Skip to main content

Average

#1209 of 1,823 schools in IN

Cowan Elementary School

Elementary School · Cowan Community School Corp

1000 W CR 600 S, Muncie, IN 47302

Enrollment

436

Student-Teacher

15.6:1

Score

5.6

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Indiana schools

#1,209 of 1,823

In Muncie

#8 of 18

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Cowan Community School Corp

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Cowan Elementary School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Cowan Elementary School

5.6/10

Elementary School in Muncie · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cowan High School

6.1/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Muncie Virtual Academy

Nearby

3.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Cowan Elementary School

Cowan Elementary School is a public elementary school in Muncie, IN, part of Cowan Community School Corp. Cowan Elementary School serves approximately 436 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 15.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Cowan Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,209 of 1,823 schools in IN.

Structured state assessment records for Cowan Elementary School show 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.0 pts below IN schools
  • This school 5.6 · Average
  • IN avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Cowan Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.2Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.58 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.2Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency47.9% (2025 ILEARN)
Reading/ELA Proficiency28.1% (2025 ILEARN)
Math vs. State Avg-3.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-12.1 pts
Overall Proficiency38% (2025 ILEARN, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)38% (model expectation from 2025 ILEARN)
vs. Expected+0.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile46th
Resources & Environment5.8Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,494
Chronic Absenteeism17.7%

Cowan Elementary School — Students at Cowan Elementary School score 38% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

55%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 60.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
44.9% (2025 ILEARN)
ELA Proficiency 55.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
40.7% (2025 ILEARN)

Based on 40 test records from IN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
89%
ELA
80%
2010
Math
81%
ELA
74%
2011
Math
76%
ELA
80%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
83%
2013
Math
88%
ELA
89%
2014
Math
73%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
70%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
66%
ELA
65%
2017
Math
68%
ELA
69%
2018
Math
50%
ELA
51%
2019
Math
50%
ELA
51%
2020*
Math
37%
ELA
33%
2021*
Math
37%
ELA
33%
2022
Math
39%
2025
Math
47.8%
ELA
28.8%

* 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: 5.2/10.

How Cowan Elementary School Compares

See how Cowan Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.6/10
34th percentile in IN
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
5.2/10
Average
Environment
5.8/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
55%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
28 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
17.7%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1000 W CR 600 S, Muncie, IN 47302

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Cowan Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. ST MICHAEL SCHOOL (rated 8.7/10, 6.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 6.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, East Washington Academy (rated 7.5/10, 6.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Muncie, see our Muncie schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Cowan High School Muncie 0.2 mi 6.1
Muncie Virtual Academy Muncie 3.4 mi
Southside Middle School Muncie 4.1 mi 3.8
Grissom Elementary School Muncie 4.3 mi 2.8
South View Elementary School Muncie 4.8 mi 2.4
Inspire Academy - A Sch of Inquiry Muncie 5.1 mi 3.2
Youth Opportunity Center Muncie 5.5 mi 4.9
Excel Center - Muncie Indianapolis 5.9 mi 2.9
ST MICHAEL SCHOOL Muncie 6.2 mi 8.7
ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Muncie 6.2 mi 8.0
East Washington Academy Muncie 6.2 mi 7.5
Indiana Academy for Sci Math Hmn Muncie 6.2 mi 9.3
Burris Laboratory School Muncie 6.3 mi 7.9
West View Elementary School Muncie 6.3 mi 4.6
Muncie Central High School Muncie 6.6 mi 3.9
Longfellow Elementary School Muncie 7.2 mi 3.3
Northside Middle School Muncie 7.4 mi 5.2
North View Elementary School Muncie 8.1 mi 5.3
Yorktown Elementary School Yorktown 7.0 mi 7.0
Yorktown Middle School Yorktown 7.0 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 47302 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$47,185

Median Home Value

$70,800

Median Rent

$865/mo

Population

25,365

College Educated

11.5%

Homeownership

65%

Avg Commute

23.9 min

Poverty Rate

25.1%

Median Age

39.6

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL South Bend, IN 5.6
Caston Elementary School Rochester, IN 5.6
Crestdale Elementary School Richmond, IN 5.6
Eastern Greene Elementary School Bloomfield, IN 5.6
George M Riddle Elementary School Rochester, IN 5.6
Hoosier Prairie Elementary School Terre Haute, IN 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cowan Elementary School

What grades does Cowan Elementary School serve?

Cowan Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Cowan Elementary School?

Cowan Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 436 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Cowan Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Cowan Elementary School is 15.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Cowan Elementary School rank in IN?

Cowan Elementary School ranks #1,209 of 1,823 schools in IN.

What is Cowan Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Cowan Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 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 Cowan Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Cowan Elementary School has 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Cowan Elementary School a charter school?

No, Cowan Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Cowan Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Cowan Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cowan Elementary School?

55.0% of students at Cowan Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
436
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
28
Free/Reduced Lunch
55.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Delaware County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
17.7%

District

Cowan Community School Corp
District Enrollment
786
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,494
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.