Elementary Schools in Flat Rock Community Schools

The two elementary schools in Flat Rock Community Schools, located in the Flat Rock, Michigan area, serve approximately 729 students in grades PK through 5 through a split configuration: Ethel C Bobcean Elementary School (PK-2) and John M Barnes Elementary School (3-5).

For parents, the most important takeaway is that John M Barnes Elementary School serves as the district’s academic barometer since it is the only school with standardized test data. While its state ranking improved from the 23rd to 30th percentile (now a 2-star rating), proficiency rates remain below state averages in every subject. The most significant concern is math, where students trail state peers by 20 to 24 percentage points across all grade levels—for example, only 18.6% of 3rd graders are proficient in math versus 42.9% statewide. English Language Arts shows more promise, with 3rd grade proficiency jumping from 21.6% to 29.7% in one year, though 4th and 5th grades still lag by roughly 10 to 18 points. Science is a relative strength, with 5th graders at 36.5% proficiency, just 3.5 points below the state average.

Chronic absenteeism is a district-wide red flag, but it is especially acute at Ethel C Bobcean Elementary School, where 44.8% of students are chronically absent—nearly 17 points above the state average and 11.6 points higher than Barnes (33.2%). Since Bobcean serves the youngest learners, these early attendance gaps likely contribute to the academic struggles seen later at Barnes. Both schools serve majority economically disadvantaged populations (54.5% at Bobcean, 48.7% at Barnes), and per-student spending is higher at Bobcean ($17,094 vs. $15,768), likely reflecting early childhood program costs. Student-teacher ratios are nearly identical (about 16.7:1). The district’s positive ranking momentum at Barnes suggests improvement efforts are underway, but addressing math instruction and the severe absenteeism at Bobcean will be critical for sustained progress.