Average
#98 of 219 schools in DE
Top 44% in state
Downes (john R.) Elementary School
Elementary School · Christina School District
220 Casho Mill Road, Newark, DE 19711
Enrollment
357
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
6.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
357
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
6.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Delaware schools
#98 of 219
In Newark
#18 of 28
public schools
In district
#19 of 27
Christina School District
School environment
9.5 / 10
Excellent
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Downes (john R.) Elementary School
Elementary School in Newark · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
West Park Place Elementary School
1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Newark Center for Creative Learning
1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Downes (john R.) Elementary School
Downes (john R.) Elementary School is a public elementary school in Newark, DE, part of Christina School District. Downes (john R.) Elementary School serves approximately 357 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 12.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Downes (john R.) Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #98 of 219 schools in DE.
Structured state assessment records for Downes (john R.) Elementary School show 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.6 · Average
- District avg 7.5
- DE avg 6.7
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Downes (john R.) Elementary School — Students at Downes (john R.) Elementary School score 41% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Test Scores DE DESSA (2024-25)
Based on 90 test records from DE state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.8/10.
How Downes (john R.) Elementary School Compares
See how Downes (john R.) Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
220 Casho Mill Road, Newark, DE 19711
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Downes (john R.) Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. McVey (Joseph M.) Elementary School (rated 8.7/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Maclary (R. Elisabeth) Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Brookside Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 2.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Newark, see our Newark schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West Park Place Elementary School Newark | 1.1 mi | 8.1 |
| NEWARK CENTER FOR CREATIVE LEARNING Newark | 1.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Newark Charter School Newark | 2.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Newark High School Newark | 2.0 mi | 5.7 |
| McVey (Joseph M.) Elementary School Newark | 2.5 mi | 8.7 |
| THE COLLEGE SCHOOL Newark | 2.2 mi | 6.0 |
| UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE LAB PRESCHOOL Newark | 2.2 mi | — |
| Maclary (R. Elisabeth) Elementary School Newark | 2.5 mi | 8.2 |
| Cecil Manor Elementary Elkton | 2.8 mi | 4.7 |
| THE NEW SCHOOL Newark | 3.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Brookside Elementary School Newark | 2.9 mi | 8.2 |
| Brader (Henry M.) Elementary School Newark | 4.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Gauger-Cobbs Middle School Newark | 3.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Glasgow High School Newark | 4.1 mi | 3.8 |
| Brennen School (The) Newark | 3.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Kirk (George V.) Middle School Newark | 3.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Smith (Jennie E.) Elementary School Newark | 3.6 mi | 7.6 |
| Christina Early Education Center Newark | 3.7 mi | 6.1 |
| TOWLE INSTITUTE Newark | 3.9 mi | 4.4 |
| Delaware School for the Deaf Newark | 3.8 mi | 4.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 19711 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$94,455
Median Home Value
$376,300
Median Rent
$1,516/mo
Population
49,113
College Educated
52.7%
Homeownership
65.5%
Avg Commute
21.8 min
Poverty Rate
14.9%
Median Age
35.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Clayton Elementary School Clayton, DE | 6.5 |
| East Side Charter School Wilmington, DE | 6.5 |
| Fairview Elementary School Dover, DE | 6.7 |
| Harlan (David W. ) Elementary School Wilmington, DE | 6.7 |
| THE INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL Newark, DE | 6.7 |
| Gallaher (Robert S.) Elementary School Newark, DE | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Downes (john R.) Elementary School
What grades does Downes (john R.) Elementary School serve?
Downes (john R.) Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Downes (john R.) Elementary School?
Downes (john R.) Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 357 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Downes (john R.) Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Downes (john R.) Elementary School is 12.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Downes (john R.) Elementary School rank in DE?
Downes (john R.) Elementary School ranks #98 of 219 schools in DE.
What is Downes (john R.) Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Downes (john R.) Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Downes (john R.) Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Downes (john R.) Elementary School has 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Downes (john R.) Elementary School a charter school?
No, Downes (john R.) Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Downes (john R.) Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Downes (john R.) Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 357
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- New Castle County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 28.3%
- Phone
- (302) 454-2133
Resources & Links
District
Christina School District- District Enrollment
- 13,076
- Schools in District
- 29
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $33,954
- District Rank
- #19 of 27
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