Summary
Cascades Elementary School is a public magnet elementary school in Jackson, Michigan, serving 398 students in grades K-5. While part of the Jackson Public Schools district, which is ranked 477 out of 613 districts in the state, Cascades Elementary consistently underperforms both state and district averages in academic achievement.
Across all grade levels and subject areas, Cascades Elementary's M-Step test scores lag significantly behind state averages. For example, in the 2024-2025 school year, only 21.9% of 3rd graders, 9.62% of 4th graders, and 19.6% of 5th graders were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to state averages of 38.9%, 42.4%, and 44.4%, respectively. The school also struggles with extremely high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 29.5% to 51.4% over the past few years, much higher than state and district norms. Additionally, Cascades Elementary serves a student population that is predominantly from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with 89.95% to 93.59% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.
While Cascades Elementary spends a relatively high amount per student, ranging from $15,878 to $20,288 per year, its performance lags behind nearby schools like Sharp Park Academy and JPS Montessori Center, which have much higher academic achievement and lower chronic absenteeism rates. Cascades Elementary has consistently ranked in the bottom 10-20% of Michigan elementary schools for several years, indicating a need for a comprehensive, long-term strategy to address the school's challenges and drive sustainable improvement.
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