James R Geisler Middle School

Summary:

James R Geisler Middle School is a public middle school serving grades 6-12 in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools district in Commerce Township, Michigan. The school has a diverse student population of 562 students, with 50.89% White, 18.51% African American, 9.25% Hispanic, and 14.06% Asian students.

While James R Geisler Middle School has seen some positive outcomes, such as its 8th grade PSAT English Language Arts proficiency rate of 74.1% being higher than the district (77.8%) and Walled Lake Central High School (64.5%), the school faces several challenges. Its chronic absenteeism rate has significantly increased from 13.4% in 2018-2019 to 26.5% in 2022-2023, notably higher than the district average of 21.1% at Walled Lake Northern High School and 23.8% at Walled Lake Western High School. Additionally, the school has a relatively high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at 40.04%, compared to the nearby high schools which range from 18.65% to 33.54%.

When compared to the nearby high schools, James R Geisler Middle School stands out in several ways. It has higher spending per student at $15,535 in 2022-2023, compared to the nearby high schools which range from $13,587 to $16,892 per student. However, the school's test scores are generally lower than the nearby high schools, with some exceptions. The school's racial diversity has also declined, with the percentage of White students decreasing from 56.21% in 2020-2021 to 50.89% in 2022-2023, a trend not observed in the nearby high schools.


Detail:

Public 6-12

 46720 W Pontiac Trl
       Commerce Township, MI  48390-4048


(248) 956-2900

District: Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,535 Help


Students who attend James R Geisler Middle School usually attend:

High:    Walled Lake Western High School

Feeder schools for James R Geisler Middle School:

Elementary:    Hickory Woods Elementary School
    Mary Helen Guest Elementary School
    Meadowbrook Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  20.1 Help
Number of students:  581

Racial breakdown:

White:
49.1%
African American:
20.3%
Asian:
13.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  44.2% Help


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 Compare James R Geisler Middle School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details James R Geisler Middle School ranks better than 76% of middle schools in Michigan. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 68.48. (See more...)
Help
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
Help
Compare Details James R Geisler Middle School has the smallest high school student body size in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools District. Student population at James R Geisler Middle School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (49.1%), African American (20.3%), Asian (13.4%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 44.2% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools District. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at James R Geisler Middle School is 20.1. 2 high schools in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare James R Geisler Middle School employs 28.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at James R Geisler Middle School is $15,535. 2 high schools in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

James R Geisler Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks James R Geisler Middle School 215th of 897 Michigan public middle schools. (See James R Geisler Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Walled Lake Consolidated Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Walled Lake Consolidated Schools 95th of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for James R Geisler Middle School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 76.95 162nd 806 79.9%
2007 77.68 159th 823 80.7%
2008 75.40 186th 839 77.8%
2009 72.52 226th 847 73.3%
2010 70.10 282nd 851 66.9%
2011 64.65 354th 858 58.7%
2012 81.92 126th 900 86.0%
2013 81.53 120th 919 86.9%
2014 79.79 138th 921 85.0%
2015 69.57 228th 919 75.2%
2016 70.67 221st 894 75.3%
2017 63.36 242nd 821 70.5%
2018 78.84 155th 838 81.5%
2019 74.21 160th 792 79.8%
2021 78.21 104th 675 84.6%
2022 67.43 197th 776 74.6%
2023 70.09 209th 883 76.3%
2024 68.48 215th 897 76.0%
See the entire list of Michigan High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 68.20 40th 163 75.5%
2024 85.65 14th 176 92.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 57.07 50th 154 67.5%
2019 60.55 13th 46 71.7%
2022 55.35 14th 38 63.2%
2023 64.11 14th 72 80.6%
2024 52.02 39th 88 55.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 57.54 108th 377 71.4%
2023 37.85 126th 199 36.7%
2024 45.14 90th 201 55.2%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 60.84 275th 815 66.3%
2019 53.91 277th 672 58.8%
2021 64.97 133rd 523 74.6%
2022 54.96 264th 691 61.8%
2023 62.54 229th 825 72.2%
2024 64.14 220th 836 73.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 74.60 168th 794 78.8%
2019 71.60 147th 658 77.7%
2021 73.96 87th 521 83.3%
2022 64.39 178th 657 72.9%
2023 67.96 183rd 770 76.2%
2024 63.87 203rd 771 73.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 79.38 129th 797 83.8%
2019 69.31 157th 639 75.4%
2021 72.87 105th 540 80.6%
2022 61.98 195th 658 70.4%
2023 64.70 206th 776 73.5%
2024 65.17 224th 786 71.5%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 47.56 67th 104 35.6%
2019 39.44 35th 48 27.1%
2022 51.94 31st 57 45.6%
2023 49.84 51st 87 41.4%
2024 40.84 59th 88 33.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 78.81 50th 366 86.3%
2019 73.35 36th 196 81.6%
2021 88.55 4th 77 94.8%
2022 71.63 35th 182 80.8%
2023 50.94 122nd 310 60.6%
2024 52.92 111th 300 63.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 82.23 34th 266 87.2%
2019 86.78 13th 137 90.5%
2022 62.55 46th 138 66.7%
2023 56.08 102nd 246 58.5%
2024 51.91 116th 257 54.9%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at James R Geisler Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 73.83 141st 678 79.2%
2019 74.87 122nd 624 80.4%
2021 77.17 96th 577 83.4%
2022 65.56 172nd 638 73.0%
2023 71.26 159th 688 76.9%
2024 70.31 162nd 701 76.9%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High 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.

