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South Lake Middle School

Public Grades 6-8

806^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 890 Michigan Middle Schools

Better than 9% of Michigan middle schools

Summary

South Lake Middle School is a public middle school located in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 292 students. The school is part of the South Lake Schools district, which is ranked 541 out of 613 districts in Michigan and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

South Lake Middle School consistently ranks in the bottom quartile of Michigan middle schools, with rankings ranging from 646 to 806 out of 675 to 890 schools over the past 9 years. The school's performance on state assessments is significantly below the state averages across all grade levels and subject areas. For example, in 2024-2025, only 17.3% of 6th graders were proficient in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 38.6%. The school's performance is also significantly lower than the South Lake Schools district average, indicating that South Lake Middle School is underperforming compared to other schools in the district.

South Lake Middle School has a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, with 66.1% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch in the 2023-2024 school year. The school also has a higher percentage of minority students, with 31.2% of students being African American and 16.1% being multi-racial or other races. Additionally, South Lake Middle School has consistently high rates of chronic absenteeism, ranging from 29.5% to 44.6% over the past few years, significantly higher than the state average. Nearby schools, such as Kennedy Middle School and Brownell Middle School, which have lower percentages of economically disadvantaged students, perform significantly better academically.

309

Students ?

17.7

Student/teacher ratio ?

$18,311

Per pupil spending ?

59.9%

Free/discounted lunch ?

21621 California St
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080-1879

(586) 435-1301

District: South Lake Schools

Students who attend South Lake Middle School usually attend:

High:

South Lake High School

Feeder schools for South Lake Middle School:

Elementary:	Avalon Elementary School
	Elmwood Elementary School

Racial breakdown:

African American:

63.1%

White:

21.7%

Two or more races:

10.0%

See top rated Michigan middle schools

Compare South Lake Middle School to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Rebounding — 3rd percentile in 2022 → 9th in 2025

Strengths

✓Ranking is rebounding — up to 9th (2025) from a 3rd-percentile low (2022)

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Michigan average (15% vs 41% meeting standards)

!In the lower quartile statewide (9th percentile)

!High chronic absenteeism (36% vs 28% Michigan)

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school15%

District avg15%

Michigan avg41%

806^th of 890

Michigan public middle schools ?

Bottom 9%▼ down 25 pts since 2015

From bottom 35% (2015) to bottom 9% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of Michigan Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

541^st of 613South Lake Schools among Michigan districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	10.8	806 of 890	9.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	11.9	804 of 897	10.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	10.6	801 of 883	9.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	6.3	754 of 776	2.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	9.1	646 of 675	4.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	18.1	664 of 792	16.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	26.7	651 of 838	22.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2017	26.2	599 of 821	27.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2016	28.1	646 of 894	27.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2015	36.7	599 of 919	34.8%	★★☆☆☆
2014	29.2	692 of 921	24.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	39.2	596 of 919	35.1%	★★☆☆☆
2012	46.1	512 of 900	43.1%	★★☆☆☆
2011	57.2	473 of 858	44.9%	★★☆☆☆
2010	66.7	351 of 851	58.8%	★★★☆☆
2009	66.2	355 of 847	58.1%	★★★☆☆
2008	64.5	356 of 839	57.6%	★★★☆☆
2007	62.2	383 of 823	53.5%	★★★☆☆
2006	55.8	454 of 806	43.7%	★★☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	17.1	311 of 338	8.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	26.2	224 of 300	25.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	25.6	232 of 310	25.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	16.7	163 of 182	10.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	21.3	72 of 77	6.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	29.0	145 of 196	26.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	46.4	171 of 366	53.3%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	11.4	717 of 789	9.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	8.7	736 of 771	4.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2023	9.0	725 of 770	5.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	4.1	652 of 657	0.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	18.3	559 of 658	15.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	26.0	600 of 794	24.4%	★☆☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	10.2	786 of 832	5.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	15.6	746 of 836	10.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	11.0	766 of 825	7.2%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	8.3	667 of 691	3.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	12.7	498 of 523	4.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	18.1	590 of 672	12.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	30.8	598 of 815	26.6%	★☆☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	9.8	741 of 798	7.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	16.0	673 of 786	14.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	10.1	719 of 776	7.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	7.9	631 of 658	4.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	17.8	478 of 540	11.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	13.2	579 of 639	9.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	25.0	608 of 797	23.7%	★☆☆☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2018	18.4	132 of 156	15.4%	★☆☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	25.2	540 of 696	22.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	24.4	551 of 701	21.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	14.7	621 of 688	9.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	32.6	425 of 624	31.9%	★★☆☆☆
2018	36.5	430 of 678	36.6%	★★☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

