The top reported proficiency rate is 14% in Math. The lowest is 4% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Wilson Elementary School
Wilson Elementary School serves students in prekindergarten through fifth grade as part of the South Bend Community School Corporation. It is a regular public school located in the west side of South Bend, a mid-sized city that blends residential neighborhoods, a riverfront downtown, and the adjacent University of Notre Dame. The school sits within a district that has recently opened a full-time virtual option for grades 4 through 12, giving families a permanent remote-learning pathway.
The student body is diverse. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The largest groups are Black students and Hispanic students, each making up a significant portion of the enrollment, followed by White students and students who identify as two or more races. The school serves prekindergarten through fifth grade, with an enrollment that is moderate for an elementary school in this grade band.
State testing results from the ILEARN assessments show that proficiency rates across all tested subjects are low. In English language arts, the share of students meeting the state's proficiency standard is well below the state average. In mathematics, the rate is also low. Science and social studies results follow a similar pattern, with a very small share of students reaching the proficiency threshold. When compared with other schools in St. Joseph County, Wilson Elementary's overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile among its peers. A parent may want to look into this further with the school to understand what academic supports and interventions are in place.
The school's student body reflects the broader demographics of the west side of South Bend. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which is an indicator of the economic context families are navigating. The school is part of the South Bend Community School Corporation, a district that has recently added a full-time virtual school option for students in grades 4 through 12, giving families an alternative to in-person instruction if that fits their needs.
Housing in the area around the school is relatively affordable compared to national benchmarks. Home values in the zip code are well below the national median, and rents are also below the national median. The city of South Bend has seen its population plateau in recent years, with a slight decline from the 2020 census base. The local economy is anchored by the University of Notre Dame, manufacturing and distribution facilities, and the health care and education sectors. The city's downtown and riverfront parks provide civic and cultural amenities, and the South Bend International Airport offers connections to major hubs.
For a family considering Wilson Elementary, the central question is how the school's academic supports match a child's needs. The proficiency numbers are low across the board, and the school serves a student population where a large share of families face economic challenges. The district has added a virtual school option for older students, but that does not apply to the elementary grades. The school itself is a regular public elementary school with no special designation or magnet program. Families who value a diverse student body and a school that reflects the broader community will find that here. Families who are looking for a school with strong test scores or a specialized academic program will want to look elsewhere or ask the school directly about what interventions and enrichment are available.
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