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Below Average

#2724 of 3,190 schools in MI

Clara B Bolen Elementary School

Elementary School · Tawas Area Schools

211 SOUTH PLANK RD, Tawas City, MI 48763

Enrollment

436

Student-Teacher

17.4:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Pre-K – 4th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Tawas City

#3 of 5

public schools

Michigan elementary schools

#1,382 of 1,602

In district

#1 of 3

Tawas Area Schools

Equity

9.1 / 10

Exceptional

About Clara B Bolen Elementary School

Clara B Bolen Elementary School is a regular public elementary school located in the remote town of Tawas City, Michigan. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade and has an enrollment of 436 students. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 17.4:1, Clara B Bolen provides individualized attention to help each child thrive.

The academic performance at Clara B Bolen Elementary is rated 5.8 out of 10 by MySchoolScout and ranks 1356th out of 3204 schools in Michigan, placing it around the 58th percentile statewide. In reading and ELA, 56% of students are proficient or above, while in math, 48% meet proficiency standards. The school is focusing on improving academic outcomes to better support its diverse student population.

Clara B Bolen Elementary School is situated in a remote setting with a close-knit community that values education and supports the school's efforts to enhance learning opportunities for all students.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.3Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-5.56 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics8.7Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency44.8%
Reading/ELA Proficiency52.4%
Math vs. State Avg+2.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+10.5 pts
Overall Proficiency49%
Expected (poverty-adj.)30%
vs. Expected+18.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile80th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment5.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,877

Clara B Bolen Elementary School — Students at Clara B Bolen Elementary School score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 30%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

70.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 47.6%
School
State
37.8%
ELA Proficiency 56.1%
School
State
43.3%

Based on 10 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
44.6%
ELA
52.1%

* 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: 2.3/10.

How Clara B Bolen Elementary School Compares

See how Clara B Bolen Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
15th percentile in MI
Academic
8.7/10
8.7/10
Growth
2.3/10
Below average
Environment
5.3/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
70%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
25 teachers

Location

211 SOUTH PLANK RD, Tawas City, MI 48763

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Clara B Bolen Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Au GresSims Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 17.8 miles away, in nearby Au Gres), which scores notably higher. Another option is StandishSterling Central Elementary School (rated 7.1/10, 28.0 miles away, in nearby Standish), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Richardson Elementary School (rated 6.6/10, 12.6 miles away, in nearby Oscoda), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tawas City, see our Tawas City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 32.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Tawas Area High School Tawas City 0.2 mi 4.5
Tawas Area Middle School Tawas City 0.2 mi 4.3
Alternative Educational Academy of Iosco County Tawas City 0.7 mi 6.2
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL East Tawas 1.9 mi 5.8
Iosco RESA Special Education Tawas City 2.5 mi 8.0
Richardson Elementary School Oscoda 12.6 mi 6.6
Oscoda Area High School Oscoda 12.8 mi 6.2
PINECREST SCHOOL Hale 13.6 mi
Au GresSims Elementary School Au Gres 17.8 mi 9.1
Au GresSims High School Au Gres 17.8 mi 7.4
Au GresSims Middle School Au Gres 17.8 mi 5.8
Hale Area School Hale 15.3 mi 8.1
WhittemorePrescott Area Elementary Whittemore 17.4 mi 4.4
WhittemorePrescott JrSr High School Whittemore 17.5 mi 5.6
Alcona Community High School Harrisville 27.1 mi 7.0
Alcona Elementary School Harrisville 27.3 mi 4.6
Caseville School K12 Caseville 26.6 mi 7.4
StandishSterling Central JrSr High School Standish 27.6 mi 5.7
StandishSterling Central Elementary School Standish 28.0 mi 7.1
ST JOHN'S EV. LUTHERAN SCHOOL Pigeon 32.5 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 48763 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,160

Median Home Value

$154,100

Median Rent

$851/mo

Population

4,837

College Educated

21.7%

Homeownership

88.4%

Avg Commute

22.3 min

Poverty Rate

10.5%

Median Age

51.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Clara B Bolen Elementary School has a median household income of $58,160. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $154,100, with a median rent of $851/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.5%. The average commute for residents is 22 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
Bennett Elementary School Detroit, MI 4.8
Brown School Saint Joseph, MI 4.8
Central Elementary School Portage, MI 4.8
Cumberland School Lansing, MI 4.8
Edwardsburg Primary School Edwardsburg, MI 4.8
Eisenhower Elementary School Fraser, MI 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Clara B Bolen Elementary School

What grades does Clara B Bolen Elementary School serve?

Clara B Bolen Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.

How many students attend Clara B Bolen Elementary School?

Clara B Bolen Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 436 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Clara B Bolen Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Clara B Bolen Elementary School is 17.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Clara B Bolen Elementary School rank in MI?

Clara B Bolen Elementary School is ranked #2724 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Clara B Bolen Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Clara B Bolen Elementary School has a composite rating of 4.8 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 Clara B Bolen Elementary School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Clara B Bolen Elementary School has 47.6% math proficiency and 56.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Clara B Bolen Elementary School a charter school?

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

Is Clara B Bolen Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Clara B Bolen Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Clara B Bolen Elementary School?

70.4% of students at Clara B Bolen 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

City Safety
Elevated (1,353/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Tawas City). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
436
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
25
Free/Reduced Lunch
70.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Iosco County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Tawas Area Schools
District Enrollment
1,138
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,159
District Rank
#1 of 3

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 methodology

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