Average
#2541 of 3,190 schools in MI
Willow Hill Elementary School
Elementary School · Traverse City Area Public Schools
1250 HILL ST, Traverse City, MI 49684
Enrollment
444
Student-Teacher
22.2:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
444
Student-Teacher
22.2:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Traverse City
#20 of 23
public schools
Michigan elementary schools
#1,296 of 1,602
In district
#13 of 16
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Equity
9.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Willow Hill Elementary School
Willow Hill Elementary School is a regular public school in Traverse City, Michigan, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 444 students and a student-teacher ratio of 22.2:1, the school offers personalized attention to each child’s learning needs. The dedicated teaching staff includes 20 full-time equivalent teachers who work hard to provide a supportive educational environment.
Willow Hill Elementary School has a MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and is ranked #1047 out of 3,204 schools in Michigan, placing it in the 67th percentile statewide. Academically, students perform well with 8.9 out of 10 on academic measures, 67% proficient or above in ELA/Reading, and 62% proficient or above in Math. While these scores reflect solid performance, there is always room for growth and improvement.
The school’s setting within a small city provides a blend of community resources and urban amenities, offering students a well-rounded learning experience. Willow Hill Elementary School aims to nurture each student’s potential as they embark on their educational journey in Traverse City.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Willow Hill Elementary School is 22.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
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Willow Hill Elementary School — Students at Willow Hill Elementary School score 62% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
24.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 12 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: 3.9/10.
How Willow Hill Elementary School Compares
See how Willow Hill Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 70% (2019) to 58.73% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 75% (2019) to 64.95% (2022).
Location
1250 HILL ST, Traverse City, MI 49684
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Willow Hill Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. TCAPS Montessori School (rated 9.2/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Central Grade School (rated 8.2/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, THE PATHFINDER SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Traverse City, see our Traverse City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| The Greenspire School Traverse City | 1.3 mi | 7.1 |
| North EdCreekside School Traverse City | 1.4 mi | 7.7 |
| Central Grade School Traverse City | 1.2 mi | 8.2 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Traverse City | 1.4 mi | 6.5 |
| TCAPS Montessori School Traverse City | 1.8 mi | 9.2 |
| West Middle School Traverse City | 2.0 mi | 6.4 |
| THE PATHFINDER SCHOOL Traverse City | 2.2 mi | 7.3 |
| The Greenspire High School Travse City | 2.6 mi | 7.2 |
| THE CHILDREN'S HOUSE Traverse City | 2.6 mi | 7.0 |
| West Senior High Traverse City | 2.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Traverse Heights Elem School Traverse City | 2.7 mi | 4.9 |
| North EdNew Horizons Traverse City | 2.7 mi | 8.8 |
| TRAVERSE BAY MENNONITE SCHOOL Traverse City | 2.7 mi | — |
| North EdBridgeway Traverse City | 2.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Central High School Traverse City | 2.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Eastern Elementary School Traverse City | 3.0 mi | 4.4 |
| North EdCareer Tech Traverse City | 4.3 mi | — |
| Life Skills Center Traverse City | 4.3 mi | 7.9 |
| Long Lake Elementary School Traverse City | 4.4 mi | 5.7 |
| TRAVERSE CITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Traverse City | 5.3 mi | 4.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49684 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$75,678
Median Home Value
$375,700
Median Rent
$1,216/mo
Population
21,328
College Educated
46.4%
Homeownership
66.4%
Avg Commute
19.2 min
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Median Age
48.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Willow Hill Elementary School has a median household income of $75,678. It is a well-educated community where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $375,700, with a median rent of $1,216/month. The local poverty rate of 8.5% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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 |
|---|---|
| Alcott School Pontiac, MI | 5.1 |
| Beck Centennial Elem School Macomb, MI | 5.1 |
| Blair Moody Elementary School Taylor, MI | 5.1 |
| Eastside Elementary School Constantine, MI | 5.1 |
| Hyatt Elementary Linden, MI | 5.1 |
| Jefferson School Ionia, MI | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Willow Hill Elementary School
What grades does Willow Hill Elementary School serve?
Willow Hill Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Willow Hill Elementary School?
Willow Hill Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 444 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Willow Hill Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Willow Hill Elementary School is 22.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Willow Hill Elementary School rank in MI?
Willow Hill Elementary School is ranked #2541 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Willow Hill Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Willow Hill Elementary School has a composite rating of 5.1 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 Willow Hill Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Willow Hill Elementary School has 61.5% math proficiency and 66.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Willow Hill Elementary School a charter school?
No, Willow Hill Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Willow Hill Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Willow Hill Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Willow Hill Elementary School?
24.1% of students at Willow Hill 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.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 444
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 20
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 24.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Grand Traverse County
- Phone
- (231) 933-8540
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Traverse City Area Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 8,655
- Schools in District
- 16
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,840
- District Rank
- #13 of 16
Other Schools in This District
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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