Defer Elementary School serves kindergarten through fourth grade students with a public school education in the city of Grosse Pointe Park. Named for George Defer, former president of Grosse Pointe Park, Defer Elementary School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designed by architect George J. Haas in 1924 in the Tudor Revival style.
Other original features of Defer Elementary School include wood-paneled Gothic doors, a leaded glass conservatory and a classroom showcasing a Pewabic-tile fireplace.
Students' core curriculum includes math, the language arts, social studies and science, including typing for the third, fourth and fifth grades. The basic curriculum is supplemented by online platforms created to make learning engaging and more accessible. Initiatives like "Fact Monster," "Imagine Math" and "Math Playground," help students navigate problem solving. "NASA for Kids" and "Kids Astronomy" make learning about science fun.
Students can pursue their personal interests and make new friends joining one of Defer Elementary School's clubs or after school programs like the Defer Running Dragons or participating in PTO events like "Popsicles on the Playground."
A school "where everyone learns, every day," Defer Elementary is passionate about forging the future of its fiery and fervent "Dragons."
George Defer Elementary School
Public Elementary School
|
Grade K-4
15425 Kercheval Ave,
Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Grosse Pointe Public School System
School Details
Head of School
Ms. Lisa Rheaume
Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Math Proficiency
72%
Reading Proficiency
73%
Niche Grade
A
A+
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
|
Reading Proficiency
73%
|
Math Proficiency
72%
|
Teachers
|
Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Teachers
27
|
Full Time Teachers
27
|
|
Teachers in First or Second Year
18.8%
|
|
GreatSchools Rating
10
6
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Student Diversity
|
Male
53.8%
|
Female
46.2%
|
|
White
81.9%
|
Two or more races
5.9%
|
|
Black
5%
|
Hispanic
4.4%
|
|
Asian
2.6%
|
Native American
<1%
|
School Rankings
#12
Best Public ES Teachers in Michigan
#29
Best Public ES in Michigan
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
12/2/2020
Having both of our children attend Defer has been a great experience and introduction to the high quality education provided by the Grosse Pointe Public Schools. The teachers are wonderful and show daily how much they care for their students. The school is welcoming to all students/families and works hard to celebrate diversity and provide an inclusive culture.
GreatSchools Reviews
5/23/2013
Defer is challenging. The school is excellent at teaching to the level and skills of the children and helps them excel in learning.
3/11/2013
the staff is alert and developes programs for students who need extra help. I highly recommend this school
11/8/2011
We absolutely love Defer, and both Mr Wardie and (now) Mrs Sullivan are great principals. We have two girls here, in 1st and 4th grades, and one more coming in a few years. Our PTA is incredible, too, giving a lot of support to the kids as well as the teachers. My only complaint is that there are ju...
12/3/2008
Agents Specializing in Attendance Zone
-
David Van Ittersum
David Van Ittersum
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty SCS
(586) 900-6939
62 Total Sales
2 in Attendance Zone
$285,000 Price Range
-
Yvonne Zielinski
Yvonne Zielinski
Epique Inc.
(586) 701-6409
114 Total Sales
1 in Attendance Zone
$239,900 Price
-
Rebecca Peltz
Rebecca Peltz
Real Estate One Grosse Pointe
(313) 474-8823
44 Total Sales
5 in Attendance Zone
$260K - $560K Price Range
-
Anne Marie DeRosier
Anne Marie DeRosier
Real Estate One-Sterling Heights
(313) 329-6948
43 Total Sales
7 in Attendance Zone
$175K - $510K Price Range
-
Jeff Meldrum
Jeff Meldrum
Jim Saros Real Estate Services
(586) 701-6344
130 Total Sales
3 in Attendance Zone
$419K - $800K Price Range
-
Mark DeMers
Mark DeMers
Opul Realty
(947) 216-2789
108 Total Sales
1 in Attendance Zone
$100,000 Price
Map
Attendance Zone
List Price Range
$259K - $2.6M
Homes For Sale
24
Average Home Value
$639,856
Median Lot Size
9,583 Sq Ft
% Renters
27%
Average Household Income
$166,103
% of College Grads
71.3%
Median Age
42
Average House Size
2,658 Sq Ft
Homes for Sale
$325,000
- 2 Baths
- 1,680 Sq Ft
- 1465 Maryland St
Welcome to this fantastic 2-family home in the desirable Grosse Pointe area! Perfectly suited for investors or those looking to convert to a spacious single-family residence, this property has been thoughtfully updated in the last 2 years, featuring newer windows and flooring throughout. The main fl...
