Skip to main content

Average

#927 of 2,102 schools in WI

Top 44% in state

Emerson Elementary

Elementary School · Madison Metropolitan School District

2421 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53704

Enrollment

317

Student-Teacher

11.3:1

Score

6.7

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Madison

#30 of 53

public schools

Wisconsin elementary schools

#552 of 1,099

In district

#30 of 52

Madison Metropolitan School District

School environment

9.5 / 10

Exceptional

About Emerson Elementary

Emerson Elementary serves 317 students from prekindergarten through fifth grade in Madison, Wisconsin, offering a strong academic environment with a favorable 11.3:1 student-teacher ratio. The school's 28 full-time equivalent teachers provide personalized attention that contributes to its impressive performance, earning a 7.1 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #291 out of 2112 Wisconsin elementary schools, placing it in the 86th percentile statewide. Located on East Johnson Street in Madison's vibrant eastside neighborhood, Emerson Elementary draws families from a well-educated community where nearly half of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

The surrounding area reflects Madison's strong commitment to education, with a median household income of $71,609 and median home values around $268,400, indicating a stable, middle-class community that values academic achievement. As a regular public school, Emerson Elementary provides comprehensive elementary education in an environment that balances academic rigor with the individual attention that comes from its excellent student-teacher ratio. The school's strong statewide ranking reflects its effectiveness in preparing young learners for their educational journey ahead.

Emerson Elementary sits in one of Madison's most established neighborhoods, where tree-lined streets and proximity to the University of Wisconsin create an atmosphere that celebrates learning and community engagement.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.1Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.11 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendStable
Academics9.0Exceptional30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency54.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency44.5%
Math vs. State Avg+0.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-6.7 pts
Overall Proficiency50%
Expected (poverty-adj.)34%
vs. Expected+15.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile84th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment9.5Exceptional20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,181

Emerson Elementary — Students at Emerson Elementary score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

45.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 44.5%
School
State
53.0%
ELA Proficiency 46.5%
School
State
50.9%

Based on 10 test records from WI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
54.5%
ELA
44.5%
2025
Math
42.1%
ELA
47%

* 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: 4.1/10.

How Emerson Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
6.7/10
56th percentile in WI
Academic
9.0/10
9.0/10
Growth
4.1/10
Below average
Environment
9.5/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
46%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
28 teachers

Location

2421 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53704

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Emerson Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Marquette Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lapham Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Lake View Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 2.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Madison, see our Madison schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.8 mi
School Distance Rating
East High Madison 0.3 mi 8.2
OPERATION FRESH START Madison 0.3 mi 7.0
Lowell Elementary Madison 0.8 mi 6.5
Marquette Elementary Madison 1.0 mi 8.0
O'Keeffe Middle Madison 1.0 mi 8.5
Isthmus Montessori Academy Public Madison 1.3 mi 8.2
Sherman Middle Madison 1.3 mi 6.1
Shabazz-City High Madison 1.3 mi 7.1
Innovative High Madison 1.4 mi 7.5
Lapham Elementary Madison 1.4 mi 7.5
RICHARDSON SCHOOL Madison 1.8 mi
Hawthorne Elementary Madison 1.5 mi 5.7
Schenk Elementary Madison 1.6 mi 5.5
Whitehorse Middle Madison 1.6 mi 6.4
Lake View Elementary Madison 2.4 mi 7.0
ST DENNIS SCHOOL Madison 2.0 mi 6.9
Winnequah School Monona 2.6 mi 6.7
WINGS TO SOAR ONLINE ACADEMY Madison 2.1 mi 4.2
Monona Grove High Monona 2.5 mi 6.3
Nuestro Mundo Monona 2.8 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 53704 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$75,007

Median Home Value

$289,000

Median Rent

$1,231/mo

Population

47,136

College Educated

49.5%

Homeownership

53.5%

Avg Commute

21.3 min

Poverty Rate

11.8%

Median Age

35.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Emerson Elementary has a median household income of $75,007. It is a well-educated community where 50% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $289,000, with a median rent of $1,231/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.8%. The average commute for residents is 21 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
Decorah Elementary West Bend, WI 6.7
Dousman Elementary Dousman, WI 6.7
Forest Park Elementary Kenosha, WI 6.7
Hillsboro Elementary Hillsboro, WI 6.7
Janssen Elementary Combined Locks, WI 6.7
Jeffery Elementary Kenosha, WI 6.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Emerson Elementary

What grades does Emerson Elementary serve?

Emerson Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Emerson Elementary?

Emerson Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 317 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Emerson Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Emerson Elementary is 11.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Emerson Elementary rank in WI?

Emerson Elementary is ranked #927 out of 2,102 schools in WI.

What is Emerson Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Emerson Elementary has a composite rating of 6.7 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 Emerson Elementary?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Emerson Elementary has 44.5% math proficiency and 46.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Emerson Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Emerson Elementary a Title I school?

No, Emerson Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

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

45.7% of students at Emerson 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

City Safety
High (2,124/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Madison). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
317
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
28
Free/Reduced Lunch
45.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Dane County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Madison Metropolitan School District
District Enrollment
25,247
Schools in District
54
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,411
District Rank
#30 of 52

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 methodology

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.