Needs Improvement
#3112 of 3,192 schools in MI
Gaines Elementary School
Elementary School · Swartz Creek Community Schools
300 LANSING ST, Gaines, MI 48436
Enrollment
108
Student-Teacher
21.6:1
Score
3.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
108
Student-Teacher
21.6:1
Score
3.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#3,112 of 3,192
In district
#8 of 8
Swartz Creek Community Schools
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Gaines Elementary School
Elementary School in Gaines · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Byron Area Elementary School
3.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Byron Area High School
3.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Gaines Elementary School
Gaines Elementary School is a public elementary school in Gaines, MI, part of Swartz Creek Community Schools. Gaines Elementary School serves approximately 108 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 21.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Gaines Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.0 out of 10 and ranks #3,112 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Gaines Elementary School show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 3.0 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.4
- MI avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
At 108 students, Gaines Elementary School 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.
Gaines Elementary School runs 21.6:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Gaines 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Gaines Elementary School — Students at Gaines Elementary School score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
47.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 34 test records from MI 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: 2.0/10.
How Gaines Elementary School Compares
See how Gaines Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
300 LANSING ST, Gaines, MI 48436
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Gaines Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Hyatt Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Linden), which scores notably higher. Another option is Bertha Neal School (rated 7.4/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Durand), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Robert Kerr School (rated 6.3/10, 4.7 miles away, in nearby Durand), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Gaines, see our Gaines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Byron Area Elementary School Byron | 3.4 mi | 4.7 |
| Byron Area High School Byron | 3.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Byron Area Middle School Byron | 3.6 mi | 7.5 |
| Robert Kerr School Durand | 4.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Durand Area High School Durand | 4.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Durand Middle School Durand | 5.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Bertha Neal School Durand | 5.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Syring Elementary School Swartz Creek | 6.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Swartz Creek Virtual Learning Center Swartz Creek | 6.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Swartz Creek Middle School Swartz Creek | 6.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Swartz Creek High School Swartz Creek | 6.9 mi | 6.3 |
| Linden High School Linden | 6.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Central Elementary School Linden | 6.5 mi | 6.3 |
| Linden Middle School Linden | 6.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Dieck Elementary School Swartz Creek | 8.9 mi | 5.3 |
| GENESEE ACADEMY Swartz Creek | 9.2 mi | 7.9 |
| Hyatt Elementary Linden | 7.6 mi | 8.3 |
| Linden Elementary School Linden | 7.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Elms Road Elementary School Swartz Creek | 9.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Morrish Elementary School Swartz Creek | 9.2 mi | 3.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 48436 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$91,895
Median Home Value
$251,800
Median Rent
$1,125/mo
Population
4,251
College Educated
21.1%
Homeownership
92.3%
Avg Commute
36.3 min
Poverty Rate
4.6%
Median Age
40.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dudley School Battle Creek, MI | 2.9 |
| Da Vinci Schools K5 Jackson, MI | 3.2 |
| KIPP Detroit Imani Academy Detroit, MI | 3.2 |
| Litchfield Elementary School Litchfield, MI | 2.8 |
| Arbor Academy Battle Creek, MI | 2.7 |
| KenOSha Park Elementary Grand Rapids, MI | 3.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Gaines Elementary School
What grades does Gaines Elementary School serve?
Gaines Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Gaines Elementary School?
Gaines Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 108 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Gaines Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Gaines Elementary School is 21.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Gaines Elementary School rank in MI?
Gaines Elementary School ranks #3,112 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Gaines Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Gaines Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.0 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 Gaines Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Gaines Elementary School has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Gaines Elementary School a charter school?
No, Gaines Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Gaines Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Gaines Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gaines Elementary School?
47.2% of students at Gaines 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 108
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 5
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 47.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Genesee County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 46.3%
- Phone
- (810) 591-1076
Resources & Links
District
Swartz Creek Community Schools- District Enrollment
- 3,485
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,800
- District Rank
- #8 of 8
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