Paul Linville
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty SCS
(313) 513-6402
$210,000
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,080 Sq Ft
- 1360 Lakepointe St
- New 11 days ago
Grosse Pointe Park opportunity — great bones! First floor living with 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath. Hardwood floors throughout. Open layout. Charming 3-season front porch. Updates include vinyl windows, siding, house roof, garage roof and glass block. Unfinished walk-up attic potential with bonus room fo...
Marissa Lee-Cavaliere
Jim Saros Real Estate Services
(313) 946-9790
$499,000
- 3 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 3,334 Sq Ft
- 1305 Bedford Rd
This Grosse Pointe Park home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, along with timeless architectural character throughout. Beautiful plasterwork, detailed moldings, inlaid hardwood floors, custom leaded glass windows and a Pewabic tile fireplace create a truly distinctive interior. A lovely fountain ju...
Jay Lambrecht Lambrecht Realty LLC
$495,000
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,637 Sq Ft
- 1215 Nottingham Rd
New A/C was just installed! 1215 Nottingham blends timeless colonial charm with thoughtful modern updates in one of Grosse Pointe Park’s most walkable and desirable neighborhoods. This beautifully updated home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with a lot of character, functionality, and excepti...
Ryan Berns Jim Saros Real Estate Services
$659,900
- 3 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 3,670 Sq Ft
- 1257 Audubon Rd
Welcome to 1257 Audubon, a classic 1940s brick Colonial located in the heart of Grosse Pointe Park. One of this home's standout features is the rear addition, creating the open, functional space so many buyers are looking for with a large kitchen, breakfast area, and family room that truly serves as...
Hayley Bonafede @properties Christie's Int'l RE Grosse Pointe
$329,000
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,789 Sq Ft
- 1445 Lakepointe St
A rare opportunity to own a move-in-ready two-family home in an outstanding Grosse Pointe Park location! Perfect for an owner-occupant looking to offset their mortgage with rental income or an investor looking to add a well-located income property to their portfolio, this charming duplex offers two ...
Charlene Williams Sine & Monaghan LLC
$499,000
- 3 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 1,866 Sq Ft
- 1383 Whittier Rd
- New 10 days ago
Classic Colonial charm, thoughtfully refreshed for modern living. This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence offers 1,866 square feet of inviting living space, complemented by an exceptional collection of recent improvements inside and out.Warm, refinished hardwood floors, new...
Sarah Lewicki Lambrecht Realty LLC
$749,900
- 4 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 3,011 Sq Ft
- 1023 Buckingham Rd
- New 2 days ago
Grosse Pointe Park first floor primary!!!! Welcome to 1023 Buckingham, a 1958-built 4-bedroom, 2.1-bath residence where modern comfort meets classic, old-world charm. From the moment you enter, you’ll appreciate the home’s distinctive circular floor plan and the seamless flow between spaces. The bea...
Spencer Ray Jim Saros Real Estate Services
$528,500
- 8 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4,208 Sq Ft
- 999 Nottingham Rd
- New 13 days ago
Fantastic opportunity to own one of the few 4 plexes in Grosse Pointe below Jefferson. Each unit is rented and in excellent shape. Hardwood floors, efficient kitchens, formal dining rooms, bedrooms at rear of apartment eliminates noise from entertaining, full attic up for storage for all tenants. Ea...
Carol Z Koepplin W.C. Collins Realty
$259,000
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 2,028 Sq Ft
- 1023 Somerset Ave
- New 6 days ago
Welcome to 1023 Somerset! This charming 3-bedroom, all-brick home offers classic Grosse Pointe character and a wonderful opportunity for the next owner to make it their own. The main floor features hardwood floors, a spacious living room with fireplace, dining room, and kitchen overlooking the beaut...
Julie Ahee Sine & Monaghan LLC
$299,900
- 2 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 1,599 Sq Ft
- 1048 Lakepointe St
- Unit A
Take a look at this fabulous end-unit condo with neutral decor and tons of natural light! This turn-key home features a spacious living room/dining room with doorwall and an eat-in kitchen with bar seating and room for a breakfast table. The generously sized bedrooms each boast ensuite full baths, l...
Alexis DeLuca Real Estate One Grosse Pointe
$750,000
- 4 Beds
- 3.5 Baths
- 3,173 Sq Ft
- 1319 Balfour St
Welcome to 1319 Balfour, an extraordinary residence in the heart of Grosse Pointe Park, where timeless architecture, gracious living spaces, and exceptional craftsmanship come together to create a home of distinction. Perfectly positioned on one of the community's tree-lined streets, this remarkable...
