Serving 323 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Donald J Yacks Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 36% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 323 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Donald J Yacks Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Donald J Yacks Elementary School's student population of 323 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
323 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Donald J Yacks Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,069 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Donald J Yacks Elementary School is 0.56, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.55. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1018 out of 3069 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
5%
9%
Black
21%
18%
White
62%
64%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Donald J Yacks Elementary School's ranking?
Donald J Yacks Elementary School is ranked #1018 out of 3,069 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Donald J Yacks Elementary School often compared to?
Donald J Yacks Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Emma V Lobbestael Elementary School, Tenniswood Elementary School, South River Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% MI state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Donald J Yacks Elementary School?
323 students attend Donald J Yacks Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Donald J Yacks Elementary School students are White, 21% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Donald J Yacks Elementary School?
Donald J Yacks Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Donald J Yacks Elementary School offer ?
Donald J Yacks Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Donald J Yacks Elementary School part of?
Donald J Yacks Elementary School is part of L'anse Creuse School District.
School Reviews
5 9/9/2017
MY granddaughter is so excited about school I pray her first year here at Yacks- kindergarten is wonderful for her young beginning i will be watching in a loving way thank you my children also went to Yacks and graduated!
3 8/2/2017
My son has been attending Tacks since Kindergarten . I have say I haven't had any issues up to this point he will be going into the fourth grade this year last school year his teacher was absent a lot like every week his class had a substitute and I can tell it affected my some performance also the work he was given in class were just a bunch of work sheets, im not sure how his teacher was interacting with class through worksheet. Diversity among the students has increase in the time he has attended but not the staff Yacks will also have a new principle this year . I have and still are considering transferring him to another school either Atwood or Tenniswood
2 2/17/2011
My feelings about Yacks are mixed. I have two children: one in K. The other in third grade. My son is the oldest. He was attending a DPS where he was constantly teased and bullied due to his Autism. He has had very little problems at Yacks regarding that issue. I commend the school for teaching Respect among other noble traits. He likes the school pretty well. So that means a lot!
My daughter likes the school too and is learning how to read, count to 100. They do multiplication: 2's, 5's, and 10's! So, I'm really impressed.
What I don't like about the staff is it's lack of diversity. There isn't ANY other races there who teach but White. The office staff as well and administrators are too. And while I don't mind White staff, I wouldn't mind seeing some others in there too. Now, there is one Black man there, the janitor! Firthermore,the office staff is less than friendly. And a lot of the staff are unfriendly too.
Although my son is happy. And my daughter seems to like it okay, they won't be attending next year. The world is a rainbow. I want them to see all its beautiful colors :-)
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