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Elmwood Elementary School

Q: Is Elmwood Elementary School a good school?

Elmwood Elementary School ranks 931 st of 1492 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 3-5

931^st

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,492 Michigan Elementary Schools

Better than 38% of Michigan elementary schools

Summary

Elmwood Elementary School in Saint Clair Shores, MI, serves 305 students in grades 3 through 5 as part of the South Lake Schools district, and has been steadily climbing the state rankings over the past several years.

Elmwood is on a clear upward trajectory. The school has improved its statewide percentile ranking for four consecutive years, moving from the 16th percentile in 2021-2022 to the 38th percentile in 2025-2026. This progress is also reflected in the school's chronic absenteeism rate, which has dropped dramatically from 50.8% in 2021-2022 to 25.5% in 2024-2025—now better than the district average of 31.3%, though still slightly above the state average of 27.9%. When compared to nearby schools, Elmwood's 4th-grade ELA proficiency (33.3%) is more than double that of Tyrone Elementary School (13.6%), but it trails significantly behind higher-performing neighbors like Ardmore Elementary School (63%) in the Lakeview Public Schools (Macomb) district.

Despite substantial investments—Elmwood spends $18,541 per student and maintains a low student-teacher ratio of 13.8, both among the highest in its immediate area—math proficiency remains a significant challenge. In the 2025-2026 school year, math proficiency rates ranged from 22.6% in 5th grade to 34.9% in 3rd grade, consistently falling 8 to 17 percentage points below state averages. Interestingly, the school shows a notable strength in serving its African American students, who ranked in the 54th percentile statewide. The contrast between Elmwood's high spending and average results, compared to schools like Princeton Elementary School which spends less ($14,064) yet achieves higher proficiency, suggests that while resources are plentiful, their effectiveness may warrant further attention.

305

Students ?

13.8

Student/teacher ratio ?

$18,541

Per pupil spending ?

52.8%

Free/reduced lunch eligible (2024-25) ?

All students in Michigan receive free school meals.

22700 California St
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080-3824

(586) 435-1101

District: South Lake Schools

Students who attend Elmwood Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	South Lake Middle School
High:	South Lake High School

Racial breakdown:

African American:

54.4%

White:

32.1%

Two or more races:

9.5%

See top rated Michigan elementary schools

Compare Elmwood Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Rebounding — 11th percentile in 2021 → 38th in 2026

Strengths

✓Ranking is rebounding — up to 38th (2026) from a 11th-percentile low (2021)

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Michigan average (31% vs 38% meeting standards)

!Social Studies scores 11 pts below the Michigan average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school31%

District avg31%

Michigan avg38%

931^st of 1,492

Michigan public elementary schools ?

Bottom 38%▼ down 21 pts since 2016

From top 42% (2016) to bottom 38% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Michigan Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

513^th of 625South Lake Schools among Michigan 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	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	34.6	931 of 1492	37.6%	★★☆☆☆
2025	33.7	959 of 1488	35.6%	★★☆☆☆
2024	23.4	1112 of 1486	25.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	26.7	1045 of 1470	28.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	16.2	1134 of 1344	15.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	14.0	1031 of 1153	10.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	40.6	822 of 1408	41.6%	★★☆☆☆
2018	52.9	742 of 1448	48.8%	★★☆☆☆
2017	55.3	588 of 1466	59.9%	★★★☆☆
2016	57.8	644 of 1548	58.4%	★★★☆☆
2015	62.2	577 of 1580	63.5%	★★★☆☆
2014	56.8	701 of 1533	54.3%	★★★☆☆
2013	44.5	940 of 1563	39.9%	★★☆☆☆
2012	51.9	801 of 1566	48.9%	★★☆☆☆
2011	64.4	641 of 1552	58.7%	★★★☆☆
2010	69.9	522 of 1552	66.4%	★★★☆☆
2009	69.5	529 of 1589	66.7%	★★★☆☆
2008	66.2	601 of 1577	61.9%	★★★☆☆
2007	69.6	462 of 1565	70.5%	★★★★☆
2006	72.3	369 of 1545	76.1%	★★★★☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	46.1	178 of 388	54.1%	★★★☆☆
2025	39.9	194 of 369	47.4%	★★☆☆☆
2024	42.3	172 of 348	50.6%	★★★☆☆
2023	33.4	199 of 321	38.0%	★★☆☆☆
2022	30.5	107 of 158	32.3%	★★☆☆☆
2021	27.6	40 of 51	21.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	62.5	121 of 475	74.5%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	32.8	865 of 1343	35.6%	★★☆☆☆
2025	27.6	963 of 1338	28.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	21.1	1070 of 1342	20.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	20.7	1052 of 1321	20.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	8.2	1061 of 1106	4.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	9.1	870 of 902	3.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	29.4	856 of 1171	26.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	48.2	796 of 1443	44.8%	★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	30.8	940 of 1352	30.5%	★★☆☆☆
2025	34.2	893 of 1346	33.7%	★★☆☆☆
2024	27.2	1041 of 1381	24.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	30.6	951 of 1350	29.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	22.0	901 of 1099	18.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	18.2	674 of 749	10.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	37.2	745 of 1134	34.3%	★★☆☆☆
2018	61.3	487 of 1397	65.1%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	28.7	956 of 1372	30.3%	★★☆☆☆
2025	30.8	936 of 1366	31.5%	★★☆☆☆
2024	20.4	1081 of 1347	19.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	25.4	980 of 1334	26.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	16.3	982 of 1139	13.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	12.3	858 of 915	6.2%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	42.5	691 of 1196	42.2%	★★☆☆☆
2018	53.6	694 of 1446	52.0%	★★★☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	67.6	21 of 93	77.4%	★★★★☆
2023	50.7	29 of 81	64.2%	★★★☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	46.5	128 of 252	49.2%	★★☆☆☆
2023	32.5	144 of 195	26.2%	★☆☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	58.7	465 of 1199	61.2%	★★★☆☆
2025	53.6	542 of 1206	55.1%	★★★☆☆
2024	28.2	886 of 1204	26.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	49.6	586 of 1198	51.1%	★★★☆☆
2022	30.3	785 of 1102	28.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	33.2	693 of 1005	31.0%	★★☆☆☆
2019	51.8	533 of 1128	52.7%	★★★☆☆
2018	60.6	470 of 1253	62.5%	★★★☆☆

