The top reported proficiency rate is 76% in Social studies. The lowest is 60% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Black River Education Center Elementary School
Black River Education Center Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Sullivan, a small rural unincorporated community in northeastern Ashland County. The school sits on a campus just outside the community's main crossroads; it is part of the Black River Local School District, which recently undertook a significant restructuring.
The most current state testing data, from the 2024-25 school year, shows that about two-thirds of students in grades three through five meet proficiency in math, and about three-fifths meet proficiency in English language arts. Science performance is notably stronger, with about three-quarters of tested students proficient. The school's overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile among the county's districts. These results reflect the academic foundation the school is building for its grade band, though reading and math proficiency rates indicate room for instructional support and intervention.
The school's enrollment is small for its grade span, and the student population is predominantly white, with small numbers of Hispanic and multiracial students and very few students of color. Detailed demographic breakdowns for free-and-reduced-price lunch, students with individualized education programs, and English learners were not available in the data, so a parent seeking that information should contact the school directly.
Sullivan itself is a dispersed rural setting with very limited commercial activity and no walkable downtown. Most residents own single-family homes on larger rural lots, and the area's median home value is modest by state standards. Manufacturing is the leading industry for residents, most of whom commute outside the community for work. Civic and community anchors include several parks operated by the Ashland County Park District, churches along the state route, and the school campus. There is no public library branch in Sullivan; residents use libraries in nearby towns.
The district recently made substantial staffing cuts in May 2024, eliminating six teaching positions, four paraprofessional roles, and support staff to address a budget gap driven by declining enrollment. As part of that restructuring, eighth grade students were moved to the high school building. These changes have ongoing effects on class sizes and staffing levels that families in elementary grades may see reflected as their children advance. The district has renewed its operating levy and a permanent improvement levy, both as renewals rather than new taxes, so property tax rates have not increased, though the operating budget remains constrained.
For families in Sullivan seeking elementary education, Black River Education Center Elementary offers a small-community school environment with adequate academic performance in science and developing proficiency in core subjects. The surrounding area provides rural living, modest housing costs, and outdoor recreation through county parks. Parents considering the school may want to discuss directly with staff the current class sizes and any additional academic support services available, given the recent staffing reductions and the district's overall enrollment decline.
See more original research from School Decision →