with its low-income students, who rank in the 35th percentile statewide—the only subgroup to earn a 2-star rating.

When compared to nearby schools, the picture is mixed. Sister Lakes Elementary, just 8.4 miles away, serves a similar demographic (67% free/reduced lunch) but outperforms Redwood by 15-20 percentage points in most subjects, suggesting poverty alone doesn't determine outcomes. Redwood spends about $14,680 per student—less than Covert Elementary ($24,898) and Davis Elementary ($19,130)—yet achieves comparable or better results than Covert. The school also shows an unusual gender pattern: male students rank higher statewide (26th percentile) than female students (15th percentile). While significant work remains, Redwood's improving trajectory and relatively efficient spending provide a foundation for future growth.