Average
#1803 of 3,192 schools in MI
Washington School
Elementary School · Bessemer Area School District
301 EAST SELLAR ST, Bessemer, MI 49911
Enrollment
178
Student-Teacher
11.1:1
Score
6.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
178
Student-Teacher
11.1:1
Score
6.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#1,803 of 3,192
In Bessemer
#2 of 2
public schools
In district
#2 of 2
Bessemer Area School District
Equity
8.5 / 10
Excellent
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Washington School
Elementary School in Bessemer · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Ad Johnston Jrsr High School
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Bluff View Christian School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Washington School
Washington School is a public elementary school in Bessemer, MI, part of Bessemer Area School District. Washington School serves approximately 178 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 11.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Washington School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,803 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Washington School show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.0 · Average
- MI avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
At 178 students, Washington 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.
Washington 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.
43% of students at Washington School 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Washington School — Students at Washington School score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
83.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 36 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: 4.0/10.
How Washington School Compares
See how Washington School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
301 EAST SELLAR ST, Bessemer, MI 49911
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Washington School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. North Lakeland Elementary (rated 9.6/10, 25.0 miles away, in nearby Manitowish Waters), which scores notably higher. Another option is Butternut Elementary (rated 9.2/10, 38.4 miles away, in nearby Butternut), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hurley Elementary (rated 7.6/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Hurley), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bessemer, see our Bessemer schools guide .
Nearby Schools
14 within 38.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| AD Johnston JrSr High School Bessemer | 0.4 mi | 7.0 |
| BLUFF VIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bessemer | 0.5 mi | — |
| WakefieldMarenisco School Wakefield | 5.3 mi | 6.5 |
| Luther L Wright K12 School Ironwood | 5.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Gogebic Co Community Education Ironwood | 5.6 mi | 5.2 |
| NORTHWOODS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hurley | 6.6 mi | — |
| Hurley High Hurley | 7.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Hurley Elementary Hurley | 7.6 mi | 7.6 |
| Mercer School Mercer | 21.3 mi | 7.2 |
| North Lakeland Elementary Manitowish Waters | 25.0 mi | 9.6 |
| GogebicOntonagon ISD Special Education Bergland | 23.9 mi | 7.7 |
| Butternut Elementary Butternut | 38.4 mi | 9.2 |
| Butternut High Butternut | 38.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Promethean Charter School Butternut | 38.4 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49911 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$51,326
Median Home Value
$109,500
Median Rent
$529/mo
Population
2,843
College Educated
19.5%
Homeownership
78.9%
Poverty Rate
17.9%
Median Age
45.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN SCHOOL Southgate, MI | 6.0 |
| Carrie Knause Early Childhood Learning Center Saint Louis, MI | 6.0 |
| Greater Heights Academy Flint, MI | 6.0 |
| JPS Montessori Center Jackson, MI | 6.0 |
| Kenwood Elementary School Clawson, MI | 6.0 |
| Luce Road Elementary School Alma, MI | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Washington School
What grades does Washington School serve?
Washington School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.
How many students attend Washington School?
Washington School has an enrollment of approximately 178 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Washington School?
The student-teacher ratio at Washington School is 11.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Washington School rank in MI?
Washington School ranks #1,803 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Washington School's MySchoolScout rating?
Washington School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 Washington School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Washington School has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Washington School a charter school?
No, Washington School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Washington School a Title I school?
No, Washington School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Washington School?
83.7% of students at Washington 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 6th
- Enrollment
- 178
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 16
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 83.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Gogebic County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 43.3%
- Phone
- (906) 663-4515
Resources & Links
District
Bessemer Area School District- District Enrollment
- 352
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,944
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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