Average
#1396 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
5.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
436
Student-Teacher
15.6:1
Score
5.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Muncie
#13 of 18
public schools
Indiana elementary schools
#811 of 1,047
In district
#2 of 2
Cowan Community School Corp
About Cowan Elementary School
Cowan Elementary School is a regular public elementary school nestled in the rural outskirts of Muncie, Indiana. Serving students from kindergarten through sixth grade, Cowan Elementary has an enrollment of 436 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.6:1 with 28 full-time equivalent teachers. The school's academic performance places it around the 29th percentile in Indiana, with room for improvement particularly in science where proficiency rates are currently at zero percent across all grades.
In reading and math, 28% and 32% of students respectively meet or exceed proficiency standards. Despite these challenges, Cowan Elementary offers a nurturing environment that focuses on the individual development of each student. Located in a rural area near the town of Muncie, Cowan Elementary is an integral part of its close-knit community, providing educational support and opportunities for local families.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Cowan Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Cowan Elementary School — Students at Cowan Elementary School score 38% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
55%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)
Based on 18 test records from IN 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: 4.7/10.
How Cowan Elementary School Compares
See how Cowan Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 50% (2019) to 47.9% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 51% (2019) to 28.15% (2025).
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 7.8/10, 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 | 5.5 |
| Muncie Virtual Academy Muncie | 3.4 mi | — |
| Southside Middle School Muncie | 4.1 mi | 5.2 |
| Grissom Elementary School Muncie | 4.3 mi | 6.9 |
| South View Elementary School Muncie | 4.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Inspire Academy - A Sch of Inquiry Muncie | 5.1 mi | 3.3 |
| Youth Opportunity Center Muncie | 5.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Excel Center - Muncie Indianapolis | 5.9 mi | 3.5 |
| 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 | 7.8 |
| Indiana Academy for Sci Math Hmn Muncie | 6.2 mi | 7.8 |
| Burris Laboratory School Muncie | 6.3 mi | 5.1 |
| West View Elementary School Muncie | 6.3 mi | 4.1 |
| Muncie Central High School Muncie | 6.6 mi | 4.1 |
| Longfellow Elementary School Muncie | 7.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Northside Middle School Muncie | 7.4 mi | 6.9 |
| North View Elementary School Muncie | 8.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Yorktown Elementary School Yorktown | 7.0 mi | 5.6 |
| 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cowan Elementary School has a median household income of $47,185. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $70,800, with a median rent of $865/month. The area has a poverty rate of 25.1%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Aurora Elementary School Aurora, IN | 5.2 |
| Fayette Elementary School West Terre Haute, IN | 5.2 |
| Joan Martin Elementary School Hobart, IN | 5.2 |
| Meadowlawn Elementary School Monticello, IN | 5.2 |
| Morgan Township Elementary School Valparaiso, IN | 5.2 |
| North Vernon Elementary School North Vernon, IN | 5.2 |
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 is ranked #1396 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Cowan Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cowan Elementary School has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Cowan Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cowan Elementary School has 45.6% math proficiency and 32.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (2,863/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Muncie). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (765) 289-7129
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
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
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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