Is Sault Area Middle School a good school?

Sault Area Middle School ranks 402 nd of 897 Michigan middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Sault Area Middle School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 533 students attended Sault Area Middle School.

What is the racial makeup of Sault Area Middle School?

Students at Sault Area Middle School are 58% White, 36% American Indian, 3% African American, 2% Two or more races, 1% Hispanic.

What high school do graduates of Sault Area Middle School attend?

Students who attend Sault Area Middle School usually go on to attend Sault Area High School

Sault Area Middle School

Summary:

Sault Area Middle School is a public magnet middle school in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, serving grades 5-9 with a total enrollment of 533 students. The school is part of the Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools district, which is ranked 283 out of 610 districts in Michigan and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Sault Area Middle School has experienced a significant increase in chronic absenteeism rates, rising from 11.9% in 2018-2019 to 52.0% in 2021-2022, before slightly decreasing to 35.9% in 2022-2023. This is notably higher than the state average and indicates a potential area of concern for the school. Academically, the school's performance, as measured by M-Step and PSAT proficiency rates, is generally below the state averages across various subjects and grade levels, with the exception of Science and Social Studies, where the school's performance is more competitive.

The school's performance varies significantly across different student subgroups. Female students generally outperform male students, and Native American students also perform relatively well, ranking 1st out of 5 Michigan middle schools in 2021-2022. In contrast, White students and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds tend to perform below average. Despite the increased per-student spending at Sault Area Middle School, which has risen from $9,971 in 2019-2020 to $11,648 in 2022-2023, the school's academic performance still lags behind state averages, suggesting a need to evaluate the effectiveness of these resources and explore ways to optimize their use.

Detail:

Public, Magnet 5-9

684 Marquette Ave
Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783-3103

(906) 635-6604

District: Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
402^nd of 897 Michigan Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $11,648

Students who attend Sault Area Middle School usually attend:

High:

Sault Area High School

Feeder schools for Sault Area Middle School:

Elementary:	Lincoln School
	Washington Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio: 16.8

Number of students: 533

Racial breakdown:

White:

58.0%

American Indian:

35.6%

African American:

2.6%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 50.5%

See top rated Michigan middle schools

Compare Sault Area Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Sault Area Middle School is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2014 the calculated Average Standard Score was 77.64. (See more...)

Compare Details Sault Area Middle School ranks better than 55.2% of middle schools in Michigan. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 49.57. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (58%), American Indian (35.6%), African American (2.6%). (See more...)

Compare Details 50.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Sault Area Middle School is 16.8. (See more...)

Compare Sault Area Middle School employs 31.6 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Sault Area Middle School is $11,648.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Sault Area Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Sault Area Middle School 402^nd of 897 Michigan public middle schools. (See Sault Area Middle School in the ranking list.)

Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools 283^rd of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Sault Area Middle School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MI State Percentile
2006	47.90	1022^nd	1545	33.9%
2007	56.95	823^rd	1565	47.4%
2008	73.43	386^th	1577	75.5%
2009	61.29	773^rd	1589	51.4%
2010	58.34	899^th	1552	42.1%
2011	62.86	692^nd	1552	55.4%
2012	80.90	240^th	1566	84.7%
2013	69.73	443^rd	1563	71.7%
2014	77.64	302^nd	1533	80.3%

See the entire list of Michigan Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Michigan Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Sault Area Middle School

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Rank History for all middle school students at Sault Area Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MI State Percentile
2006	47.68	549^th	806	31.9%
2007	57.64	456^th	823	44.6%
2008	59.57	446^th	839	46.8%
2009	61.38	421^st	847	50.3%
2010	64.61	396^th	851	53.5%
2011	63.83	369^th	858	57.0%
2012	74.67	188^th	900	79.1%
2013	69.54	233^rd	919	74.6%
2014	68.23	258^th	921	72.0%
2015	66.40	271^st	919	70.5%
2016	63.49	288^th	894	67.8%
2017	52.34	330^th	821	59.8%
2018	65.11	283^rd	838	66.2%
2019	73.90	164^th	792	79.3%
2021	55.84	245^th	675	63.7%
2022	63.79	222^nd	776	71.4%
2023	59.17	290^th	883	67.2%
2024	49.57	402^nd	897	55.2%

