Best Public Schools in Zip Code 54121

The 54121 zip code area is home to two schools - North Central Area Senior High School and North Central Middle School, both part of the North Central Area Schools district. While the high school is a standout performer, earning a 5-star rating and consistently strong academic outcomes, the middle school appears to be struggling in comparison.

North Central Area Senior High School ranks 61st out of 735 Michigan high schools, with a 96.4% 4-year graduation rate and 0% dropout rate - far exceeding state averages. Its students significantly outperform the state on standardized tests, with 60.9% proficient or better in Math and 47.8% in Social Studies, compared to state averages of 39% and 36.1% respectively. In contrast, North Central Middle School has a more modest 3-star rating and generally lower test scores, particularly in English Language Arts.

The stark contrast in performance between the high school and middle school within the same district is noteworthy, and may be influenced by the significant difference in per-student spending ($18,422 at the high school versus $9,294 at the middle school). Additionally, the predominantly white student population at both schools warrants further investigation into the experiences and outcomes of minority students, especially the notable Native American population at the middle school. Overall, the data suggests that North Central Area Senior High School is a standout performer in the region, while North Central Middle School may be an area of focus for the North Central Area Schools district to address and improve academic outcomes.