PD Chatterton Middle School

PD Chatterton Middle School in Warren, MI, serves 409 students in grades 6-8 as part of the Fitzgerald Public Schools district, with a large majority of students (74%) qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

Academically, PD Chatterton is performing below state averages across core subjects, with proficiency rates roughly half of Michigan's average. For example, 6th-grade reading proficiency sits at 19.7% compared to the state's 37.5%, and 6th-grade math is 14.5% versus 31.9% statewide. The school currently holds a 1-star rating and ranks in the bottom 22nd percentile of Michigan middle schools. However, there are encouraging signs of improvement. State rankings have climbed from the 12th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 22nd percentile for 2025-2026, and 8th-grade social studies proficiency jumped from 7.7% to 27.5% over that same period. When compared to nearby Lincoln Middle School in Van Dyke Public Schools—which serves a similar student population just 2.5 miles away—PD Chatterton outperforms Lincoln in nearly every subject and grade level, including more than triple the 6th-grade math proficiency rate.

One of the school's most significant challenges is chronic absenteeism. At 46.1%, it's nearly double the state average of 27.9%, though it has improved steadily from a high of 60.8% in 2021-2022. This improvement coincides with rising test scores, suggesting attendance is a key driver of academic progress. A notable strength is the school's work with English Language Learners, who rank in the 74th percentile statewide—earning a 4-star rating for this subgroup. The school also serves male students notably better than female students, with a significant gap in state rankings. While PD Chatterton still has a long way to go to match the performance of higher-income neighbors like Royal Oak Middle School, the recent upward trends and targeted successes provide a foundation for continued growth.