Summary:
Zip code 48089 is home to just one middle school, Lincoln Middle School, which serves grades 6-8 within the Van Dyke Public Schools district, enrolling 408 students in a community marked by high economic need.
Lincoln Middle School faces significant challenges, with a state ranking in the bottom 12th percentile (788th out of 896 schools) and a 1-star rating. The student body is overwhelmingly economically disadvantaged, with 92.89% eligible for free or reduced lunch. Academic proficiency is well below state averages across all subjects. In math, the gaps are especially stark: only 4.22% of 6th graders and 5.3% of 8th graders (PSAT) are proficient, compared to state averages of 31.9% and 33.2%, respectively. English Language Arts performance is better but still low, with 6th grade at 13.2% proficiency versus the state’s 37.5%, and 8th grade PSAT at 42.4% versus 64.8%. Science (10.7%) and social studies (29.8%) in 8th grade also trail state averages (39.2% and 50.3%).
Perhaps the most critical issue is chronic absenteeism, which stands at a staggering 50.5%—nearly double the state average of 27.9%. This likely undermines instructional efforts. Interestingly, the district spends a high $19,747 per student, yet outcomes remain low, suggesting money alone isn’t solving the problem. There is some year-over-year inconsistency: 7th-grade math improved from 4.72% to 10.2%, and 8th-grade social studies jumped from 21.6% to 29.8%, but 6th-grade ELA dropped from 20.7% to 13.2%. Social studies is a relative bright spot, being the closest to state averages. For parents, this school offers dedicated resources but faces deep-rooted hurdles, particularly around attendance and math achievement.
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