Atherton Elementary School

Summary:

Atherton Elementary School is a public elementary school in Burton, Michigan, serving 331 students in grades K-6. The school is part of the Atherton Community Schools district, which is ranked 543 out of 610 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Atherton Elementary School faces significant challenges, including a higher percentage of White students (58.91%) compared to nearby schools, a concerning increase in chronic absenteeism (from 27.9% in 2018-2019 to 40.3% in 2022-2023), and consistently low academic performance on state assessments across all grade levels. For example, in 2023-2024, only 9.3% of 3rd-grade students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 39.6%. Additionally, over 90% of Atherton Elementary students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage.

Atherton Elementary's performance lags significantly behind nearby schools, such as Indian Hill Elementary and Myers Elementary in the Grand Blanc Community Schools district, which have higher academic achievement, lower chronic absenteeism, and more diverse student populations. Despite increased per-student spending, Atherton Elementary has not shown meaningful improvement in recent years, and its 1-star rating from SchoolDigger suggests that addressing these issues will require a comprehensive approach from the school district and community.


Detail:

Public K-6

 3444 S Genesee Rd
       Burton, MI  48519-1428


(810) 591-0604

District: Atherton Community Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
1195th of 1,486 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,670 Help


Students who attend Atherton Elementary School usually attend:

High:    Atherton Junior Senior High School

Student/teacher ratio:  14.2 Help
Number of students:  306

Racial breakdown:

White:
52.9%
African American:
25.8%
Two or more races:
13.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  93.1% Help


 See top rated Michigan elementary schools

 Compare Atherton Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Atherton Elementary School ranks worse than 80.4% of elementary schools in Michigan. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 18.3. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details Atherton Elementary School is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2014 the calculated Average Standard Score was 30.09. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Atherton Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (52.9%), African American (25.8%), two or more races (13.1%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 93.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Atherton Elementary School is 14.2. (See more...)
Help
Compare Atherton Elementary School employs 21.4 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Atherton Elementary School is $15,670.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Atherton Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Atherton Elementary School 1195th of 1486 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Atherton Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Atherton Community Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Atherton Community Schools 543rd of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Atherton Elementary School?

Rank History for Atherton Elementary School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all elementary school students at Atherton Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 40.46 1177th 1545 23.8%
2007 50.56 991st 1565 36.7%
2008 45.03 1125th 1577 28.7%
2009 39.05 1241st 1589 21.9%
2010 38.21 1239th 1552 20.2%
2011 46.27 1070th 1552 31.1%
2012 33.16 1179th 1566 24.7%
2013 15.82 1371st 1563 12.3%
2014 28.71 1188th 1533 22.5%
2015 20.37 1285th 1580 18.7%
2016 21.20 1224th 1548 20.9%
2017 16.12 1227th 1466 16.3%
2018 14.72 1288th 1448 11.0%
2019 12.70 1239th 1408 12.0%
2021 7.64 1104th 1153 4.2%
2022 16.79 1120th 1344 16.7%
2023 21.16 1127th 1470 23.3%
2024 18.30 1195th 1486 19.6%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Special Education students at Atherton Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.23 250th 403 38.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at Atherton Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.97 1193rd 1397 14.6%
2019 18.74 976th 1134 13.9%
2021 8.57 733rd 749 2.1%
2022 28.61 818th 1099 25.6%
2023 30.95 940th 1350 30.4%
2024 26.73 1048th 1381 24.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Atherton Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 20.32 1184th 1443 17.9%
2019 21.05 966th 1171 17.5%
2022 13.83 1004th 1106 9.2%
2023 29.42 916th 1321 30.7%
2024 20.49 1076th 1342 19.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Atherton Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 11.82 1299th 1446 10.2%
2019 5.54 1169th 1196 2.3%
2022 12.18 1044th 1139 8.3%
2023 14.29 1159th 1334 13.1%
2024 16.96 1138th 1347 15.5%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school African American students at Atherton Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.86 320th 475 32.6%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Atherton Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 7.23 1217th 1253 2.9%
2019 8.46 1083rd 1128 4.0%
2022 13.46 1009th 1102 8.4%
2023 14.35 1075th 1198 10.3%
2024 13.18 1094th 1204 9.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Michigan Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Atherton Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 27.37 674th 806 16.4%
2007 40.93 611th 823 25.8%
2008 47.68 569th 839 32.2%
2009 31.48 693rd 847 18.2%
2010 31.48 709th 851 16.7%
2011 46.82 584th 858 31.9%
2012 36.82 622nd 900 30.9%
2013 21.64 754th 919 18.0%
2014 30.09 686th 921 25.5%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Michigan Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Atherton Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Michigan Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Open Quote I had to pull my kids out of school because they have been getting bully and the staff would do nothing about it. Also my son has an IEP and they would not follow any the IEP and he is falling school. He was do good when he attended a different school. this school jsut does not care about kids who needs help Close Quote