See the entire list of Michigan Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at Sault Area Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MI State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	55.80	119^th	377	68.4%

See the entire list of Best Michigan Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Sault Area Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MI State Percentile
2018	67.56	210^th	815	74.2%
2019	78.95	71^st	672	89.4%
2021	43.11	282^nd	523	46.1%
2022	47.51	338^th	691	51.1%
2023	59.80	260^th	825	68.5%
2024	42.81	451^st	836	46.1%

See the entire list of Best Michigan Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Sault Area Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MI State Percentile
2018	66.31	236^th	794	70.3%
2019	75.24	130^th	658	80.2%
2021	48.72	220^th	521	57.8%
2022	66.63	161^st	657	75.5%
2023	70.79	160^th	770	79.2%
2024	59.38	240^th	771	68.9%

See the entire list of Best Michigan Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Sault Area Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MI State Percentile
2018	59.37	298^th	797	62.6%
2019	64.81	179^th	639	72.0%
2021	52.95	201^st	540	62.8%
2022	52.68	277^th	658	57.9%
2023	39.85	457^th	776	41.1%
2024	35.49	511^th	786	35.0%

See the entire list of Best Michigan Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Native American students at Sault Area Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MI State Percentile
2018	59.28	4^th	10	60.0%
2019	48.81	3^rd	4	25.0%
2021	41.53	2^nd	3	33.3%
2022	57.96	1^st	5	80.0%
2023	47.76	4^th	5	20.0%
2024	41.96	4^th	7	42.9%

See the entire list of Best Michigan Middle Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Sault Area Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MI State Percentile
2018	58.01	244^th	678	64.0%
2019	72.91	140^th	624	77.6%
2021	56.51	210^th	577	63.6%
2022	57.75	221^st	638	65.4%
2023	56.38	250^th	688	63.7%
2024	36.73	447^th	701	36.2%

See the entire list of Best Michigan Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Michigan Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Michigan Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Sault Area Middle School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1988	366	2	1	1	113	n/a	n/a	483
1989	357	4	1	1	122	n/a	n/a	485
1990	344	5	1	1	109	n/a	n/a	460
1991	427	5	2	0	156	n/a	n/a	590
1992	445	2	1	1	189	n/a	n/a	638
1993	460	4	0	1	185	n/a	n/a	650
1994	445	4	1	2	169	n/a	n/a	621
1995	396	3	0	2	149	n/a	n/a	550
1996	396	3	0	2	149	n/a	n/a	550
1997	415	0	0	1	152	n/a	n/a	568
1998	428	1	2	2	178	n/a	n/a	611
1999	412	3	2	3	182	n/a	n/a	602
2000	388	2	2	3	175	n/a	n/a	570
2001	439	3	5	2	180	n/a	n/a	629
2002	534	5	6	4	283	n/a	n/a	832
2003	534	5	6	4	283	n/a	n/a	832
2004	468	5	5	5	246	n/a	n/a	729
2005	423	4	3	5	235	n/a	n/a	670
2006	389	11	3	7	232	n/a	n/a	642
2007	378	11	4	6	227	n/a	n/a	626
2008	386	11	7	2	207	n/a	n/a	613
2009	397	7	5	4	195	n/a	n/a	608
2010	377	7	3	5	171	n/a	n/a	563
2011	376	7	7	7	184	1	0	582
2012	331	2	3	5	184	3	4	532
2013	345	4	5	7	199	3	1	564
2014	350	2	5	9	173	2	3	544
2015	325	2	8	8	172	0	6	521
2016	308	5	6	2	169	2	0	492
2017	280	7	7	4	191	0	0	489
2018	265	8	6	2	196	3	2	482
2019	314	6	7	4	216	3	0	550
2020	334	11	8	3	198	2	0	556
2021	309	14	5	5	178	1	0	512
2022	297	15	4	2	176	0	5	499
2023	309	14	3	7	190	0	10	533

