The top reported proficiency rate is 55% in Science. The lowest is 44% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Haisley Elementary School
Haisley Elementary School sits on Duncan Street in Ann Arbor, part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools district. It is a regular public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade, with an enrollment that falls in the moderate range for an elementary building in this district. The student body reflects a degree of racial and ethnic diversity that is fairly typical for Ann Arbor: a white majority, with Black, Asian, Hispanic, and multiracial students each forming smaller but visible portions of the population. Just over a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on English learners and students with individualized education programs was not reported, so those population shares are not available here.
On state assessments, Haisley's results tell a consistent story across grade levels and subjects. Third and fourth graders post proficiency rates in math and English language arts that sit in the moderate range, with roughly four to four-and-a-half in ten students meeting or exceeding state standards. By fifth grade, proficiency climbs noticeably in both subjects, with well over half of tested students reaching proficiency in math, ELA, and science. Fifth-grade social studies runs lower, closer to the third- and fourth-grade math and ELA rates. The overall proficiency index places Haisley above the midpoint among districts in Washtenaw County, which is a reasonably strong standing given that the county includes several high-performing districts. Participation rates were not reported for any tested grade or subject, so it is not possible to confirm how complete the testing coverage was.
Because Haisley is an elementary school, there is no graduation rate to report. That measure simply does not apply to this grade band. Chronic absenteeism data was also not available.
Ann Arbor itself is a university-driven city, shaped heavily by the University of Michigan and the high-tech research economy that has grown around it. Publicly reported descriptions characterize the city as a bustling university town with a walkable downtown that intermingles with the campus, sidewalk cafes, bookstores, and cultural venues. The university and its medical complex are major employers, and the broader economy includes startup companies drawn by university research activity as well as offices for several major corporations. The city has an extensive park system and the Nichols Arboretum. Growth and development are ongoing, and the pace of that growth is a subject of local political debate.
The housing market in Haisley's zip code is expensive relative to both state and national benchmarks. Typical home values sit well above the Michigan statewide figure and above the national figure as well. Rents are similarly elevated. For families considering buying, the price-to-income ratio is demanding, and estimated monthly mortgage costs exceed typical rents, making renting the more affordable option in straightforward cost terms. This is a market where housing costs will be a real factor in school choice.
At the district level, Ann Arbor Public Schools is in the midst of substantial change. Voters approved a large, long-term bond that is funding a new elementary school, classroom renovations, and facility improvements across the district, with construction ongoing. An operating millage renewal passed in November 2023, providing a key revenue stream for day-to-day operations. At the same time, the district has approved budget reductions for the current school year, with additional cuts anticipated to address structural deficit spending. The district is also exploring a project-based New Tech high school program that could open soon, adding an alternative pathway at the secondary level. For families at Haisley, the facility investments are a clear positive, while the budget pressures are something to watch as they may affect class sizes, programming, or services in coming years.
Taken together, Haisley presents as a moderately sized, diverse elementary school with improving proficiency as students progress through the upper grades, situated in an expensive but vibrant university town whose district is simultaneously investing in facilities and navigating fiscal headwinds. A parent evaluating this school may want to ask about how the district's budget reductions are affecting staffing and programming at the building level, and to look into the missing English learner and special education data directly with the school if those populations are relevant to their family.
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