Northwest Kidder Middle School

Northwest Kidder Middle School in Jackson, MI, serves 786 students in grades 5 through 8 and is part of the Northwest Community Schools district, which currently holds a 1-star rating.

For parents, the most important takeaway is that Northwest Kidder faces significant academic challenges, particularly in math. In the most recent testing year, only about 14% of 6th graders and 17% of 7th graders were proficient in math on the M-Step—less than half the state average. This is a stark contrast to nearby Western Middle School, located just 7 miles away, where roughly 46% of students in those grades met proficiency. Both schools serve a similar percentage of students from low-income households (about 42-45%), yet Western ranks in the 79th percentile statewide while Northwest Kidder sits in the low 30s. This comparison suggests the gap isn't simply about demographics but points to differences in instructional approaches or school practices. On a more positive note, the school spends a comparable amount per student ($13,774) as higher-performing neighbors like Mason Middle School ($13,792), so funding isn't the primary obstacle.

There are some bright spots worth noting. Eighth-grade students showed relative strength in social studies, with 43% proficient—close to the state average of 50% and better than several nearby schools. Additionally, 8th graders scored near the state average on the PSAT in English Language Arts (61% vs. 65%), suggesting the school can achieve solid results for older students. The school also appears to serve its African American students relatively well, ranking in the 59th percentile for that group. However, chronic absenteeism remains a concern, though it has improved from a peak of 42% to 27%—now slightly below the state average. If you're considering this school, it's worth asking administrators about their math intervention strategies and how they plan to build on the relative strengths seen in 8th grade.