The top reported proficiency rate is 34% in Math. The lowest is 28% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Eastwood Elementary School
Eastwood Elementary School is a regular public school in Elkhart, Indiana, serving kindergarten through sixth grade. It sits within the Elkhart Community Schools district, which covers much of this mid-sized industrial city. Elkhart is known as the RV Capital of the World and a center for musical instrument manufacturing, with a downtown historic district along Main Street that includes the Lerner Theatre, the Midwest Museum of American Art, and the National New York Central Railroad Museum. The city's economy has long been tied to cyclical manufacturing, and it lost a major pharmaceutical employer a number of years ago when Bayer pulled out. The district itself is navigating a severe long-term financial crisis driven by a decade of declining enrollment, and it is pursuing a "rightsizing" process that may lead to school closures or consolidations—a factor any family evaluating Eastwood should consider.
Academically, Eastwood Elementary participates in Indiana's ILEARN assessments. On the most recent state tests, the share of students meeting proficiency benchmarks was modest in mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies. When compared with the school districts across Elkhart County, Eastwood's overall proficiency sits below the midpoint. These results point to a school where many students are working below grade-level expectations; a parent may want to ask the school about academic intervention programs and how it supports students who are not yet meeting state standards. Because Eastwood serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and no data on advanced coursework or career pathways, which are not applicable at this level.
The student body is predominantly white, with a substantial Hispanic enrollment and smaller shares of Black, Asian, and multiracial students. About half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, placing the school in a middle range of economic need. Information on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the data provided. The school's discipline record and attendance patterns were also not reported, so a family may wish to ask the principal directly about the school climate and any chronic absenteeism concerns.
In the surrounding community, home values in the ZIP code are somewhat below the national median but close to the Indiana state benchmark, and rents are moderate relative to typical incomes. The area has a mix of manufacturing employers, a historic downtown, and an Amtrak station connecting Chicago to the East Coast. The broader Elkhart region also has a notable Amish and Mennonite population.
The most pressing district-level factor for families is the ongoing financial strain. Elkhart Community Schools has seen enrollment drop from a larger number to a smaller one over the last decade, and the district's own projections show a negative cash balance by the end of 2027 if no changes are made. The district's FAQ has addressed whether specific schools, including Eastwood, will remain open. A parent considering Eastwood should be aware that the school's long-term future is part of those rightsizing discussions.
Eastwood Elementary is a neighborhood school in a manufacturing city with a working-class character, serving a diverse student population where a significant share of families face economic challenges. Its academic performance on state tests is below the county average, which may be a concern for parents focused on high achievement, but the school may offer a familiar, local setting for families in its attendance area who are comfortable engaging with the school to understand its supports. Given the district's financial uncertainty, any family should also factor in the possibility of future boundary or building changes.
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