Skip to main content

Below Average

#2656 of 3,192 schools in MI

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary

Elementary School · Pennfield Schools

8587 PENNFIELD RD, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Enrollment

420

Student-Teacher

18.3:1

Score

4.7

Grades

3rd – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#2,656 of 3,192

In Battle Creek

#20 of 33

public schools

In district

#4 of 5

Pennfield Schools

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Pennfield Dunlap Elementary?

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.

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary

4.7/10

Elementary School in Battle Creek · grades 3rd – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Pennfield Middle School

4.0/10

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

Pennfield Senior High School

5.1/10

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

About Pennfield Dunlap Elementary

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary is a public elementary school in Battle Creek, MI, part of Pennfield Schools. Pennfield Dunlap Elementary serves approximately 420 students, and covers grades 3rd-5th, and has a 18.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Pennfield Dunlap Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,656 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Pennfield Dunlap Elementary show 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.7 pts below district
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.4
  • MI avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary 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.

33% of students at Pennfield Dunlap Elementary were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.7Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.88 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.2Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency26.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency35.2% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-15.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-6.7 pts
Overall Proficiency31% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)31% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-0.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile45th
Resources & Environment4.8Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,581
Chronic Absenteeism32.9%

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary — Students at Pennfield Dunlap Elementary score 31% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

69.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 36.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
36.6% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 47.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
43.1% (2022 EdFacts)

Based on 34 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
89%
ELA
85%
2011
Math
32%
ELA
63%
2012
Math
32%
ELA
66%
2013
Math
31%
ELA
61%
2014
Math
41%
ELA
43%
2015
Math
35%
ELA
44%
2016
Math
31%
ELA
41%
2017
Math
29%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
34%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
34%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2022
Math
26.9%
ELA
35.3%

* 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: 3.7/10.

How Pennfield Dunlap Elementary Compares

See how Pennfield Dunlap Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
17th percentile in MI
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.8/10
Below Average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
70%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
23 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.9%

Location

8587 PENNFIELD RD, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pennfield Dunlap Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Fremont International Academy (rated 8.1/10, 3.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Pennfield Purdy School (rated 6.1/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wattles Park Elementary School (rated 6.0/10, 4.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Battle Creek, see our Battle Creek schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Pennfield Middle School Battle Creek 0.1 mi 4.0
Pennfield Senior High School Battle Creek 0.2 mi 5.1
North Pennfield Elementary Battle Creek 2.7 mi 5.5
Pennfield Purdy School Battle Creek 2.3 mi 6.1
Verona Elementary School Battle Creek 2.9 mi 2.8
Doris Klaussen Dev Center Battle Creek 3.4 mi 7.6
Fremont International Academy Battle Creek 3.5 mi 8.1
ST PHILIP CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Battle Creek 4.1 mi 7.6
Wattles Park Elementary School Battle Creek 4.6 mi 6.0
WK Kellogg Preparatory High School Battle Creek 4.1 mi 3.9
Battle Creek Central High School Battle Creek 4.1 mi 4.8
Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center Battle Creek 4.1 mi 7.3
Battle Creek MathSci Center Battle Creek 4.3 mi
Ann J Kellogg School Battle Creek 4.3 mi 3.9
Post Franklin School Battle Creek 4.8 mi 2.6
West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek HS Battle Creek 4.5 mi 5.0
West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek MS Battle Creek 4.5 mi 6.5
Dudley School Battle Creek 4.2 mi 2.9
Northwestern Middle School Battle Creek 4.5 mi 3.2
BATTLE CREEK ACADEMY Battle Creek 4.6 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49017 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,500

Median Home Value

$134,800

Median Rent

$946/mo

Population

20,785

College Educated

20.4%

Homeownership

72.9%

Avg Commute

19.8 min

Poverty Rate

12.3%

Median Age

43.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Atherton Elementary School Burton, MI 4.7
Briarwood Elementary School Warren, MI 4.7
Burton Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 4.7
Byron Area Elementary School Byron, MI 4.7
Central Montcalm Upper Elem School Stanton, MI 4.7
Lillian Fletcher Elem School Homer, MI 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pennfield Dunlap Elementary

What grades does Pennfield Dunlap Elementary serve?

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.

How many students attend Pennfield Dunlap Elementary?

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 420 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pennfield Dunlap Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Pennfield Dunlap Elementary is 18.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pennfield Dunlap Elementary rank in MI?

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary ranks #2,656 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Pennfield Dunlap Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 Pennfield Dunlap Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pennfield Dunlap Elementary has 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Pennfield Dunlap Elementary a charter school?

No, Pennfield Dunlap Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Pennfield Dunlap Elementary a Title I school?

No, Pennfield Dunlap Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pennfield Dunlap Elementary?

69.5% of students at Pennfield Dunlap Elementary 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
6 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
420
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
23
Free/Reduced Lunch
69.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Calhoun County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.9%

District

Pennfield Schools
District Enrollment
1,928
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,581
District Rank
#4 of 5

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.