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Sault Area Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	483	n/a	n/a	n/a
1989	485	n/a	n/a	26.6
1990	460	39.0	11.7	23.3
1991	590	n/a	n/a	n/a
1992	638	n/a	n/a	n/a
1993	650	n/a	0.0	35.1
1994	621	33.0	18.8	23.8
1995	550	29.5	18.6	26
1996	550	29.5	18.6	26
1997	568	30.0	18.9	24.5
1998	611	32.0	19.1	22.1
1999	602	33.0	18.2	26.7
2000	570	33.2	17.2	40.4
2001	629	33.0	19.1	36.9
2002	832	39.8	20.9	34.5
2003	832	39.8	20.9	34.5
2004	729	39.7	18.4	39
2005	670	38.3	17.5	38.7
2006	642	37.2	17.3	37.9
2007	626	33.0	19.0	32.9
2008	613	32.4	18.9	36.4
2009	608	31.6	19.2	39.3
2010	563	30.2	18.6	38.9
2011	582	29.1	19.9	49.7
2012	532	25.3	20.9	45.9
2013	564	28.6	19.6	43.3
2014	544	27.9	19.4	43.4
2015	521	28.0	18.6	42.8
2016	492	24.0	20.5	38
2017	489	25.1	19.4	46.6
2018	482	28.5	16.8	53.9
2019	550	31.3	17.5	54.7
2020	556	30.9	17.9	54.5
2021	512	29.3	17.4	55.3
2022	499	28.5	17.4	44.3
2023	533	31.6	16.8	50.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Sault Area Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	483	n/a	n/a	n/a
1989	485	n/a	n/a	26.6
1990	460	39.0	11.7	23.3
1991	590	n/a	n/a	n/a
1992	638	n/a	n/a	n/a
1993	650	n/a	0.0	35.1
1994	621	33.0	18.8	23.8
1995	550	29.5	18.6	26
1996	550	29.5	18.6	26
1997	568	30.0	18.9	24.5
1998	611	32.0	19.1	22.1
1999	602	33.0	18.2	26.7
2000	570	33.2	17.2	40.4
2001	629	33.0	19.1	36.9
2002	832	39.8	20.9	34.5
2003	832	39.8	20.9	34.5
2004	729	39.7	18.4	39
2005	670	38.3	17.5	38.7
2006	642	37.2	17.3	37.9
2007	626	33.0	19.0	32.9
2008	613	32.4	18.9	36.4
2009	608	31.6	19.2	39.3
2010	563	30.2	18.6	38.9
2011	582	29.1	19.9	49.7
2012	532	25.3	20.9	45.9
2013	564	28.6	19.6	43.3
2014	544	27.9	19.4	43.4
2015	521	28.0	18.6	42.8
2016	492	24.0	20.5	38
2017	489	25.1	19.4	46.6
2018	482	28.5	16.8	53.9
2019	550	31.3	17.5	54.7
2020	556	30.9	17.9	54.5
2021	512	29.3	17.4	55.3
2022	499	28.5	17.4	44.3
2023	533	31.6	16.8	50.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Sault Area Middle School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$942 (9.4%)	$9,118 (90.6%)	$10,060
2020	$844 (8.5%)	$9,127 (91.5%)	$9,971
2021	$1,384 (12.9%)	$9,380 (87.1%)	$10,764
2022	$1,711 (14.8%)	$9,841 (85.2%)	$11,552
2023	$1,270 (10.9%)	$10,378 (89.1%)	$11,648