James R Geisler Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Michigan Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Open Quote One of the best schools so far. Starting with administration everyone is ready to help. Dr Kennedy, takes the time to reply to parents email and pass it on to the concerned department.
Counselors are very understanding and caring. Ms Rutherford makes sure that every child has someone to talk to in school. Being alone is not an option in this school, since she cares for children and wants them to see happy and interacting with others.
Absolutely best staff. Teachers are so enthusiastic and dedicated. Kids themselves feel motivated to work. My child who was not into history started loving history due to Ms Meyer. She teaches history in such a interesting way, that it is no more boring subject.
Want to thank Ms Tillman, Mr Charnas, Mr Spickard, Mr Snody, Ms Mcdonald, Mr Weddell for being so loving teachers. Keep it up! My kids have their sweet memories created due to you all and lovely friends they made.
GMS cares not only for sports but for other activities too. Whether it is Science fair, Sports, Arts or any other activity none gets less recognition in this school. Information is communicated through websites, emails and newsletter. We loved the newsletter coming from Dr. Kennedy every week.
Small things like posting the Grades on the walls throughout school, nominating Student of the Month etc.. are added motivation that kids look forward too.
Children in this school are very respectful towards the diversified environment. They behave respectfully not only in the school parameters but also in the school transport.
How can I forget Band! We miss Ms Helm. She is totally into music. She makes sure that every child gives their best.
Overall, best school to go to if children loves over all active school environment. If I get chance, I would move back to that school. Close Quote



Enrollment information for James R Geisler Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 568 6 6 0 17 n/a n/a 0 597
1989 566 7 7 2 12 n/a n/a 0 594
1990 571 3 9 7 12 n/a n/a 0 602
1991 601 2 16 6 14 n/a n/a 0 639
1992 711 9 16 4 13 n/a n/a 0 753
1993 778 9 20 4 14 n/a n/a 0 825
1994 807 12 17 5 14 n/a n/a 0 855
1995 901 15 27 4 19 n/a n/a 0 966
1996 901 15 27 4 19 n/a n/a 0 966
1997 943 18 31 7 27 n/a n/a 0 1026
1998 940 24 33 8 21 n/a n/a 0 1026
1999 714 26 27 12 7 n/a n/a 0 786
2000 720 39 40 12 7 n/a n/a 0 818
2001 699 35 48 14 4 n/a n/a 0 800
2002 768 53 50 24 6 n/a n/a 0 901
2003 768 53 50 24 6 n/a n/a 0 901
2004 788 57 55 24 4 n/a n/a 0 928
2005 766 82 64 22 1 n/a n/a 0 935
2006 783 99 76 22 0 n/a n/a 0 980
2007 707 102 73 0 19 n/a n/a 1 902
2008 665 112 80 16 2 n/a n/a 1 876
2009 564 143 78 27 3 n/a n/a 1 816
2010 567 143 80 28 1 n/a n/a 7 826
2011 578 175 77 37 1 1 8 0 877
2012 549 137 85 35 1 1 8 0 816
2013 529 142 83 36 1 1 13 0 805
2014 472 131 78 36 1 0 23 0 741
2015 474 134 80 39 1 0 28 0 756
2016 427 123 78 41 1 2 21 0 693
2017 429 130 84 51 1 2 22 0 719
2018 407 139 92 50 1 6 21 0 716
2019 418 133 92 57 2 3 27 0 732
2020 412 116 90 59 1 3 29 0 710
2021 362 102 86 55 1 4 34 0 644
2022 312 89 74 52 1 6 39 0 573
2023 286 104 79 52 0 4 37 0 562
2024 285 118 78 66 0 3 31 0 581

