Charles C McGlinnen School

Charles C McGlinnen School is an elementary school in Clinton Township, MI, serving 409 students in grades PK-5 as part of the Clintondale Community Schools district.

For parents considering this school, the most important thing to know is that McGlinnen faces significant challenges, particularly with academic proficiency and attendance. State test scores show that only about 12.5% of 3rd graders were proficient in English Language Arts in the most recent school year, compared to a state average of 38.2%. Math scores are similarly low. The school also struggles with chronic absenteeism—nearly 38% of students miss enough school to be considered chronically absent, which is well above the state average of about 28%. This is a critical issue because students who aren't in class consistently have a much harder time keeping up academically. On a positive note, the school spends a relatively high amount per student ($14,411), which is more than some higher-performing nearby schools, suggesting that resources are available but aren't yet translating into stronger test results.

When comparing McGlinnen to other elementary schools in the area, the differences are striking. Just a short drive away, Walt Disney Elementary School in Fraser Public Schools and Mt Clemens Montessori Academy rank in the 59th and 65th percentiles statewide, with proficiency rates that are often double or triple McGlinnen's. Even within the same district, Robbie Hall Parker School has an even higher chronic absenteeism rate (57.5%), while Red Oak Academy reports a much lower rate of 16.1%. McGlinnen's test scores also fluctuate significantly from year to year and grade to grade, which suggests that performance may depend heavily on the specific group of students in each class rather than a consistent school-wide approach. For parents, this means it's especially important to visit the school, talk to teachers, and understand what supports are in place for your child's specific needs.