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)

Multi-racial (2025)77th percentile+42 vs school

White (2026)61st percentile+24 vs school

African American (2026)54th percentile+17 vs school

Special Education (2025)49th percentile+14 vs school

Female (2026)36th percentile~ school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)30th percentile-7 vs school

Male (2026)30th percentile-7 vs school

By subject vs Michigan (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts36%-5 vs state

Science34%-6 vs state

Math28%-10 vs state

Social Studies17%-11 vs state

4.7

6 ratings · 6 written reviews

5★4

4★2

3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a parent
Friday, October 19, 2018

This school's staff and community create a wonderful learning environment for children. I've been very impressed. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

I have been part of the South Lake family for many years. The amazing and dedicated staff members put students and learning first. Teachers, parents, administrators and support staff work together to provide positive learning opportunities for all students. Close Quote

by a teacher
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

It is an honor to teach with the dedicated, passionate professional teachers in this district. The families we work with are amazing. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

I can't say enough positive things about this school. Both of my sons are thriving here. The entire staff is committed to student success. I love the family/community feeling of the school and the participation of not only families but community businesses in supporting the school. I am proud to have my children in South Lake Schools. Close Quote

by a student
Tuesday, October 8, 2013

I grew up in the South Lake district. I attended Elmwood and later tutored there. Now I help out there when I can while I am in college. I hope to one day teach there. The teachers there are dedicated to their students. Most of the teachers in the district have been teaching there for many years. I cannot think of any reason not to put your children in the South Lake district. It is a caring community of hard workers. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, September 19, 2010

My daughter is doing very well at Elmwood and their curriculum is fantastic. She's taking Spanish this year and we're all very excited. Great teachers and good energy throughout the school. Don't know much about the new principal but the teachers seem to like her and respect her input so far. Close Quote

