Serving 357 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Downes (John R.) Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Delaware for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45% (which is higher than the Delaware state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the Delaware state average of 42%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Delaware state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Delaware state average of 61% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 357 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in DE
- Math Proficiency: 45% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DE Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Downes (John R.) Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Delaware for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Downes (John R.) Elementary School's student population of 357 students has declined by 29% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
357 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Downes (John R.) Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 201 schools in Delaware (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downes (John R.) Elementary School is 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#32 out of 201 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
21%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
9%
4%
Hispanic
18%
20%
Black
22%
31%
White
44%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
33%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DE Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downes (John R.) Elementary School's ranking?
Downes (John R.) Elementary School is ranked #32 out of 201 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Delaware.
What schools are Downes (John R.) Elementary School often compared to?
Downes (John R.) Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Park Place Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% DE state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% DE state average).
How many students attend Downes (John R.) Elementary School?
357 students attend Downes (John R.) Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Downes (John R.) Elementary School students are White, 22% of students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Asian, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Downes (John R.) Elementary School?
Downes (John R.) Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Delaware state average of 14:1.
What grades does Downes (John R.) Elementary School offer ?
Downes (John R.) Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Downes (John R.) Elementary School part of?
Downes (John R.) Elementary School is part of Christina School District.
School Calendar
View the Downes (John R.) Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
PK-12 Schools Closed-Middle & High Schools Parent Conferences / Elementary Professional Development
March 14, 2025 (Friday)
PK-12 Schools Closed - Grading Day / Paraprofessionals Professional Development (Offices Open)
March 31, 2025 (Monday)
PK-12 Schools & Offices Closed - Spring Break
April 18, 2025 (Friday)
PK-12 Schools & Offices Closed - Spring Break
April 21, 2025 (Monday)
PK-12 Schools Closed (Offices Open) - Spring Break
April 22, 2025 (Tuesday)
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