The top reported proficiency rate is 15% in Math. The lowest is 8% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Harrison Elementary School
Harrison Elementary School serves students from prekindergarten through fifth grade as a regular public school within the South Bend Community School Corp. The school is located on Western Avenue in the west-side area of South Bend, a mid-sized city that blends residential neighborhoods, a riverfront downtown, the adjacent University of Notre Dame, and manufacturing and distribution zones near the airport. The student body is predominantly Hispanic and Black, with a modest share of students who identify as two or more races and a small white population. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, placing the school in a high-need context.
On state assessments, Harrison's results are well below the midpoint among elementary schools in the county. Proficiency rates in both math and English language arts were low. In science, which is tested at a single grade level, and in social studies, also tested at a single grade level, the share of students meeting the state's proficiency standard was similarly low. Participation rates on the reading and math tests were high, which means the results reflect nearly the full tested population. A parent looking at these scores should understand that Harrison faces serious academic challenges relative to other schools in the region.
The school itself is a regular elementary school operating during standard school hours, with no special charter or magnet designation reported. The district recently opened South Bend Virtual School as a full-time remote option for students in grades four through twelve, which provides an alternative pathway for families who want an online learning environment. There was no information available on the school's staffing ratios, teacher qualifications, or class sizes. Data on special education identification rates and English learner enrollment were also missing, so a parent interested in those supports would need to contact the school directly.
The building sits in a part of South Bend where housing costs are noticeably below both state and national benchmarks. Home values in the area are moderate, and rents are relatively affordable compared to the broader region. The neighborhood is a mix of older residential streets and commercial corridors, with the St. Joseph River shaping the local geography. The city has a grid street plan that adapts to the river's path, and downtown is a short drive away with parks, a museum, and seasonal events. The University of Notre Dame campus lies directly north of downtown, creating a college-town presence that influences the local economy and culture. The area's largest employment sectors include manufacturing, education and health care, and professional services.
Parents considering Harrison should weigh the school's student composition and location against its academic performance. The school serves a diverse, economically disadvantaged community and is embedded in a city with a mix of industrial and institutional anchors. The low proficiency rates indicate that many students are not yet meeting grade-level expectations, which is a soft spot that a parent would want to discuss with the principal or instructional team. The district's virtual school option could be relevant for families who find that a traditional classroom setting is not the best fit. No information was available about enrichment programs, art, music, or extracurricular offerings at Harrison, so those would need to be verified through the school's own communications.
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