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Shelby Junior High School

Q: Is Shelby Junior High School a good school?

Shelby Junior High School ranks 145 th of 896 Michigan middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 7-9

145^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 896 Michigan Middle Schools

Better than 84% of Michigan middle schools

Summary

Shelby Junior High School in Shelby Township, MI, is a large, highly-rated school serving 1,073 students in grades 7-9 as part of the Utica Community Schools district, which ranks in the top 28% of Michigan districts.

Shelby Junior High consistently earns top marks, ranking in the 84th percentile statewide for the 2025-2026 school year. This places it well ahead of nearby Frank Jeannette Junior High School (488th) and Eppler Junior High School (310th). Its closest competitor, Malow Junior High School, edges it out slightly overall, but Shelby actually outperforms Malow in 7th-grade English Language Arts (48.7% vs. 43.4% proficiency). Test scores across all subjects beat both district and state averages—for example, 8th-grade science proficiency is 54.8% compared to 46.1% for the district and 39.2% statewide. The school also boasts a low chronic absenteeism rate of just 16.0%, far below the state average of 27.9% and less than half of Frank Jeannette's 34.0% rate, signaling strong student engagement.

One of the most impressive findings is Shelby's success with students from low-income backgrounds, who ranked in the 88th percentile statewide in 2025-2026—a sign the school effectively closes achievement gaps. However, support for special education students is a clear area for improvement, with that subgroup ranking in the bottom 19th percentile. The school also achieves strong results efficiently, spending $14,820 per student—significantly less than lower-performing peers like Eppler ($17,335) and Frank Jeannette ($17,188). For parents, Shelby offers a rigorous, engaging environment with standout ELA and science programs, though those with special education needs may want to investigate support services more closely.

1,073

Students ?

22.4

Student/teacher ratio ?

$14,820

Per pupil spending ?

27.8%

Free/reduced lunch eligible (2024-25) ?

All students in Michigan receive free school meals.

51700 Van Dyke Ave
Shelby Township, MI 48316-4460

(586) 797-3700

District: Utica Community Schools

Students who attend Shelby Junior High School usually attend:

High:

Utica High School

Feeder schools for Shelby Junior High School:

Elementary:	Beacon Tree Elementary School
	Beck Centennial Elementary School
	Issac Monfort Elementary School

Racial breakdown:

White:

86.4%

Asian:

4.4%

Hispanic:

3.4%

See top rated Michigan middle schools

Compare Shelby Junior High School to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 88th percentile in 2016 → 84th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Michigan average (56% vs 44% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 16% of Michigan middle schools

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

!Large classes — about 22 students per teacher

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school56%

District avg52%

Michigan avg44%

145^th of 896

Michigan public middle schools ?

Top 16%▼ down 4 pts since 2016

From top 12% (2016) to top 16% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Michigan Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

2^nd of 6Middle Schools in the Utica Community Schools

177^th of 625Utica Community 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
2026	79.2	145 of 896	83.8%	★★★★☆
2025	80.8	132 of 890	85.2%	★★★★☆
2024	81.1	118 of 897	86.8%	★★★★☆
2023	78.6	143 of 883	83.8%	★★★★☆
2022	72.5	151 of 776	80.5%	★★★★☆
2021	67.2	170 of 675	74.8%	★★★★☆
2019	81.9	116 of 792	85.4%	★★★★☆
2018	85.5	102 of 838	87.8%	★★★★☆
2017	85.7	83 of 821	89.9%	★★★★★
2016	84.6	107 of 894	88.0%	★★★★☆
2015	84.0	95 of 919	89.7%	★★★★☆
2014	85.5	88 of 921	90.4%	★★★★★
2013	80.8	124 of 919	86.5%	★★★★☆
2012	87.1	77 of 900	91.4%	★★★★★
2011	78.9	131 of 858	84.7%	★★★★☆
2010	81.5	91 of 851	89.3%	★★★★☆
2009	82.1	96 of 847	88.7%	★★★★☆
2008	81.5	100 of 839	88.1%	★★★★☆
2007	79.1	138 of 823	83.2%	★★★★☆
2006	82.9	82 of 806	89.8%	★★★★☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	71.1	64 of 338	81.1%	★★★★☆
2023	75.8	48 of 310	84.5%	★★★★☆
2018	80.3	46 of 366	87.4%	★★★★☆

