Serving 375 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Darden Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Indiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 13% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 41%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Indiana state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Indiana state average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 375 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IN
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Darden Primary Center serves the northeast part of South Bend, IN, covering an area of approximately 14.8 square miles. Families in this zone can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 4.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Darden Elementary School's student population of 375 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
375 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Darden Elementary School provides a safe environment in which the school community works together to celebrate diversity, recognize the individuality of students, promote the development of self-motivated citizens, and improve academic achievement.
School Rankings
Darden Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,743 schools in Indiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Darden Elementary School is 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1517 out of 1743 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
34%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
11%
15%
Black
32%
14%
White
38%
62%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)79.5%
23.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Darden Elementary School's ranking?
Darden Elementary School is ranked #1517 out of 1,743 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Indiana.
What schools are Darden Elementary School often compared to?
Darden Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Swanson Traditional School, Clay International Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% IN state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% IN state average).
How many students attend Darden Elementary School?
375 students attend Darden Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Darden Elementary School students are White, 32% of students are Black, 15% of students are Two or more races, 11% of students are Hispanic, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Darden Elementary School?
Darden Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Indiana state average of 15:1.
What grades does Darden Elementary School offer ?
Darden Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Darden Elementary School part of?
Darden Elementary School is part of South Bend Community School Corp School District.
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