Needs Improvement
#3081 of 3,192 schools in MI
Washington Writers Academy
Elementary School · Kalamazoo Public Schools
1919 PORTAGE ST, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Enrollment
246
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
3.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
246
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
3.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#3,081 of 3,192
In Kalamazoo
#37 of 42
public schools
In district
#23 of 25
Kalamazoo Public Schools
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Washington Writers Academy
Elementary School in Kalamazoo · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Edison Academy
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Milwood Elementary School
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Washington Writers Academy
Washington Writers Academy is a public elementary school in Kalamazoo, MI, part of Kalamazoo Public Schools. Washington Writers Academy serves approximately 246 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Washington Writers Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #3,081 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Washington Writers Academy show 17% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 23% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.9
- MI avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
63% of students at Washington Writers Academy 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 Writers Academy — Students at Washington Writers Academy score 8% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 18%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
91.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 30 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.8/10.
How Washington Writers Academy Compares
See how Washington Writers Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1919 PORTAGE ST, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Washington Writers Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. GAGIE SCHOOL (rated 7.8/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ParkwoodUpjohn Elementary School (rated 6.8/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST AUGUSTINE SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Kalamazoo, see our Kalamazoo schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Edison Academy Kalamazoo | 0.6 mi | 4.0 |
| Milwood Elementary School Kalamazoo | 1.0 mi | 3.2 |
| ParkwoodUpjohn Elementary School Kalamazoo | 0.9 mi | 6.8 |
| Kalamazoo Covenant Academy Kalamazoo | 0.9 mi | 5.0 |
| Greenwood Elementary School Kalamazoo | 1.2 mi | 6.6 |
| Milwood Magnet School Kalamazoo | 1.1 mi | 4.9 |
| MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S CENTER Kalamazoo | 1.1 mi | — |
| GAGIE SCHOOL Kalamazoo | 1.2 mi | 7.8 |
| THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Kalamazoo | 1.2 mi | 8.2 |
| Kalamazoo Innovative Learning Program Kalamazoo | 1.4 mi | 5.6 |
| El Sol Elementary Kalamazoo | 1.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts Kalamazoo | 1.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Paramount Charter Academy Kalamazoo | 1.6 mi | 2.4 |
| PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Kalamazoo | 1.8 mi | 6.0 |
| ST AUGUSTINE SCHOOL Kalamazoo | 1.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Loy Norrix High School Kalamazoo | 2.0 mi | 6.9 |
| Phoenix Alternative High School Kalamazoo | 1.5 mi | 6.8 |
| Transition Services Kalamazoo | 1.5 mi | — |
| Lincoln International Studies School Kalamazoo | 2.0 mi | 4.3 |
| Valley Center School Kalamazoo | 1.6 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49001 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$52,327
Median Home Value
$139,600
Median Rent
$1,055/mo
Population
21,313
College Educated
29.8%
Homeownership
53.3%
Avg Commute
18.3 min
Poverty Rate
19.5%
Median Age
31.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bernice McDowell Elem School Taylor, MI | 3.2 |
| Brookside Elementary Grand Rapids, MI | 3.2 |
| Burr Oak Elementary School Burr Oak, MI | 3.2 |
| Coleman Elementary School Coleman, MI | 3.2 |
| Lyons School Lansing, MI | 3.2 |
| Prairie Elementary School Adrian, MI | 3.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Washington Writers Academy
What grades does Washington Writers Academy serve?
Washington Writers Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Washington Writers Academy?
Washington Writers Academy has an enrollment of approximately 246 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Washington Writers Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Washington Writers Academy is 14.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Washington Writers Academy rank in MI?
Washington Writers Academy ranks #3,081 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Washington Writers Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Washington Writers Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 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 Writers Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Washington Writers Academy has 17% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 23% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Washington Writers Academy a charter school?
No, Washington Writers Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Washington Writers Academy a Title I school?
No, Washington Writers Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Washington Writers Academy?
91.1% of students at Washington Writers Academy 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 246
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 91.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Kalamazoo County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 63.0%
- Phone
- (269) 337-0770
Resources & Links
District
Kalamazoo Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 12,323
- Schools in District
- 31
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,528
- District Rank
- #23 of 25
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