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	59.7	41 of 87	52.9%	★★★☆☆
2025	49.6	50 of 85	41.2%	★★☆☆☆
2024	41.4	57 of 88	35.2%	★★☆☆☆
2023	43.1	55 of 87	36.8%	★★☆☆☆
2018	52.7	58 of 104	44.2%	★★☆☆☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2025	61.0	34 of 106	67.9%	★★★☆☆
2024	41.1	46 of 88	47.7%	★★☆☆☆
2023	36.0	43 of 72	40.3%	★★☆☆☆
2018	67.9	33 of 154	78.6%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	76.6	133 of 789	83.1%	★★★★☆
2025	73.2	155 of 789	80.4%	★★★★☆
2024	77.2	115 of 771	85.1%	★★★★☆
2023	77.4	116 of 770	84.9%	★★★★☆
2022	72.0	130 of 657	80.2%	★★★★☆
2021	66.1	121 of 521	76.8%	★★★★☆
2019	79.7	102 of 658	84.5%	★★★★☆
2018	86.5	86 of 794	89.2%	★★★★☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	62.7	77 of 260	70.4%	★★★★☆
2025	67.2	68 of 265	74.3%	★★★★☆
2024	51.8	118 of 257	54.1%	★★★☆☆
2023	85.5	17 of 246	93.1%	★★★★★
2018	45.5	139 of 266	47.7%	★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	79.7	100 of 834	88.0%	★★★★☆
2025	81.8	78 of 832	90.6%	★★★★★
2024	76.1	106 of 836	87.3%	★★★★☆
2023	65.7	196 of 825	76.2%	★★★★☆
2022	71.5	117 of 691	83.1%	★★★★☆
2021	52.2	205 of 523	60.8%	★★★☆☆
2019	81.1	57 of 672	91.5%	★★★★★
2018	84.6	56 of 815	93.1%	★★★★★

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	76.7	149 of 813	81.7%	★★★★☆
2025	81.7	111 of 798	86.1%	★★★★☆
2024	79.5	121 of 786	84.6%	★★★★☆
2023	72.9	151 of 776	80.5%	★★★★☆
2022	64.0	180 of 658	72.6%	★★★★☆
2021	57.7	183 of 540	66.1%	★★★☆☆
2019	78.8	100 of 639	84.4%	★★★★☆
2018	80.3	123 of 797	84.6%	★★★★☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	47.8	89 of 195	54.4%	★★★☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	26.8	191 of 236	19.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	31.6	169 of 244	30.7%	★★☆☆☆
2023	32.4	139 of 199	30.2%	★★☆☆☆
2022	33.0	42 of 70	40.0%	★★☆☆☆
2019	65.0	24 of 76	68.4%	★★★★☆
2018	86.0	20 of 377	94.7%	★★★★★

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	70.2	168 of 687	75.5%	★★★★☆
2025	72.6	154 of 696	77.9%	★★★★☆
2024	71.8	154 of 701	78.0%	★★★★☆
2023	67.2	183 of 688	73.4%	★★★★☆
2022	63.1	179 of 638	71.9%	★★★★☆
2021	58.7	197 of 577	65.9%	★★★☆☆
2019	73.3	136 of 624	78.2%	★★★★☆
2018	77.8	119 of 678	82.4%	★★★★☆

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)

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)88th percentile+4 vs school

Female (2026)83rd percentile~ school

Male (2026)82nd percentile~ school

African American (2025)81st percentile-4 vs school

White (2026)76th percentile-8 vs school

Hispanic (2026)70th percentile-13 vs school

English Language Learner (2025)68th percentile-17 vs school

Multi-racial (2026)54th percentile-29 vs school

Asian (2026)53rd percentile-31 vs school

Special Education (2026)19th percentile-65 vs school

By subject vs Michigan (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts75%+13 vs state

