The top reported proficiency rate is 17% in English language arts. The lowest is 6% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Beardsley Elementary School
Beardsley Elementary School is a regular public school in Elkhart, Indiana, serving students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. It is part of Elkhart Community Schools, a district navigating a well-publicized financial and enrollment challenge. The school draws from a residential neighborhood near downtown Elkhart, a mid-sized industrial city known as the RV and band instrument manufacturing capital of the world.
On the most recent state assessments through Indiana’s ILEARN, Beardsley’s students posted proficiency rates that place the school in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Elkhart County. In mathematics, about one in eight students scored at or above the proficient level. In English language arts, roughly one in six did. Science proficiency was around one in ten, and at the fifth-grade social studies test the rate was lower still. These results come from a school where nearly all tested students participated, so the data represents the full population of grades three through six. Because the school ends at sixth grade, there is no graduation rate to report, and chronic absenteeism data was not available in the sources examined. A parent reading these outcomes should note that the school’s academic performance is an area that likely warrants direct conversation with the principal and teachers about instructional support and intervention strategies.
The student body is diverse, reflecting the broader Elkhart community. Hispanic and Black students together make up a substantial majority, with White students and students identifying as two or more races each forming smaller shares. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating that the school serves a population with significant economic need. Enrollment data for students receiving special education services or English learner support was not reported in the available records, so families with children in those categories would want to confirm directly with the school what programs are in place.
Elkhart itself is a city whose economy has long been tied to manufacturing, particularly recreational vehicles and musical instruments, as well as rail yards and other heavy industry. The city has experienced economic cycles tied to RV demand, and a major pharmaceutical employer pulled out entirely within recent memory. Housing in the school’s ZIP code is priced below the state median, and rents are relatively modest, making the area more accessible for homebuyers and renters compared to many parts of Indiana. The downtown area has seen revitalization efforts around the Lerner Theatre and civic spaces, and the city sits at the confluence of two rivers with parks nearby.
A more immediate consideration for any family looking at Beardsley is the financial picture of its district, Elkhart Community Schools. Publicly reported district communications describe a decade of declining enrollment and projected budget deficits that have prompted a “rightsizing” process. The district has directly addressed questions about whether certain elementary schools will remain open, and while Beardsley has not been named specifically in those discussions, the overall district uncertainty is a factor that families should weigh. School boundaries and building status could shift in the coming years.
Beardsley Elementary is a neighborhood school that serves a high-poverty, diverse student population. Its academic results on state tests are low relative to county peers, and the district context adds an extra layer of complexity. For a family that values a close-to-home school with a wide mix of backgrounds and is prepared to engage actively with the school around academic support, Beardsley may be a viable option. For those prioritizing higher test scores or greater district stability, the evidence suggests that other options in Elkhart County may align better with those priorities. The school’s website and principal’s office are the best next stop for questions about curriculum, intervention programs, and the building’s long-term outlook.
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