Enrollment information for Atherton Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 334 8 4 4 3 n/a n/a 0 353
1989 300 7 3 3 10 n/a n/a 0 323
1990 279 6 3 7 6 n/a n/a 0 301
1991 290 7 3 8 13 n/a n/a 0 321
1992 403 3 2 9 10 n/a n/a 0 427
1993 412 11 2 9 14 n/a n/a 0 448
1994 397 6 3 7 19 n/a n/a 0 432
1995 399 11 6 8 4 n/a n/a 0 428
1996 399 11 6 8 4 n/a n/a 0 428
1997 440 11 2 2 2 n/a n/a 0 457
1998 429 15 1 3 3 n/a n/a 0 451
1999 450 15 1 6 4 n/a n/a 0 476
2000 442 21 0 8 7 n/a n/a 0 478
2001 419 18 8 8 0 n/a n/a 0 453
2002 381 15 0 10 13 n/a n/a 0 419
2003 381 15 0 10 13 n/a n/a 0 419
2004 375 22 4 14 14 n/a n/a 0 429
2005 340 24 7 11 14 n/a n/a 0 396
2006 334 18 4 5 5 n/a n/a 21 387
2007 279 17 2 5 6 n/a n/a 21 330
2008 322 18 3 8 4 n/a n/a 17 372
2009 312 44 0 15 5 n/a n/a 8 384
2010 286 45 1 16 4 n/a n/a 11 363
2011 283 34 2 15 3 0 9 0 346
2012 261 44 1 17 5 0 9 0 337
2013 213 37 3 14 5 0 12 0 284
2014 287 49 1 36 5 0 34 0 412
2015 290 49 0 35 2 0 40 0 416
2016 252 60 0 32 0 0 41 0 385
2017 227 64 0 31 0 0 38 0 360
2018 231 66 0 32 0 0 51 0 380
2019 220 68 1 28 0 0 48 0 365
2020 216 69 0 30 0 0 39 0 354
2021 193 54 0 25 0 0 31 0 303
2022 189 55 2 28 0 0 36 0 310
2023 195 70 3 24 0 0 39 0 331
2024 162 79 4 21 0 0 40 0 306

