William Kelley Elementary

William Kelley Elementary is a PK–5 public school in Silver Bay, Minnesota, serving 143 students as part of the Lake Superior Public School District. Silver Bay sits on the North Shore of Lake Superior, and because there are no other schools within 20 miles, the most useful comparisons for families are the district and the state as a whole.

The 2025–2026 school year was a strong rebound. The school ranked 304th of 869 Minnesota schools — the 65th percentile, 3 stars — after dropping to the 20th percentile (1 star) the year before. It outperformed both the district and the state in all-grade math, reading, and science. Math was the standout at 59.1% proficient, well above the district's 36% and the state's 44.9%. Reading came in at 53.1%, above the district's 47.9% and the state's 48.6%. Science was the weakest subject at 27.3%, only slightly above district and state, and far below the school's own 55.56% in 2023–2024.

Results vary considerably by grade. Third and fourth grade math are very strong at 81% and 69.6%, but 5th grade math is 27.3%, below the state's 41.9%. Third grade reading, at 42.9%, falls below both district and state, while 4th and 5th grade reading are above the state. With only 143 students, small class sizes can swing year-to-year results, so single-year numbers should be read with caution. The school's effectiveness rankings show it serving students from low-income families very well — 88th percentile, 4 stars in 2025–2026 — and male students improved to the 64th percentile from the 13th. The district overall ranks in the 48th percentile, making this school a relative bright spot locally.