Below Average
#2973 of 3,190 schools in MI
Parchment Central Elem School
Elementary School · Parchment School District
516 NORTH ORIENT ST, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
Enrollment
286
Student-Teacher
16.8:1
Score
4.2
Grades
Pre-K – 3rd
Enrollment
286
Student-Teacher
16.8:1
Score
4.2
Grades
Pre-K – 3rd
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Kalamazoo
#24 of 29
public schools
Michigan elementary schools
#1,498 of 1,602
In district
#5 of 6
Parchment School District
About Parchment Central Elem School
Parchment Central Elem School is a regular public elementary school located in the mid-size suburb of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through third grade, Parchment Central has an enrollment of 286 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.8:1, which helps ensure individual attention for each child. The school’s dedicated faculty includes 17 full-time equivalent teachers who work to foster a supportive learning environment.
Academically, the school is ranked #2020 out of 3204 schools in Michigan, placing it around the 37th percentile state-wide. While Parchment Central Elem School has room for improvement in terms of academic performance, with 41% proficiency or above in ELA/Reading and 38% proficiency or above in Math, there are clear efforts to enhance student development and achievement. Parchment Central Elem School is situated in a community that values education and provides its young learners with the resources they need to thrive.
The school’s setting offers a blend of suburban charm and accessible amenities, making it an appealing choice for families seeking quality early elementary education.
Score Breakdown
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Parchment Central Elem School — Students at Parchment Central Elem School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
61.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 8 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: 1.8/10.
How Parchment Central Elem School Compares
See how Parchment Central Elem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 54.5% (2019) to 32% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 54.5% (2019) to 37% (2022).
Location
516 NORTH ORIENT ST, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Parchment Central Elem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Parchment Northwood Elem School (rated 8.3/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Parchment North Elem School (rated 7.5/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Northglade Montessori School (rated 7.3/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Kalamazoo, see our Kalamazoo schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Parchment High School Kalamazoo | 0.2 mi | 4.6 |
| Parchment Middle School Kalamazoo | 0.5 mi | 3.8 |
| Parchment North Elem School Kalamazoo | 0.8 mi | 7.5 |
| Parchment Innovation Center Kalamazoo | 0.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Spring Valley Center for Exploration Kalamazoo | 0.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Northeastern Elementary School Kalamazoo | 1.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Comstock Compass High School Kalamazoo | 1.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Youth Center School Kalamazoo | 1.8 mi | 7.9 |
| Parchment Northwood Elem School Kalamazoo | 1.7 mi | 8.3 |
| Lincoln International Studies School Kalamazoo | 2.4 mi | 5.4 |
| Northglade Montessori School Kalamazoo | 2.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Comstock Middle School Kalamazoo | 2.4 mi | 3.8 |
| Comstock High School Kalamazoo | 2.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Edison Academy Kalamazoo | 3.3 mi | 4.5 |
| ST AUGUSTINE SCHOOL Kalamazoo | 3.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Woodward Elementary Kalamazoo | 3.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Valley Center School Kalamazoo | 3.7 mi | — |
| El Sol Elementary Kalamazoo | 3.5 mi | 3.3 |
| Washington Writers Academy Kalamazoo | 4.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Hillside Middle School Kalamazoo | 3.3 mi | 6.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49004 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$72,434
Median Home Value
$183,500
Median Rent
$1,059/mo
Population
17,796
College Educated
34%
Homeownership
73.9%
Avg Commute
22.9 min
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Median Age
35.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Parchment Central Elem School has a median household income of $72,434. It is an area where 34% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $183,500, with a median rent of $1,059/month. The local poverty rate of 9.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| Auburn Elementary School Auburn Hills, MI | 4.2 |
| Country Elementary School Pinckney, MI | 4.2 |
| Harms Elementary School Detroit, MI | 4.2 |
| May V Peck Elementary School Center Line, MI | 4.2 |
| New Dawn Academy of Warren Sterling Hts, MI | 4.2 |
| Pullman Elementary School Bloomingdale, MI | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Parchment Central Elem School
What grades does Parchment Central Elem School serve?
Parchment Central Elem School serves students in grades Pre-K through 3rd.
How many students attend Parchment Central Elem School?
Parchment Central Elem School has an enrollment of approximately 286 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Parchment Central Elem School?
The student-teacher ratio at Parchment Central Elem School is 16.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Parchment Central Elem School rank in MI?
Parchment Central Elem School is ranked #2973 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Parchment Central Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?
Parchment Central Elem School has a composite rating of 4.2 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 Parchment Central Elem School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Parchment Central Elem School has 38.3% math proficiency and 40.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Parchment Central Elem School a charter school?
No, Parchment Central Elem School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Parchment Central Elem School a Title I school?
No, Parchment Central Elem School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Parchment Central Elem School?
61.9% of students at Parchment Central Elem 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 (4,785/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Kalamazoo). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 3rd
- Enrollment
- 286
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 61.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Kalamazoo County
- Phone
- (269) 488-1000
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Parchment School District- District Enrollment
- 1,575
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,678
- District Rank
- #5 of 6
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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