VivaLAKEWOOD aims to bring together those who have a stake in the future of Lakewood Elementary including students, families, teachers, alumni, neighborhood residents and friends of the school throughout the community. Recent discussion of elementary school consolidation in Ann Arbor reinforces the importance of recognizing the families and communities supported by Lakewood Elementary. This site will provide a collection of information and data to ensure Lakewood’s future as a vibrant and community-focused elementary school.
NEW: Community Survey to shape the future of AAPS
(open through November 2nd)
Ann Arbor Public School’s Timeline for Consolidation
Note: This was reported in the August Cost Reduction Plan (PDF below) but the current timeline may be delayed
September 2026: Convene & Learn
October 2026: Gather Input
November 2026: Review Data & Scenarios
December 2026: Decision Made
FALL 2027: School closures go into effect
AAPS Presentations (PDF):
Board of Education Meeting Recordings (youtube)
See BoE Calendar for future meetings
In the News
“There are two schools of thought about what to do about Lakewood,” an administrator tells the Observer on condition of anonymity. “They could not build [the new building] and close the school. Or they could build it and use the new, bigger school to move students from Haisley or Abbot if those schools are closed. But that would take years and we don’t have years.”
A2 Observer
Stories:
Use AADL credentials to access MLive stories for free: Instructions
Strengths of Lakewood
- Diverse student body:
- Economically diverse & Title I school
- Consolidated ESL resources
- Of 8 elementaries in in western A2, Lakewood has the only non-white majority
- Strong sense of community tied to Hispanic enrollment:
- Seasonal community events
- Largest (by %) Hispanic student body of AAPS elementaries (2nd overall)
- Geographic location:
- Near large population; Far from other schools -> Minimal commute & bus routes
- Elimination of Lakewood would result in geographic “gap”
- Large adjacent lot with established plans for a new building [LINK SOON]
Data Visualization
(click images to view interactive graphics; best on computer)
Diversity of Enrollment by Elementary School
Elementary School Buildings and Zoning
Student Enrollment and Teacher FTE
Note: enrollment is heavily influenced by school zoning (above).
Source: Education Data Portal (Version 0.27.0), Urban Institute, accessed via R software September, 2026 educationdata.urban.org, made available under the ODC Attribution License.
Get Involved
Subscribe below, sign the Demand for Transparency Petition,
Want to improve this site? Have an idea about the future of Lakewood? Send us an email.