Dean Sine Sine & Monaghan LLC
Homes for Rent
$3,000 per month
- House for Rent
- 3 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 1,709 Sq Ft
- 1400 Beaconsfield Ave
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
$1,700 per month
- 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,100 Sq Ft
- 1027 Lakepointe St
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Available immediately! One-of-a-kind two-bedroom apartment (upper left side) in a beautiful craftsman-style home built in 1914, with much charm and character preserved! The large, covered front porch, huge fenced-in backyard on the massive lot (60'x159', 0.22 acres), and walk-out basement are very r...
Ryan Lally KW Grosse Pointe
$895 per month
- Condo for Rent
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 700 Sq Ft
- 1326 Maryland St
- Unit 2F
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
$1,500 per month
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,100 Sq Ft
- 1014 Beaconsfield Ave
- Unit 16
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
3-bedroom beautifully updated lower apartment offers a private basement for laundry and storage, a driveway with private rear off-street parking, and central air. Water and all appliances are included. Front and back balconies to enjoy. Pet allowed with Landlord approval and a three hundred dollar n...
Jeanne Coyle Real Estate One GPF
$3,500 per month
- 4 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 2,504 Sq Ft
- 1349 Devonshire Rd
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Experience an incredible opportunity to own a beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 2.1 bath center entrance Colonial in Grosse Pointe’s fastest-appreciating sub-market. Perfectly situated in walking distance to the vibrant dining, shopping, and nightlife of West Park, this home offers the ideal blend of...
James Haidar RE/MAX First
$1,750 per month
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,350 Sq Ft
- 1241 Beaconsfield Ave
- Unit 1243
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
OPEN HOUSE MONDAY 6/28/26, 10am. FOR RENT; Well-maintained 3-bedroom upper unit with hardwood floors, updated kitchen and bathroom. Lots of light and a separate basement with laundry. Close to restaurants, shopping, and downtown Grosse Pointe Park.
Eric Goosen Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty SCS
$1,250 per month
- 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 700 Sq Ft
- 1178 Beaconsfield Ave
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Check out this two-bedroom apartment located on Kercheval in the prime West Park neighborhood. Features include recently renovated kitchen with backsplash, tile floors, and stainless steel refrigerator/stove. Newly renovated bathroom w/ new fixtures & tiled sand-up shower. Newer windows, refinished ...
Paul Maiale Jim Saros Real Estate Services
$1,500 per month
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,300 Sq Ft
- 1031 Maryland St
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Great location and space. Upper flat with newer kitchen, refinished hardwood floors, front and rear balcony, separated basements, separate electric and furnaces. 2 car per unit parking in rear as well as driveway and street parking.
Perry Gatliff Signature Sotheby's International Realty GPF
$895 per month
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 700 Sq Ft
- 1326 #2F Maryland St
- Grosse Pointe, MI
This charming one-bedroom apartment is the most affordable rental in all of the Pointes! Enjoy a spacious yard this summer and a location just steps from West Park’s best coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The apartment includes appliances, basement storage, one off-street parking space, on-s...
Savannah Srebernak Jim Saros Real Estate Services
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Windmill Pointe Park
- Fishing
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Rotary Tot Lot
- Baseball/Softball
- Tennis
- Pickleball
Mariner Park
- Bike Trails
- Fishing
- Picnic Area
Matthew C Patterson Park
- Lake
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Messmer Playground
- Basketball
- Playground
- Multi-Purpose Field
Riverfront-Lakewood East Park
- Bike Trails
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Riverbend
Small revitalizing community near a popular farmers market and the Detroit River
Grosse Pointe
Bustling downtown shopping and Lake St. Clair views 9 miles from Downtown Detroit
Jefferson Chalmers
Riverside community proud of local history and becoming more modern
Cornerstone Village
Detroit's easternmost neighborhood has midcentury homes and a unique identity
Morningside
Rising property values in a revitalizing east Detroit neighborhood
Fox Creek
Art, community and opportunity on Detroit's east side
George Defer Elementary School is a public school for students in grades K-4 in Grosse Pointe Park, MI, in the Grosse Pointe Park neighborhood, and is served by the Grosse Pointe Public School System in Michigan. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 460 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Academic records show that 72% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 73% are proficient in reading. George Defer Elementary School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10. The average home value in this area is $639,856. Discover additional schools in the area, like Davis Aerospace Technical High School, Grosse Pointe South High School, East English Village Preparatory Academy, and more. Learn more about what Grosse Pointe Park has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near George Defer Elementary School.