The top reported proficiency rate is 37% in Science. The lowest is 19% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Mary Feeser Elementary School
Mary Feeser Elementary School is a regular public school serving students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in Elkhart, Indiana. It is part of Elkhart Community Schools, the district that covers the city and its surrounding areas. The school sits on the western edge of Elkhart, a mid-sized industrial city known nationally as the RV Capital of the World and the Band Instrument Capital of the World. Elkhart’s economy is heavily tied to manufacturing, with major employers like Forest River, Thor Motor Coach, and Conn-Selmer in musical instruments, as well as a large Amish and Mennonite population in the county. The city has a historic downtown along Main Street anchored by the Lerner Theatre and Midwest Museum of American Art, and it is served by Amtrak and the Indiana Toll Road. The housing market in the school’s zip code shows home values and rents that are broadly in line with state-level averages and below the national figure, making the area relatively affordable for families.
Mary Feeser’s enrollment is modest in size for an elementary school serving this grade range. The student body is diverse, with the largest group identifying as white, followed by Hispanic students, then Black students, and a notable share identifying with two or more races. Asian and American Indian students make up smaller shares. A substantial portion of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a community with significant economic need. Data on English learner status and students with disabilities was not available in the records provided.
On state assessments, the school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades sits below the midpoint when compared with other schools in Elkhart County. On the ILEARN exams, the share of students reaching proficient or above was below the county median in math, English language arts, science, and social studies. In social studies, which is tested only at grade five, the proficiency rate was lower than in the other subjects. A parent considering this school may want to ask the school or district about specific instructional supports and interventions, particularly in the areas where results were lower. Participation rates on the tests were very high, indicating that nearly all enrolled students were assessed.
Because Mary Feeser serves only through sixth grade, there is no graduation rate to report. The school’s academic environment is focused entirely on the elementary and middle elementary years, and there is no high school program or advanced course data to evaluate.
The broader district context is important for families to understand. Elkhart Community Schools has experienced a steady decline in enrollment over the past decade, a trend that has created a severe long-term financial strain. The district has publicly stated that without changes, it could face a negative cash balance in the near future. In response, it is pursuing a rightsizing plan that involves adjusting facilities and staffing to match its smaller student population. The district’s own materials directly address the possibility of school closures or consolidations, naming specific schools in its FAQ. While Mary Feeser is not among the schools explicitly listed in those publicly reported discussions, the overall district instability means any family in the system should be aware that the configuration of schools may shift in the coming years.
No information was available on disciplinary practices, staffing ratios, or program offerings such as gifted or special education services. The school is not a charter school and does not carry a magnet designation; it operates as a traditional neighborhood public school.
In sum, Mary Feeser Elementary is a community school in a manufacturing city with a diverse student body and a high share of families facing economic challenges. Academic performance on state tests is below the county average. The district’s financial and enrollment pressures add a layer of uncertainty about the future of individual school buildings. For a parent weighing this school, the immediate academic picture and the district’s long-term direction are both worth digging into further with the school and district leadership.
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