White (2025)22nd percentile+13 vs school

Multi-racial (2018)15th percentile-7 vs school

Female (2025)9th percentile~ school

African American (2025)8th percentile~ school

Male (2025)7th percentile~ school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)6th percentile-4 vs school

By subject vs Michigan (2024-2025) ?

Social Studies23%-24 vs state

English Language Arts15%-24 vs state

Science11%-30 vs state

Math9%-24 vs state

Mathematics3%-27 vs state

4.4

10 ratings · 8 written reviews

5★7

4★2

3★0

2★0

1★1

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What people are saying

by a parent
Monday, August 27, 2018

We love South Lake Middle School. It is a smaller middle school with alot of advantages. Great teachers, responsive principal and individual learning for each student. Parents are involved and there is something for everyone! Close Quote

by a teacher
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

teachers and staff are invested in students achievement Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Great school district! Staff is incredibly passionate and works hard to make sure that students are ready to succeed. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Teachers are caring and knowledgeable. There are so many activities for students to get involved in like Student Government, Choir, Band, Game Club, Student Action Team, Cooking Classes for families! Close Quote

by a teacher
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

We have an amazing and dedicated staff that goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our students. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

The teachers really care about the students. Close Quote

by a teacher
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Teachers work very hard to help the students in every way possible. Some students are fantastic, some are a little more rough. It is very similar to other schools. The diversity in the building is inspiring and watching kids from all different backgrounds work together is great to observe. Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Teachers are kind, loving, and knowledgeable. Couldn't ask for a better support system for my child. Close Quote

