Serving 300 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 35-39% (which is approximately equal to the Michigan state average of 35%). 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 equal to the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 300 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Donald J. Yacks Elementary School serves the southern part of Harrison Township, MI, covering an area of approximately 1.7 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 1.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Donald J Yacks Elementary School's student population of 300 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
300 students
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
School Rankings
Donald J Yacks Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Donald J Yacks Elementary School is 0.57, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1039 out of 3025 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
5%
9%
Black
23%
18%
White
61%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
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 #1039 out of 3,025 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 Tenniswood Elementary School, Emma V Lobbestael Elementary School, South River Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% 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?
300 students attend Donald J Yacks Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Donald J Yacks Elementary School students are White, 23% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% 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 equal to the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Donald J Yacks Elementary School offer ?
Donald J Yacks Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
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
2 10/10/2025
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 :-)
3 10/10/2025
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
5 10/10/2025
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!
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