Summary:
Zip code 48076 is home to just one middle school, University Middle School Academy, a public school serving grades 6-8 with 338 students in the Southfield Public School District.
For parents considering this area, University Middle School Academy stands out as a strong academic performer, ranking 169th out of 896 Michigan middle schools (81st percentile) with a consistent 4-star rating. The school dramatically outperforms its district in every subject—for example, 7th-grade English proficiency is 68% versus the district's 34.7%, and 8th-grade social studies proficiency is 73.5% versus 42%. It also beats state averages in most areas, particularly in humanities: 7th-grade ELA is 29.6 points above the state, and 8th-grade PSAT ELA is 76.9% proficient versus 64.8% statewide. However, math and science are relative weaknesses—8th-grade science proficiency (35.9%) actually falls below the state average (39.2%), and math scores show notable year-to-year volatility. The school spends a substantial $16,404 per student, and while 40% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, the school still achieves top-quartile results.
One concern is chronic absenteeism at 30.7%, which is higher than the state average of 27.9% but far better than the district's 49.6%. This suggests that while many students are thriving, nearly a third are missing significant school time, representing untapped potential. The strong 8th-grade PSAT scores indicate the school effectively prepares students for college-prep exams, not just state tests. Overall, University Middle School Academy is a high-performing "academy" within a struggling district, offering a rigorous humanities-focused education, though families should be aware of the math/science gaps and absenteeism challenges when evaluating fit.
Thank you for your feedback!