Social Studies63%+13 vs state

Science55%+16 vs state

Mathematics44%+11 vs state

Math42%+9 vs state

3.7

3 ratings · 3 written reviews

5★2

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★1

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What people are saying

by a parent
Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Love the school! Love the staff! High expectations and great teaching/learning are the norm. The teachers, principal and assistant principals are very helpful and caring. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, January 15, 2012

I have to say that the school is not the same since Mr. Young left. He was very involved in the school and really got to know the kids and cared about what happened to them. In turn the kids really wanted to do better and were respectful of each other as well as the staff. Now you can ask many of the students and they may not even know who the principal is or what she looks like. Even the kids will tell you school is not the same. You will also notice a difference in how the kids treat the staff, many more are disrespectful because they know they will not get in trouble. There have been a couple of incidents where I have heard of kids misbehaving (fighting, dressing improperly, disrespecting teachers and bullying) and they got off with "you know better and don't do that again". The kids are not held responsible and do not receive the punishment according to the offense. WE MISS YOU MR. YOUNG!!!! Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, October 3, 2011

This is a school of high expectations backed up by high results. There is a very professional staff that cares about the students. As a parent this I highly recomend this school for anybody in the area! Close Quote

Schools Near Shelby Junior High School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				PSAT English Language Arts (2026)		PSAT Mathematics (2026)		M-Step English Language Arts (2026)		M-Step Math (2026)		M-Step Science (2026)	M-Step Social Studies (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
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/reduced lunch (2024-25)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSAT English Language Arts 8th Grade	PSAT English Language Arts 9th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 8th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 9th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 6th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 7th Grade	M-Step Math 6th Grade	M-Step Math 7th Grade	M-Step Science 8th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Shelby Junior High School	Public	7-9	51700 Van Dyke Ave	Shelby Township	48316	Macomb County	Utica Community Schools	No	No	No	No	(586) 797-3700	1,073	48	22.4	27.8%	927 (86.4%)	33 (3.1%)	37 (3.4%)	47 (4.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	29 (2.7%)	79.2	145^th of 896 public middle schools	83.8%		80.8	132^nd of 890 public middle schools	85.2%	13	76.4	73.9	41.8	46.4		48.7		42.4	54.8	63.4	$14,820	$2,368	$12,452
Malow Junior High School	Public	7-9	6400 25 Mile Rd	Shelby Township	48316	Macomb County	Utica Community Schools	No	No	No	No	(586) 797-3500	1,084	49	22.2	27.7%	886 (81.7%)	30 (2.8%)	85 (7.8%)	53 (4.9%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (2.6%)	84.2	112^th of 896 public middle schools	87.5%		77.7	152^nd of 890 public middle schools	82.9%	40	80.3	77.2	55.5	50.3		43.4		49.9	61.0	62.0	$13,683	$564	$13,119
Eppler Junior High School	Public	7-9	45461 Brownell St	Utica	48317	Macomb County	Utica Community Schools	No	No	No	No	(586) 797-2900	589	35	17.0	45.0%	467 (79.3%)	22 (3.7%)	42 (7.1%)	31 (5.3%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	25 (4.2%)	58.7	310^th of 896 public middle schools	65.4%		68.3	228^th of 890 public middle schools	74.4%	82	70.3	70.1	26.3	39.0		35.6		36.8	32.4	65.9	$17,335	$569	$16,766