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 James R Geisler Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 597 n/a n/a n/a
1989 594 n/a n/a 4
1990 602 38.0 15.8 4.2
1991 639 n/a n/a n/a
1992 753 n/a n/a 5.8
1993 825 n/a 0.0 7.9
1994 855 42.1 20.3 3.9
1995 966 50.3 19.2 6.8
1996 966 50.3 19.2 6.8
1997 1026 57.0 18.0 5.3
1998 1026 56.0 18.3 5.7
1999 786 42.0 18.7 6.5
2000 818 45.0 18.2 12
2001 800 49.0 16.3 12.4
2002 901 55.2 16.3 10
2003 901 55.2 16.3 10
2004 928 53.9 17.2 10.9
2005 935 50.2 18.6 13.7
2006 980 53.2 18.4 14.5
2007 902 59.7 15.1 16.4
2008 876 49.5 17.7 21
2009 816 43.2 18.9 26
2010 826 50.4 16.3 31.6
2011 877 45.5 19.2 30.8
2012 816 45.0 18.1 37.6
2013 805 45.9 17.5 36.1
2014 741 42.5 17.4 35.8
2015 756 39.0 19.3 26.9
2016 693 35.0 19.8 29.7
2017 719 33.3 21.5 30.7
2018 716 36.0 19.8 34.5
2019 732 31.8 22.9 34.2
2020 710 34.5 20.5 35.5
2021 644 32.0 20.0 39.9
2022 573 29.0 19.7 40.8
2023 562 27.8 20.2 40
2024 581 28.8 20.1 44.2

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 James R Geisler Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 597 n/a n/a n/a
1989 594 n/a n/a 4
1990 602 38.0 15.8 4.2
1991 639 n/a n/a n/a
1992 753 n/a n/a 5.8
1993 825 n/a 0.0 7.9
1994 855 42.1 20.3 3.9
1995 966 50.3 19.2 6.8
1996 966 50.3 19.2 6.8
1997 1026 57.0 18.0 5.3
1998 1026 56.0 18.3 5.7
1999 786 42.0 18.7 6.5
2000 818 45.0 18.2 12
2001 800 49.0 16.3 12.4
2002 901 55.2 16.3 10
2003 901 55.2 16.3 10
2004 928 53.9 17.2 10.9
2005 935 50.2 18.6 13.7
2006 980 53.2 18.4 14.5
2007 902 59.7 15.1 16.4
2008 876 49.5 17.7 21
2009 816 43.2 18.9 26
2010 826 50.4 16.3 31.6
2011 877 45.5 19.2 30.8
2012 816 45.0 18.1 37.6
2013 805 45.9 17.5 36.1
2014 741 42.5 17.4 35.8
2015 756 39.0 19.3 26.9
2016 693 35.0 19.8 29.7
2017 719 33.3 21.5 30.7
2018 716 36.0 19.8 34.5
2019 732 31.8 22.9 34.2
2020 710 34.5 20.5 35.5
2021 644 32.0 20.0 39.9
2022 573 29.0 19.7 40.8
2023 562 27.8 20.2 40
2024 581 28.8 20.1 44.2

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 James R Geisler Middle School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $401 (3.6%) $10,706 (96.4%) $11,108
2020 $474 (4.3%) $10,448 (95.7%) $10,922
2021 $967 (8.3%) $10,735 (91.7%) $11,702
2022 $1,450 (9.5%) $13,812 (90.5%) $15,262
2023 $768 (4.9%) $14,766 (95.0%) $15,535

Data source: Michigan Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on James R Geisler 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 160th of 792 Middle schoolsRanks 209th of 883 Middle schools
 3.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (James R Geisler Middle School)5543.3
 11.7%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Walled Lake Consolidated Schools)54.752.2
 2.5%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)41.737.5
 4.2%
6th Grade Math (James R Geisler Middle School)53.728.6
 25.1%
   6th Grade Math (Walled Lake Consolidated Schools)5441.8
 12.2%
   6th Grade Math (Michigan)35.129.6
 5.5%
7th Grade English Language Arts (James R Geisler Middle School)54.157.7
 3.6%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Walled Lake Consolidated Schools)5753.7
 3.3%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)42.736.9
 5.8%
7th Grade Math (James R Geisler Middle School)54.949.4
 5.5%
   7th Grade Math (Walled Lake Consolidated Schools)5444.9
 9.1%
   7th Grade Math (Michigan)35.731
 4.7%
8th Grade Social Studies (James R Geisler Middle School)31.324.7
 6.6%
   8th Grade Social Studies (Walled Lake Consolidated Schools)40.635.2
 5.4%
   8th Grade Social Studies (Michigan)2826.7
 1.3%
8th Grade English Language Arts (James R Geisler Middle School)61.566
 4.5%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Walled Lake Consolidated Schools)73.368.4
 4.9%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)61.959.7
 2.2%
8th Grade Mathematics (James R Geisler Middle School)49.848.5
 1.3%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Walled Lake Consolidated Schools)57.847.4
 10.4%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Michigan)41.436.3
 5.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students732562
 23.2%
African American133104
 21.8%
American Indian20
 100%
Asian9279
 14.1%
Hispanic5752
 8.8%
Pacific Islander34
 33.3%
White418286
 31.6%
Two or More Races2737
 37%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients34.2%40%
 5.9%


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Frequently Asked Questions about James R Geisler Middle School

Students at James R Geisler Middle School are 49% White, 20% African American, 13% Asian, 11% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races.

In the 2023-24 school year, 581 students attended James R Geisler Middle School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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