Holmes Elementary School

Holmes Elementary in Spring Lake, Michigan (Pre-K through grade 4), serves about 420 students and 32 full-time teachers, establishing a student-teacher ratio of about 13:1—better than Michigan's 17:1 average. From 2022-23 state testing, about 85–89 % of students test proficient in math and reading, vs. Michigan's ~34 % math and ~45 % reading rates—putting the school in the top 1% in the state. Students are mostly white (89%), with 11% minority, and about 18% eligible for free/reduced lunch. Most teachers are veteran teachers, with fewer than 4% in their first two years. Holmes focuses on creativity and hands-on work through arts, science, and basic literacy programs, based on a close-knit community and a "village school" philosophy. Median home prices in the area are about $271,000, typical of a stable suburban community.

There are fun developments in Michigan at Holmes Elementary. In Flint, construction and community collaborations are in progress, while Spring Lake honors academic achievement, creativity, and student activities, such as partnerships with local sports teams.