The top reported proficiency rate is 13% in Math. The lowest is 5% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on George Washington Elementary Sch
George Washington Elementary School serves kindergarten through sixth grade in East Chicago, Indiana, as part of the School City of East Chicago district. It is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet. The school sits within a city defined by heavy industry—steel mills, the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal, and vast rail yards that separate the East Side from the West Side. The city’s population has fallen substantially from its mid-century peak, and the steel industry has shed jobs over decades. A federal Superfund site for lead and arsenic contamination led to the relocation of families from a nearby housing complex. The district itself has lost enrollment sharply over the last several years, a sustained decline that could affect program offerings and school stability over time.
On state assessments, George Washington Elementary’s proficiency rates are low. In math and English language arts, the share of students scoring proficient or above is in the low teens. In science and social studies, it drops to the single digits. The overall proficiency index across tested subjects places the school in the bottom quartile relative to districts in Lake County. Test participation was complete, so the results reflect nearly the entire student body. The school’s student population is majority Black and includes a substantial share of Hispanic students; the share of students from low-income households, as measured by free or reduced-price lunch eligibility, is high. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the source information, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about services and staffing for these groups.
The housing market in East Chicago is notably affordable compared to state and national benchmarks. Home values have seen a modest decline recently, while rents have risen. The cost of buying a home here is well below typical prices elsewhere in Indiana, and monthly rent is also low relative to incomes. This means families can find relatively inexpensive housing in the area, though the trade-off is a city with a struggling industrial economy and ongoing environmental remediation. The city operates a free bus service with three routes, and the South Shore Line commuter rail offers a connection to Chicago, which might be relevant for families who commute.
Because George Washington Elementary serves only through sixth grade, there is no graduation rate to report. The school does not offer high school programs like Advanced Placement or career pathways, as those are not part of an elementary curriculum. No information was available on chronic absenteeism, staffing ratios, or course access. The absence of that data limits a full picture of school climate and support, though the academic results alone suggest that this is a school where students are struggling to meet grade-level standards. A parent considering this school would likely want to learn more about any intervention programs, tutoring, or supplemental supports in place. The district’s enrollment decline may also be a practical concern: if fewer students are coming through the system, class sizes or school configuration could shift in the years ahead.
In sum, George Washington Elementary is a neighborhood school in a city with a difficult economic and environmental history. Its test results are very low, and the district is shrinking. Families will want to look closely at the specific services and support structures available for their child, especially given the academic challenges reflected in the state data.
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