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Atherton Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 353 n/a n/a n/a
1989 323 n/a n/a 16.7
1990 301 24.0 12.5 17.3
1991 321 n/a n/a n/a
1992 427 n/a n/a 26.9
1993 448 n/a 0.0 33.9
1994 432 24.5 17.6 29.9
1995 428 22.6 18.9 33.6
1996 428 22.6 18.9 33.6
1997 457 25.0 18.3 33.3
1998 451 27.0 16.7 22.2
1999 476 27.0 17.6 26.1
2000 478 27.7 17.3 39.5
2001 453 25.8 17.6 42.2
2002 419 24.3 17.2 46.8
2003 419 24.3 17.2 46.8
2004 429 24.1 17.8 51.3
2005 396 21.3 18.6 53
2006 387 23.4 16.5 56
2007 330 22.9 14.4 49.5
2008 372 20.6 18.1 60.8
2009 384 19.6 19.6 64.1
2010 363 20.6 17.6 70.5
2011 346 20.2 17.1 72.5
2012 337 19.1 17.6 74.8
2013 284 15.6 18.1 75.7
2014 412 21.6 19.0 69.7
2015 416 18.0 23.1 77.9
2016 385 19.0 20.2 77.9
2017 360 20.4 17.5 85
2018 380 22.4 16.9 84.7
2019 365 23.3 15.6 85.8
2020 354 23.1 15.3 84.5
2021 303 19.5 15.5 96.4
2022 310 24.8 12.4 93.9
2023 331 21.1 15.6 90.6
2024 306 21.4 14.2 93.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Atherton Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 353 n/a n/a n/a
1989 323 n/a n/a 16.7
1990 301 24.0 12.5 17.3
1991 321 n/a n/a n/a
1992 427 n/a n/a 26.9
1993 448 n/a 0.0 33.9
1994 432 24.5 17.6 29.9
1995 428 22.6 18.9 33.6
1996 428 22.6 18.9 33.6
1997 457 25.0 18.3 33.3
1998 451 27.0 16.7 22.2
1999 476 27.0 17.6 26.1
2000 478 27.7 17.3 39.5
2001 453 25.8 17.6 42.2
2002 419 24.3 17.2 46.8
2003 419 24.3 17.2 46.8
2004 429 24.1 17.8 51.3
2005 396 21.3 18.6 53
2006 387 23.4 16.5 56
2007 330 22.9 14.4 49.5
2008 372 20.6 18.1 60.8
2009 384 19.6 19.6 64.1
2010 363 20.6 17.6 70.5
2011 346 20.2 17.1 72.5
2012 337 19.1 17.6 74.8
2013 284 15.6 18.1 75.7
2014 412 21.6 19.0 69.7
2015 416 18.0 23.1 77.9
2016 385 19.0 20.2 77.9
2017 360 20.4 17.5 85
2018 380 22.4 16.9 84.7
2019 365 23.3 15.6 85.8
2020 354 23.1 15.3 84.5
2021 303 19.5 15.5 96.4
2022 310 24.8 12.4 93.9
2023 331 21.1 15.6 90.6
2024 306 21.4 14.2 93.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Atherton Elementary School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,861 (15.6%) $10,038 (84.4%) $11,899
2020 $1,612 (13.7%) $10,144 (86.3%) $11,756
2021 $2,834 (21.5%) $10,374 (78.5%) $13,208
2022 $2,709 (17.8%) $12,512 (82.2%) $15,221
2023 $2,635 (16.8%) $13,035 (83.2%) $15,670

Data source: Michigan Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Atherton Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 1239th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 1127th of 1470 Elementary schools
 11.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Atherton Elementary School)25.640
 14.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Atherton Community Schools)25.640
 14.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Atherton Elementary School)17.940
 22.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Atherton Community Schools)17.940
 22.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Atherton Elementary School)29.222.5
 6.7%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Atherton Community Schools)29.222.5
 6.7%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Atherton Elementary School)22.915
 7.9%
   4th Grade Math (Atherton Community Schools)22.915
 7.9%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Atherton Elementary School)21.420.7
 0.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Atherton Community Schools)21.420.7
 0.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Atherton Elementary School)2423.7
 0.3%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Atherton Community Schools)2423.7
 0.3%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)41.737.5
 4.2%
6th Grade Math (Atherton Elementary School)14.313.2
 1.1%
   6th Grade Math (Atherton Community Schools)14.313.2
 1.1%
   6th Grade Math (Michigan)35.129.6
 5.5%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students365331
 9.3%
African American6870
 2.9%
American Indian00
Asian13
 200%
Hispanic2824
 14.3%
Pacific Islander00
White220195
 11.4%
Two or More Races4839
 18.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients85.8%90.6%
 4.9%


Schools Near Atherton Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Atherton Elementary School

Students at Atherton Elementary School are 53% White, 26% African American, 13% Two or more races, 7% Hispanic, 1% Asian.

Students who attend Atherton Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Atherton Junior Senior High School

In the 2023-24 school year, 306 students attended Atherton Elementary School.

Atherton Elementary School ranks in the bottom 19.6% of Michigan elementary schools.


Rate Atherton Elementary School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Atherton Elementary School!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 145 milliseconds.