The top reported proficiency rate is 22% in English language arts. The lowest is 6% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Winans Elementary School
Winans Elementary School sits on the west side of Lansing, inside the Waverly Community Schools district, and serves first through fourth graders. It is a regular public school with no charter or magnet designation, drawing a sizable enrollment spread fairly evenly across its four grades. The student body is racially diverse, with Black, White, and Hispanic students each forming the largest groups and a meaningful portion identifying as two or more races. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, pointing to a community where many families are working within tight household budgets. Data on English learners and students with individualized education programs was not available, so those population details are left out here rather than estimated.
On state assessments, the most recent M-STEP results show proficiency rates that are low in both math and English language arts. In third grade, only a small fraction of tested students reached proficiency in either subject, and fourth grade results were somewhat higher, especially in ELA, though still modest overall. A science result is reported but comes from an older testing cycle, so it offers limited value for understanding current performance. When the school's overall proficiency is compared relative to districts in Eaton County, Winans lands in the bottom quartile, well below the county's midpoint. This is a soft spot a parent may want to look into further with the school, asking what instructional supports and interventions are in place and how growth, rather than just proficiency, is being tracked for individual children. Because this is an early-grades building, there is no graduation rate, and that metric simply does not apply here. Chronic absenteeism figures were not reported either, so nothing can be said about attendance patterns from the available data.
The housing market around the school is relatively affordable. Typical home values in the school's zip code sit below the state benchmark and well below national levels, making ownership a realistic prospect for many households earning near the national median income. Rents are also moderate, and the rent-to-income burden is lighter than in many metro areas. Home prices have risen modestly year over year, while rents have climbed at a faster clip, which may affect families weighing a lease versus a purchase. The broader mortgage rate environment remains elevated, which shapes what a monthly payment looks like for anyone buying into the area.
Lansing itself is Michigan's state capital and a mid-sized city that serves as a regional hub for government, education, insurance, and healthcare. Publicly reported sources describe an economy anchored by state employment and several national insurance companies headquartered locally, including Auto-Owners and Jackson National Life. General Motors maintains a manufacturing presence with roots in the city's automobile heritage, and Sparrow Health System and McLaren Greater Lansing are major healthcare employers. Neighboring East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, expands the region's employment and educational reach. The Grand River flows through downtown, and the Lansing River Trail provides a popular path for biking and walking. Civic anchors include the Michigan State Capitol, the Impression 5 Science Center, the Library of Michigan, and Potter Park Zoo. Walkability is moderate in the downtown core but the city is largely auto-oriented, which is typical of mid-sized Michigan cities with suburban development patterns.
Within the Waverly Community Schools district, a bond was approved to improve facilities across all district schools, according to publicly reported information. This represents a meaningful capital investment in building conditions, and it may carry property tax implications for residents, something a family considering the area could weigh alongside the academic picture. For a parent looking at Winans, the conversation is really about early literacy and numeracy. The proficiency numbers are low, the peer environment is diverse and community-rooted, and the surrounding area offers affordable housing with access to a region rich in public institutions and employers. Asking the school directly about its approach to reading instruction, math interventions, and how it supports children who arrive below grade level would be the natural next step.
See more original research from School Decision →