Six public schools across Saginaw and Genesee counties have earned spots among the top 100 elementary and middle schools in Michigan, according to a recent statewide evaluation. The recognition highlights strong academic performance in core subjects like mathematics and reading.
The list, which assessed thousands of schools, placed Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy as the fifth-best middle school in the state, making it the highest-ranked institution in the region. Hemmeter Elementary School in Saginaw led the local elementary schools with a ranking of 14th statewide.
Key Takeaways
- Six schools in Saginaw and Genesee counties were ranked in the top 100 in Michigan.
- Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy ranked #5 among all middle schools in the state.
- Hemmeter Elementary School was the highest-rated area elementary school at #14.
- The rankings are based on student proficiency in math and reading, as well as student-teacher ratios.
Regional Schools Achieve Statewide Recognition
The recent rankings evaluated approximately 2,600 elementary schools and 2,000 middle schools across Michigan, making the inclusion of six local schools a significant achievement for the region. The analysis considered several factors, including student proficiency on state assessments in mathematics and reading, student-teacher ratios, and overall student achievement data.
Three of the recognized schools are located in Saginaw, with the other three situated in Davison and Grand Blanc Township. This distribution showcases educational excellence across different districts within the two-county area.
Understanding the Rankings
The evaluation process is comprehensive, aiming to provide a clear picture of a school's academic environment. Key metrics include not only raw test scores but also how well schools serve their student populations. Factors like smaller class sizes, indicated by the student-teacher ratio, are also considered influential in student success.
A Closer Look at the Top Performers
The schools that made the top 100 list demonstrated impressive results in academic proficiency, often exceeding state averages. Each institution brings a unique profile of enrollment size, community, and educational focus to its success.
Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy Leads the Pack
Securing the #5 spot for middle schools in Michigan, the Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy stands out as a regional leader. The school, part of the Saginaw City School District, serves 401 students and maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14-to-1.
Students at the academy show high levels of academic achievement. According to performance data, 83% of students are proficient in reading, and 75% demonstrate proficiency in mathematics. This performance placed it firmly within the state's top tier.
Hemmeter Elementary Sets a High Standard
Among elementary schools, Hemmeter Elementary School in Saginaw Township achieved the highest regional ranking at #14. The school has an enrollment of 318 students and a student-teacher ratio of 22-to-1.
The school's reading program appears particularly effective, with an impressive 87% of students achieving reading proficiency. Math proficiency is also strong at 77%, showcasing a well-rounded academic foundation for its students.
Spotlight on Saginaw's Success
The city of Saginaw is home to three of the top-ranked schools, indicating a strong educational core within the community. In addition to the Arts and Sciences Academy and Hemmeter, Handley Elementary School also received high marks.
Balanced Excellence at Handley
Handley Elementary School, part of Saginaw City Schools, ranked #17 in the state. The school is notable for its consistent performance across subjects, with 82% proficiency in both math and reading. It serves 320 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 17-to-1.
The collective success of these Saginaw schools highlights the effective strategies being implemented by educators and administrators in both the Saginaw City and Saginaw Township Community school districts.
Genesee County Schools Earn Distinction
Genesee County also celebrated significant achievements, with schools in Davison and Grand Blanc making the prestigious list. These institutions contribute to the region's reputation for quality public education.
- Hill Elementary School: Located in Davison, this school ranked #45 in the state. Serving 261 students, it reported a 72% proficiency rate in both math and reading.
- Myers Elementary School: This Grand Blanc Township school was ranked #77. It is the largest of the recognized elementary schools, with an enrollment of 451 students, and showed proficiency rates of 63% in math and 68% in reading.
- Davison Middle School: Rounding out the list at #97, this school serves 877 students. It demonstrated a reading proficiency of 61% and a math proficiency of 43%.
The inclusion of these schools underscores the commitment to academic excellence within the Davison Community Schools and Grand Blanc Community Schools districts. Their presence in the top 100 provides parents and community members with a benchmark of success and a point of local pride.