Middle Schools in Ypsilanti Community Schools

The two middle schools within Ypsilanti Community Schools—Ypsilanti Community Middle School and Washtenaw International Middle Academy—serve roughly 705 students in grades 5–8 and 6–8, respectively, and represent one of the starkest within-district achievement divides in Michigan.

For parents, the choice between these two schools is dramatic. Washtenaw International Middle Academy is a clear standout, ranking in the top 20% of Michigan middle schools (82nd percentile, 4 stars) and improving each year. It exceeds state averages in nearly every subject—for example, 64.4% of its 8th graders pass Social Studies versus a 50.3% state average, and its PSAT ELA proficiency (76.4%) is well above the state mark (64.8%). Chronic absenteeism is low at 7.6%, and only about 31% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch. In contrast, Ypsilanti Community Middle School sits in the bottom 2% of schools statewide, with zero stars for three consecutive years. Its proficiency rates are in the single digits for most subjects (e.g., 6.6% in 6th grade ELA, 2.6% in 6th grade math), and chronic absenteeism affects nearly 60% of students—eight times higher than at WIMA.

Perhaps the most surprising finding is the spending paradox: Ypsilanti Community Middle School spends $25,295 per student—2.7 times more than WIMA’s $9,413—yet achieves far worse outcomes. This suggests that money alone cannot overcome the challenges of concentrated poverty (78% free/reduced lunch) and severe attendance issues. Meanwhile, WIMA proves that high achievement is possible even within a district ranked in the bottom 17% statewide. For parents, WIMA offers a rigorous, high-performing option, while Ypsilanti Community Middle School faces systemic hurdles that require urgent, targeted interventions around attendance and student support.