Serving 262 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Justus Gage Elementary School ranks in the bottom 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 30-34% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 262 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Justus Gage Elementary School serves the southeast part of Dowagiac, MI, covering an area of approximately 1.7 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 1.1 miles away from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Justus Gage Elementary School's student population of 262 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
262 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
To educate all individuals to their maximum potential.
School Rankings
Justus Gage Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Justus Gage Elementary School is 0.53, which is less 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
#1897 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
35%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
16:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
3%
1%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
16%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
7%
18%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
66%
63%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.2%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
69%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Justus Gage Elementary School's ranking?
Justus Gage Elementary School is ranked #1897 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Justus Gage Elementary School often compared to?
Justus Gage Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kincheloe Elementary School, Patrick Hamilton Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Justus Gage Elementary School?
262 students attend Justus Gage Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Justus Gage Elementary School students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Black, and 3% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Justus Gage Elementary School?
Justus Gage Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Justus Gage Elementary School offer ?
Justus Gage Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Justus Gage Elementary School part of?
Justus Gage Elementary School is part of Dowagiac Union School District.
School Reviews
Review Justus Gage Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
