Average
#1370 of 2,102 schools in WI
Gifford School
Elementary School · Racine Unified School District
8332 Northwestern Ave, Racine, WI 53406
Enrollment
1,408
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
5.9
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
1,408
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
5.9
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Racine
#8 of 25
public schools
Wisconsin elementary schools
#791 of 1,099
In district
#9 of 25
Racine Unified School District
About Gifford School
Gifford School serves 1,408 students from prekindergarten through eighth grade in Racine, Wisconsin. This regular public elementary school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 with 94 full-time equivalent teachers providing instruction across all grade levels. The school currently ranks in the 30th percentile statewide, placing 1488th among Wisconsin's 2112 elementary schools, with room for academic growth as the community continues supporting student development.
Gifford School operates as a substantial educational institution within the Racine area, accommodating a significant number of families seeking public education options for their children. The surrounding 53406 ZIP code reflects a stable middle-class community with a median household income of $73,636 and median home values around $245,700. About one-third of local residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate remains relatively low at 11.6 percent, indicating generally favorable economic conditions for the nearly 26,000 residents in the area.
Gifford School is situated in a rural setting near town, offering students and families a blend of countryside atmosphere with access to urban amenities. This location provides a quieter educational environment while maintaining connections to the broader Racine community and its resources.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Gifford School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, Gifford School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Gifford School — Students at Gifford School score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
32%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)
Based on 16 test records from WI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 6.9/10.
How Gifford School Compares
See how Gifford School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 35% (2019) to 26% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 38% (2019) to 31% (2021).
Location
8332 Northwestern Ave, Racine, WI 53406
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Gifford School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. RUSD Montessori (rated 7.5/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is CONCORDIA LUTHERAN SCHOOL (rated 6.6/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Sturtevant), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Schulte School (rated 6.6/10, 4.5 miles away, in nearby Sturtevant), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Racine, see our Racine schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SONNENBERG SCHOOL Mount Pleasant | 1.8 mi | 7.5 |
| Case High Racine | 3.0 mi | 7.3 |
| The REAL Sch Sturtevant | 3.1 mi | 5.1 |
| Racine Correctional Institution Sturtevant | 3.4 mi | — |
| West Ridge Elementary Racine | 3.3 mi | 3.9 |
| RUSD Montessori Racine | 3.3 mi | 7.5 |
| CONCORDIA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Sturtevant | 4.0 mi | 6.6 |
| RACINE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Racine | 3.6 mi | 6.2 |
| Schulte School Sturtevant | 4.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Starbuck - An IB World School Racine | 4.0 mi | 5.7 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Caledonia | 4.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Fratt Elementary Racine | 4.1 mi | 5.1 |
| Wadewitz Elementary Racine | 3.8 mi | 5.4 |
| Racine Alternative Learning Racine | 4.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Horlick High Racine | 4.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Johnson Elementary Racine | 4.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Gilmore Fine Arts School Racine | 4.1 mi | 6.4 |
| JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY Racine | 4.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Walden III High Racine | 4.4 mi | 4.5 |
| OUR LADY OF GRACE ACADEMY Racine | 4.6 mi | 6.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 53406 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$78,427
Median Home Value
$262,000
Median Rent
$990/mo
Population
25,564
College Educated
31.6%
Homeownership
72.1%
Avg Commute
20.3 min
Poverty Rate
10.3%
Median Age
45.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Gifford School has a median household income of $78,427. It is an area where 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $262,000, with a median rent of $990/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.3%. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| ST MARCUS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Milwaukee, WI | 5.7 |
| Jerstad-Agerholm School Racine, WI | 5.4 |
| Kenosha School of Technology Enhanced Curriculum Kenosha, WI | 5.2 |
| Salem Elementary Salem, WI | 6.7 |
| Union Grove Elementary Union Grove, WI | 6.7 |
| Milwaukee Parkside School Milwaukee, WI | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Gifford School
What grades does Gifford School serve?
Gifford School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Gifford School?
Gifford School has an enrollment of approximately 1,408 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Gifford School?
The student-teacher ratio at Gifford School is 15:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Gifford School rank in WI?
Gifford School is ranked #1370 out of 2,102 schools in WI.
What is Gifford School's MySchoolScout rating?
Gifford School has a composite rating of 5.9 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 Gifford School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Gifford School has 41.3% math proficiency and 43.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Gifford School a charter school?
No, Gifford School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Gifford School a Title I school?
No, Gifford School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gifford School?
32.0% of students at Gifford 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,408
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 94
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 32.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Racine County
- Phone
- (262) 619-4550
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Racine Unified School District- District Enrollment
- 15,963
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,095
- District Rank
- #9 of 25
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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