Data source: Michigan Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Sault Area Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 164^th of 792 Middle schools	Ranks 290^th of 883 Middle schools	12.1%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
5th Grade English Language Arts (Sault Area Middle School)	47.5	41.7	5.8%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	47.5	41.7	5.8%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)	46.2	43.9	2.3%
5th Grade Math (Sault Area Middle School)	39.2	18.8	20.4%
5th Grade Math (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	39.2	18.8	20.4%
5th Grade Math (Michigan)	34.8	31.5	3.3%
5th Grade Social Studies (Sault Area Middle School)	26.5	21.1	5.4%
5th Grade Social Studies (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	26.5	21.1	5.4%
5th Grade Social Studies (Michigan)	17.4	18.6	1.2%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Sault Area Middle School)	58.3	29.6	28.7%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	58.3	29.6	28.7%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)	41.7	37.5	4.2%
6th Grade Math (Sault Area Middle School)	36.1	22.7	13.4%
6th Grade Math (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	36.1	22.7	13.4%
6th Grade Math (Michigan)	35.1	29.6	5.5%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Sault Area Middle School)	52.9	38.8	14.1%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	52.9	38.8	14.1%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)	42.7	36.9	5.8%
7th Grade Math (Sault Area Middle School)	46.1	37.1	9%
7th Grade Math (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	46.1	37.1	9%
7th Grade Math (Michigan)	35.7	31	4.7%
8th Grade Social Studies (Sault Area Middle School)	43	31	12%
8th Grade Social Studies (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	43	31	12%
8th Grade Social Studies (Michigan)	28	26.7	1.3%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Sault Area Middle School)	80.1	70.5	9.6%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	80.1	70.5	9.6%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)	61.9	59.7	2.2%
8th Grade Mathematics (Sault Area Middle School)	43.2	42.9	0.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools)	43.2	42.9	0.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Michigan)	41.4	36.3	5.1%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	550	533	3.1%
African American	6	14	133.3%
American Indian	216	190	12%
Asian	7	3	57.1%
Hispanic	4	7	75%
Pacific Islander	3	0	100%
White	314	309	1.6%
Two or More Races	0	10
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	54.7%	50.5%	4.3%

Schools Near Sault Area Middle School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				PSAT English Language Arts (2024)	PSAT Mathematics (2024)	M-Step English Language Arts (2024)			M-Step Math (2024)			M-Step Science (2024)		M-Step Social Studies (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSAT English Language Arts 8th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 8th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 5th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 6th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 7th Grade	M-Step Math 5th Grade	M-Step Math 6th Grade	M-Step Math 7th Grade	M-Step Science 5th Grade	M-Step Science 8th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 5th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Sault Area Middle School	Public, Magnet	5-9	684 Marquette Ave	Sault Sainte Marie	49783	Chippewa County	Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools	No	Yes	No	Yes	(906) 635-6604	533	32	16.8	50.5%	309 (58.0%)	14 (2.6%)	7 (1.3%)	3 (0.6%)	190 (35.6%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (1.9%)	49.6	402^nd of 897 public middle schools	55.2%		59.2	290^th of 883 public middle schools	67.2%	112	63.6	28.1	38.3	26.3	27.6	26.9	26.7	44.8	40.8	38.5	31.9	31.7	$11,648	$1,270	$10,378

Sault Area Middle School

Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools:

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Rank History for Sault Area Middle School

Rank History for Sault Area Middle School

Rank History for all middle school students at Sault Area Middle School

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at Sault Area Middle School

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Sault Area Middle School

Rank History for middle school Female students at Sault Area Middle School

Rank History for middle school Male students at Sault Area Middle School

Rank History for middle school Native American students at Sault Area Middle School

Rank History for middle school White students at Sault Area Middle School

Enrollment information for Sault Area Middle School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Sault Area Middle School

Student/Teacher Ratio Sault Area Middle School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Sault Area Middle School

Impact of COVID-19 on Sault Area Middle School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Sault Area Middle School