Summary:
Leslie Public Schools is home to just one middle school, Leslie Middle School, which serves grades 5 through 8 in the small, rural community of Leslie, Michigan, with 326 students enrolled.
Leslie Middle School has shown steady improvement in its statewide ranking, moving from the 44th percentile (2 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 51st percentile (3 stars) in 2025-2026. However, academic performance varies widely by grade and subject. The school’s 5th graders shine in English Language Arts (48.6% proficient vs. 43.8% statewide) and science (48.6% vs. 40.0%), while 8th graders post strong PSAT scores, especially in math (41.7% vs. 33.2% statewide). Yet, 7th grade ELA proficiency is alarmingly low at just 22.4% compared to the state’s 38.4%, and 5th grade math dropped sharply from 30.3% to 15.3% in one year. This grade-level volatility suggests that student cohorts differ significantly, rather than pointing to consistent instructional strengths or weaknesses.
One of the most pressing concerns is chronic absenteeism, which sits at 32.3%—well above the district’s 25.2% and the state’s 27.9%. With nearly one in three students missing substantial school days, it’s likely that attendance issues are undermining academic gains, particularly in upper grades where proficiency declines. The school’s student-teacher ratio of 19:1 and per-student spending of $12,464 are moderate, but the data suggests that improving attendance could be a more effective lever than increasing funding. For parents, the takeaway is that Leslie Middle School is improving overall, but success depends heavily on the specific grade and subject—and on making sure students show up consistently.
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