The top reported proficiency rate is 21% in Science. The lowest is 4% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Lincoln Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School is a regular public school in South Bend, Indiana, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of the South Bend Community School Corporation, the district that covers the city and its immediate surroundings. The school’s enrollment is substantial for an elementary building in this grade band, and the student body is diverse. The largest racial group is Black students, followed by Hispanic students, White students, and a notable share of students who identify as two or more races. A small number of American Indian or Alaska Native students are also enrolled. A substantial share of Lincoln’s students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a marker of a school where many families face economic challenges.
On the state’s ILEARN assessments, which Indiana administers in grades three through five, Lincoln’s results are low across all tested subjects. Proficiency rates in math and English language arts are below the midpoint among districts in St. Joseph County, and the school’s overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quarter of that county comparison set. Science and social studies scores are similarly low. These are academic performance patterns that give a parent reason to look further into the school’s instructional approach and student supports. State testing data for earlier grades is not included because those grades are not tested, and no information on chronic absenteeism or special education and English learner enrollment was available in the data provided. A parent may want to ask the school directly about those areas.
Lincoln Elementary sits within the city of South Bend, a mid-sized city that blends residential neighborhoods, a riverfront downtown, and industrial zones. The University of Notre Dame lies directly adjacent to the north, bringing a college-town influence to the area. The city’s economy includes manufacturing, distribution, and education sectors. Housing in the zip code area that includes Lincoln is well below national median home values and rents, making it a relatively affordable place to live compared to broader metro areas. The local housing market shows modest price appreciation. The city itself has seen slow population shifts in recent years, with a plateau after previous modest growth.
At the district level, South Bend Community School Corporation recently opened a full-time virtual school option for students in grades four through twelve, giving families an alternative pathway within the district. No other major programmatic changes or referendums were identified in the brief search. Lincoln Elementary itself does not report any specialized program offerings in the available data, so a parent would need to contact the school to learn about art, music, physical education, or enrichment activities. The school’s grade range ends at fifth grade, meaning students will move to a middle school after leaving Lincoln. For a family weighing this school, the academic performance data is the primary area to investigate, and the housing affordability and city amenities provide context for the broader community experience.
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