Bemis Junior High School	Public	7-8	12500 19 Mile Rd	Sterling Heights	48313	Macomb County	Utica Community Schools	No	No	No	No	(586) 797-2500	742	35	21.0	43.0%	553 (74.5%)	64 (8.6%)	41 (5.5%)	46 (6.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	37 (5.0%)	78.2	152^nd of 896 public middle schools	83.0%		74.3	177^th of 890 public middle schools	80.1%	25	71.2		45.0			53.4		45.4	46.7	61.3	$13,850	$564	$13,285
Iroquois Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	48301 Romeo Plank Rd	Macomb	48044	Macomb County	Chippewa Valley Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(586) 723-3700	814	37	22.0	25.6%	661 (81.2%)	59 (7.2%)	28 (3.4%)	33 (4.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	33 (4.1%)	79.3	144^th of 896 public middle schools	83.9%		76.7	157^th of 890 public middle schools	82.4%	13	80.6		50.0		40.0	47.2	40.0	53.7	51.5	65.0	$12,920	$753	$12,167
Seneca Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	47200 Heydenreich Rd	Macomb	48044	Macomb County	Chippewa Valley Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(586) 723-3900	1,078	48	22.4	25.4%	789 (73.2%)	118 (10.9%)	51 (4.7%)	40 (3.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	80 (7.4%)	71.8	205^th of 896 public middle schools	77.1%		70.1	208^th of 890 public middle schools	76.6%	3	74.6		34.0		44.4	47.0	39.1	48.3	44.7	58.5	$12,735	$765	$11,970
Frank Jeannette Junior High School	Public	7-9	40400 Gulliver Dr	Sterling Heights	48310	Macomb County	Utica Community Schools	No	No	No	No	(586) 797-3300	716	40	17.9	77.4%	492 (68.7%)	82 (11.5%)	35 (4.9%)	81 (11.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (3.6%)	43.1	488^th of 896 public middle schools	45.5%		41.5	512^th of 890 public middle schools	42.5%	24	58.6	48.5	28.7	25.1		32.6		25.8	29.6	44.0	$17,188	$900	$16,288
Davis Junior High School	Public	7-9	11300 17 Mile Rd	Sterling Heights	48313	Macomb County	Utica Community Schools	No	No	No	No	(586) 797-2700	1,061	51	20.7	57.4%	834 (78.6%)	80 (7.5%)	37 (3.5%)	58 (5.5%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	51 (4.8%)	68.4	222^nd of 896 public middle schools	75.2%		64.4	260^th of 890 public middle schools	70.8%	38	71.3	69.5	36.1	34.0		47.6		39.3	40.4	56.9	$14,477	$667	$13,809
Larson Middle School	Public	6-8	2222 E Long Lake Rd	Troy	48085	Oakland County	Troy School District	No	No	No	No	(248) 823-4800	865	45	19.0	11.2%	489 (56.5%)	32 (3.7%)	43 (5.0%)	265 (30.6%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	35 (4.0%)	95.7	30^th of 896 public middle schools	96.7%		95.2	38^th of 890 public middle schools	95.7%	8	88.8		63.2		62.2	68.1	69.1	67.8	68.0	72.4	$14,810	$459	$14,351
Wyandot Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	39490 Garfield Rd	Clinton Twp	48038	Macomb County	Chippewa Valley Schools	No	Yes	No	Yes	(586) 723-4202	844	46	18.2	38.4%	575 (68.1%)	156 (18.5%)	47 (5.6%)	19 (2.3%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	45 (5.3%)	55.5	354^th of 896 public middle schools	60.5%		57.6	329^th of 890 public middle schools	63.0%	25	63.5		26.7		42.9	35.8	31.3	33.2	33.2	59.4	$14,958	$1,192	$13,766

Frequently Asked Questions about Shelby Junior High School

What district is Shelby Junior High School in?

Utica Community Schools

Is Shelby Junior High School a good school?

Shelby Junior High School ranks 145^th of 896 Michigan middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Shelby Junior High School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 1,073 students attended Shelby Junior High School.

What is the racial makeup of Shelby Junior High School?

Students at Shelby Junior High School are 86% White, 4% Asian, 3% Hispanic, 3% African American, 3% Two or more races.

What high school do graduates of Shelby Junior High School attend?

Students who attend Shelby Junior High School usually go on to attend Utica High School

Rate Shelby Junior High School!

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Latest Michigan data All new data »

2025–26 M-Step, PSAT & SAT test scoresSep 4, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

2024–25 attendance dataJan 6, 2026

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.