Serving 346 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 40-44% (which is higher than the Delaware state average of 31%). 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 11:1 is lower than the Delaware state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Delaware state average of 62% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 346 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in DE
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Downes (John R.) Elementary School serves the northwest part of Newark, DE, covering an area of approximately 8.4 square miles. Most students live within a 5 to 10-minute drive, with an average distance of 1.8 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 2.9 miles.
- 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
School Overview
Downes (John R.) Elementary School's student population of 346 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
346 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Year Founded
1965
School Calendar
School Rankings
Downes (John R.) Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 199 schools in Delaware (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downes (John R.) Elementary School is 0.74, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#39 out of 199 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
31%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
42%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
21%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
10%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
20%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
25%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
39%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.2%
24.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
33%
Showing 2012–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
3%
5%
Showing 2004–2013. View full 15-year historical data
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 #39 out of 199 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?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% 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?
346 students attend Downes (John R.) Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Downes (John R.) Elementary School students are White, 25% of students are Black, 20% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Asian, and 6% 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 11:1, which is lower than the Delaware state average of 15:1.
What grades does Downes (John R.) Elementary School offer ?
Downes (John R.) Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Downes (John R.) Elementary School part of?
Downes (John R.) Elementary School is part of Christina School District.
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