Schools Near South Lake Middle School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				PSAT English Language Arts (2025)	PSAT Mathematics (2025)	M-Step English Language Arts (2025)			M-Step Math (2025)			M-Step Science (2025)		M-Step Social Studies (2025)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSAT English Language Arts 8th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 8th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 5th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 6th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 7th Grade	M-Step Math 5th Grade	M-Step Math 6th Grade	M-Step Math 7th Grade	M-Step Science 5th Grade	M-Step Science 8th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 5th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
South Lake Middle School	Public	6-8	21621 California St	Saint Clair Shores	48080	Macomb County	South Lake Schools	No	No	No	No	(586) 435-1301	309	17	17.7	59.9%	67 (21.7%)	195 (63.1%)	11 (3.6%)	4 (1.3%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (10.0%)	10.8	806^th of 890 public middle schools	9.4%		11.9	804^th of 897 public middle schools	10.4%	2	37.6	3.2		17.3	12.7		7.7	9.8		10.8		22.6	$18,311	$1,987	$16,324
Harper Woods Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	19800 Anita St	Harper Woods	48225	Wayne County	Harper Woods The School District of the City of	No	Yes	No	Yes	(586) 343-1830	353	16	22.0	86.1%	10 (2.8%)	332 (94.1%)	9 (2.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.6%)	6.5	859^th of 890 public middle schools	3.5%		6.4	871^st of 897 public middle schools	2.9%	12	28.3	4.7		12.1	9.8			3.9		10.8		9.7	$20,255	$1,294	$18,961
Parcells Middle School	Public	5-8	20600 Mack Ave	Grosse Pointe Woods	48236	Wayne County	Grosse Pointe Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(313) 432-4600	671	40	16.8	24.0%	397 (59.2%)	201 (30.0%)	25 (3.7%)	8 (1.2%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	37 (5.5%)	73.7	184^th of 890 public middle schools	79.3%		75.2	172^nd of 897 public middle schools	80.8%	12	73.7	40.4	55.7	49.4	48.0	39.6	33.3	48.3	51.0	46.3	43.6	56.9	$19,293	$1,940	$17,353
Eastpointe Middle School	Public	6-7	24701 Kelly Rd	Eastpointe	48021	Macomb County	Eastpointe Community Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(586) 533-3600	295	16	18.4	92.9%	22 (7.5%)	247 (83.7%)	10 (3.4%)	3 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (4.4%)	5.6	868^th of 890 public middle schools	2.5%		4.6	888^th of 897 public middle schools	1.0%	20				6.8	6.8		2.7	4.8					$13,257	$3,277	$9,980
Chandler Park Academy Middle School	Public, Charter	6-8	20100 Kelly Rd	Harper Woods	48225	Wayne County	Chandler Park Academy	Yes	No	No	Yes	(248) 905-5030	514	29	17.9	91.6%	0 (0.0%)	513 (99.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	7.5	849^th of 890 public middle schools	4.6%		5.1	881^st of 897 public middle schools	1.8%	32	26.5			10.5	17.6			3.8		11.9		12.3	$10,723	$1,852	$8,870
Jefferson Middle School	Public	6-8	27900 Rockwood St	Saint Clair Shores	48081	Macomb County	Lakeview Public Schools (Macomb)	No	No	No	No	(586) 445-4130	990	51	19.2	48.5%	658 (66.5%)	174 (17.6%)	45 (4.5%)	7 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	105 (10.6%)	69.4	216^th of 890 public middle schools	75.7%		66.8	230^th of 897 public middle schools	74.4%	14	73.6	40.9		42.2	47.9		43.6	34.7		40.9		54.4	$13,808	$890	$12,918
Brownell Middle School	Public	5-8	260 Chalfonte Ave	Grosse Pointe Farms	48236	Wayne County	Grosse Pointe Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(313) 432-3900	605	34	17.7	8.4%	500 (82.6%)	44 (7.3%)	16 (2.6%)	13 (2.1%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (5.1%)	92.7	51^st of 890 public middle schools	94.3%		94.6	32^nd of 897 public middle schools	96.4%	19	84.0	56.8	61.5	52.8	66.9	53.5	59.0	71.0	46.8	63.6	49.3	71.6	$18,927	$1,152	$17,775
Roseville Middle School	Public	6-8	16250 Martin Rd	Roseville	48066	Macomb County	Roseville Community Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(586) 445-5600	620	33	19.0	72.3%	247 (39.8%)	296 (47.7%)	11 (1.8%)	8 (1.3%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.2%)	55 (8.9%)	12	790^th of 890 public middle schools	11.2%		11.4	813^th of 897 public middle schools	9.4%	23	41.9	2.4		13.6	16.8		4.0	8.9		22.0		19.0	$15,911	$3,404	$12,507
Eastland Middle School	Public	6-8	18700 Frank St	Roseville	48066	Macomb County	Roseville Community Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(586) 445-5700	310	17	18.4	75.8%	113 (36.5%)	154 (49.7%)	2 (0.6%)	14 (4.5%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (8.1%)	23.1	663^rd of 890 public middle schools	25.5%		22.1	685^th of 897 public middle schools	23.6%	22	46.0	15.0		26.2	25.7		5.6	12.7		30.0		32.0	$16,464	$3,979	$12,485
J E Clark Preparatory Academy	Public	3-8	15755 Bremen St	Detroit	48224	Wayne County	Detroit Public Schools Community District	No	No	No	Yes	(313) 417-9340	125	11	11.3	92.8%	2 (1.6%)	123 (98.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	20.9	684^th of 890 public middle schools	23.1%					(n/a)	40.9	13.6	17.7	30.0						27.3		13.6	$23,855	$2,254	$21,601

Frequently Asked Questions about South Lake Middle School

What high school do graduates of South Lake Middle School attend?

Students who attend South Lake Middle School usually go on to attend South Lake High School

What district is South Lake Middle School in?

South Lake Schools

What is the racial makeup of South Lake Middle School?

Students at South Lake Middle School are 63% African American, 22% White, 10% Two or more races, 4% Hispanic, 1% Asian.

Is South Lake Middle School a good school?

South Lake Middle School ranks in the bottom 9.4% of Michigan middle schools.

How many students attend South Lake Middle School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 309 students attended South Lake Middle School.

Rate South Lake Middle School!

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Schools in Saint Clair Shores, MI

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.