Schools Near Elmwood 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 Vaccination Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				M-Step English Language Arts (2026)			M-Step Math (2026)			M-Step Science (2026)	M-Step Social Studies (2026)	Vaccination (2025-26)		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/reduced lunch (2024-25)	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	M-Step English Language Arts 3rd Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 4th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 5th Grade	M-Step Math 3rd Grade	M-Step Math 4th Grade	M-Step Math 5th Grade	M-Step Science 5th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 5th Grade	Vaccination: Kindergartners complete for all required vaccines	Vaccination: Exemption rate	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Elmwood Elementary School	Public	3-5	22700 California St	Saint Clair Shores	48080	Macomb County	South Lake Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(586) 435-1101	305	22	13.8	52.8%	98 (32.1%)	166 (54.4%)	9 (3.0%)	2 (0.7%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	29 (9.5%)	34.6	931^st of 1492 public elementary schools	37.6%		33.7	959^th of 1488 public elementary schools	35.6%	28	36.8	33.3	38.1	34.9	25.2	22.6	34.5	16.7			$18,541	$1,705	$16,835
Stevens T Mason Elementary School	Public	K-4	1640 Vernier Rd	Grosse Pointe Woods	48236	Wayne County	Grosse Pointe Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(313) 432-4400	274	22	12.3	39.1%	149 (54.4%)	89 (32.5%)	8 (2.9%)	1 (0.4%)	3 (1.1%)	1 (0.4%)	23 (8.4%)	40.6	851^st of 1492 public elementary schools	43.0%		49.6	722^nd of 1488 public elementary schools	51.5%	129	37.3	39.2		33.3	31.4				88.6%	9.1%	$22,767	$1,634	$21,133
Ferry Elementary School	Public	K-4	748 Roslyn Rd	Grosse Pointe Woods	48236	Wayne County	Grosse Pointe Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(313) 432-4100	357	20	18.0	11.5%	293 (82.1%)	28 (7.8%)	13 (3.6%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (5.9%)	74.2	349^th of 1492 public elementary schools	76.6%		79.2	281^st of 1488 public elementary schools	81.1%	68	50.0	61.4		59.7	42.9				87.5%	7.8%	$19,577	$736	$18,842
Avalon Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-2	20000 Avalon St	Saint Clair Shores	48080	Macomb County	South Lake Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(586) 435-1001	345	19	18.1	58.0%	113 (32.8%)	186 (53.9%)	16 (4.6%)	5 (1.4%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	23 (6.7%)								(n/a)									90.3%	7.5%	$15,403	$2,207	$13,195
Harmon Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	24800 Harmon St	Saint Clair Shores	48080	Macomb County	Lakeview Public Schools (Macomb)	No	No	No	Yes	(586) 445-4184	317	19	17.1	57.1%	184 (58.0%)	69 (21.8%)	19 (6.0%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	44 (13.9%)	39.6	869^th of 1492 public elementary schools	41.8%		40.4	858^th of 1488 public elementary schools	42.3%	11	28.6	25.9	50.0	44.9	29.6	30.4	28.3	26.1	87.8%	4.1%	$15,649	$870	$14,779
Princeton Elementary School	Public	K-5	20300 Statler St	Saint Clair Shores	48081	Macomb County	Lakeview Public Schools (Macomb)	No	No	No	No	(586) 445-4190	652	34	19.2	43.4%	463 (71.0%)	80 (12.3%)	41 (6.3%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	66 (10.1%)	65.5	486^th of 1492 public elementary schools	67.4%		66.1	477^th of 1488 public elementary schools	67.9%	9	36.9	50.9	57.9	32.1	39.1	50.8	55.6	33.3	93.1%	5.9%	$14,064	$547	$13,517
John Monteith Elementary School	Public	K-4	1275 Cook Rd	Grosse Pointe Woods	48236	Wayne County	Grosse Pointe Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(313) 432-4500	456	30	15.2	16.7%	311 (68.2%)	73 (16.0%)	13 (2.9%)	12 (2.6%)	1 (0.2%)	2 (0.4%)	44 (9.6%)	77	307^th of 1492 public elementary schools	79.4%		77.8	294^th of 1488 public elementary schools	80.2%	13	59.6	52.2		53.2	54.3				93.1%	5.9%	$17,742	$1,106	$16,636
Tyrone Elementary School	Public, Magnet	3-5	19525 Tyrone St	Harper Woods	48225	Wayne County	Harper Woods The School District of the City of	No	Yes	No	Yes	(313) 245-5379	336	16	20.6	89.0%	3 (0.9%)	323 (96.1%)	4 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (1.8%)	6.9	1440^th of 1492 public elementary schools	3.5%		6.3	1442^nd of 1488 public elementary schools	3.1%	2	5.0	13.6	21.6	7.6	1361.2	2.9	11.8	5.9			$17,674	$1,893	$15,781
Forest Park Elementary School	Public	K-5	18361 Forest Ave	Eastpointe	48021	Macomb County	Eastpointe Community Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(586) 533-3300	356	17	20.8	85.4%	45 (12.6%)	275 (77.2%)	11 (3.1%)	4 (1.1%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (5.6%)	6.1	1457^th of 1492 public elementary schools	2.3%					(n/a)	5.8	10.8	13.2	5.8	1365.7	1462.9	18.4	1470.7	87.5%	5.4%	$13,795	$2,735	$11,060
Ardmore Elementary School	Public	K-5	27001 Greater Mack Ave	Saint Clair Shores	48081	Macomb County	Lakeview Public Schools (Macomb)	No	No	No	No	(586) 445-4160	370	19	19.2	29.5%	297 (80.3%)	20 (5.4%)	18 (4.9%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	33 (8.9%)	66.8	455^th of 1492 public elementary schools	69.5%		58.3	590^th of 1488 public elementary schools	60.3%	135	59.6	63.0	50.0	63.5	59.3	37.5	35.4	10.4	95%	3.3%	$14,462	$557	$13,905

Frequently Asked Questions about Elmwood Elementary School

What schools do graduates of Elmwood Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Elmwood Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : South Lake Middle School
High : South Lake High School

Is Elmwood Elementary School a good school?

Elmwood Elementary School ranks 931^st of 1492 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Elmwood Elementary School?

Students at Elmwood Elementary School are 54% African American, 32% White, 10% Two or more races, 3% Hispanic.

What district is Elmwood Elementary School in?

South Lake Schools

How many students attend Elmwood Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 305 students attended Elmwood Elementary School.

Rate Elmwood Elementary School!

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Schools in Saint Clair Shores, MI

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Latest Michigan data All new data »

2024–25 school spending data (updated)NewNov 2, 2026

2021–22 through 2025–26 immunization rates (updated)Oct 19, 2026

2025–26 M-Step, PSAT & SAT test scoresSep 4, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

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