Skip to main content

Very Good

#500 of 3,192 schools in MI

Top 16% in state

Bert Goens Learning Center

School · Van Buren ISD

490 SOUTH PAW PAW ST, Lawrence, MI 49064

Enrollment

72

Student-Teacher

2.9:1

Score

7.8

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#500 of 3,192

In Lawrence

#1 of 4

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Van Buren ISD

Equity

10.0 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Bert Goens Learning Center?

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.

Bert Goens Learning Center

7.8/10

School in Lawrence · grades Pre-K – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Lawrence Jrsr High School

6.5/10

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

Lawrence Elementary School

4.9/10

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

About Bert Goens Learning Center

Bert Goens Learning Center is a public school in Lawrence, MI, part of Van Buren ISD. Bert Goens Learning Center serves approximately 72 students, and covers grades Pre-K-12th, and has a 2.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Bert Goens Learning Center has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #500 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Bert Goens Learning Center show 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.0 pts above district
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.8
  • MI avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 72 students, Bert Goens Learning Center is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

At 2.9:1 students to teachers, Bert Goens Learning Center sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Bert Goens Learning Center 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.9Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.93 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendStable
Academics9.9Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency75% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency75% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg+44.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+36.7 pts
Overall Proficiency75% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)31% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+43.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile98th
College Readiness4.1Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate<50%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.5Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio2.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$356,356
Chronic Absenteeism61.1%

Bert Goens Learning Center — Students at Bert Goens Learning Center score 75% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

69.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 66.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
30.8% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 69.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
38.3% (2022 EdFacts)

Based on 30 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2010
Math
74.5%
ELA
64.5%
2011
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2012
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2015
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2016
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2017
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2018
Math
44.5%
ELA
64.5%
2019
Math
44.5%
ELA
64.5%
2020*
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2021*
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2022
Math
75%
ELA
75%

* 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: 8.9/10.

How Bert Goens Learning Center Compares

See how Bert Goens Learning Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.8/10
84th percentile in MI
Academic
9.9/10
Excellent
Growth
8.9/10
Excellent
Environment
9.5/10
Excellent

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
69%
Teaching Staff
3:1 student-teacher ratio
25 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
61.1%

Location

490 SOUTH PAW PAW ST, Lawrence, MI 49064

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Bert Goens Learning Center may also want to explore other schools in the area. Bangor Career Academy (rated 6.1/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Bangor), a more accessible option. Additionally, Maple Creek Education Center (rated 4.7/10, 7.2 miles away, in nearby Bangor), a more accessible option. For more schools in Lawrence, see our Lawrence schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Lawrence JrSr High School Lawrence 0.7 mi 6.5
Lawrence Elementary School Lawrence 0.8 mi 4.9
Redwood Elementary Hartford 5.7 mi 7.1
Maple Creek Education Center Bangor 7.2 mi 4.7
South Walnut Elementary School Bangor 7.2 mi 5.2
Hartford Middle School Hartford 5.8 mi 3.8
Hartford High School Hartford 5.9 mi 6.2
Hartford Alternative Education Hartford 6.0 mi 5.7
Bangor Middle School Bangor 7.6 mi 4.6
Bangor Career Academy Bangor 7.6 mi 6.1
Bangor High School Bangor 7.6 mi 6.0
Davis Elementary School Decatur 7.7 mi 6.0
Decatur Jr Sr High School Decatur 7.8 mi 5.5
Paw Paw Later Elementary Paw Paw 7.5 mi 6.2
Paw Paw Early Elementary School Paw Paw 7.5 mi 7.4
Communitybased Transition Center Lawrence 7.6 mi 7.8
Paw Paw Middle School Paw Paw 7.6 mi 6.0
ST MARY SCHOOL Paw Paw 8.4 mi 6.5
Cedar Street Community and Family Center Paw Paw 8.5 mi 5.7
Wood School Bangor Twp 8 Bangor 9.7 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49064 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,863

Median Home Value

$163,400

Median Rent

$756/mo

Population

3,670

College Educated

19.5%

Homeownership

75.1%

Avg Commute

30.5 min

Poverty Rate

17.9%

Median Age

43.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Wing Lake Developmental Center Bloomfield Hills, MI 7.8
DickinsonIron Special Education Kingsford, MI 7.7
GogebicOntonagon ISD Special Education Bergland, MI 7.7
High Point School Ann Arbor, MI 7.7
North EdNew Horizons Traverse City, MI 7.7
Pathfinder Educational Center Centreville, MI 7.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bert Goens Learning Center

What grades does Bert Goens Learning Center serve?

Bert Goens Learning Center serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

How many students attend Bert Goens Learning Center?

Bert Goens Learning Center has an enrollment of approximately 72 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Bert Goens Learning Center?

The student-teacher ratio at Bert Goens Learning Center is 2.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Bert Goens Learning Center rank in MI?

Bert Goens Learning Center ranks #500 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Bert Goens Learning Center's MySchoolScout rating?

Bert Goens Learning Center has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 Bert Goens Learning Center?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Bert Goens Learning Center has 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Bert Goens Learning Center a charter school?

No, Bert Goens Learning Center is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Bert Goens Learning Center a Title I school?

No, Bert Goens Learning Center is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bert Goens Learning Center?

69.4% of students at Bert Goens Learning Center 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
27 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
72
Student-Teacher Ratio
2.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
25
Free/Reduced Lunch
69.4%
Type
special_ed
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Van Buren County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
61.1%
4-Year Graduation
<50%

District

Van Buren ISD
District Enrollment
650
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$356,356
District Rank
#1 of 3

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.