Schools in Zip Code 48108

Zip code 48108 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is served by 6 schools—3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 alternative schools—with no traditional high school, meaning students must leave the area after 8th grade.

For parents, the standout traditional option is Scarlett Middle School, which shows the strongest academic performance in the dataset, particularly in 8th grade PSAT English Language Arts (66.8% proficiency) and Science (42.2%), both exceeding state averages. However, Scarlett also struggles with a 42.3% chronic absenteeism rate and proficiency levels in 6th and 7th grade that run 20-30 points below the Ann Arbor Public Schools district average. Among elementary schools, Carpenter School shows the most positive momentum, with steady state ranking improvement (39th to 44th percentile) and strong 4th grade math (58.9%) and ELA (55.4%) scores that approach district levels. In contrast, Mary D Mitchell School spends the most per student ($26,207) yet ranks in the bottom quartile statewide, with 4th grade ELA proficiency at just 13.3%—a stark example that higher spending doesn't guarantee results. Clifford E Bryant Community School serves only K-2 students with a favorable 11.1:1 student-teacher ratio, while Multicultural Academy and Progress Park offer alternative settings—the former showing surprising strengths in 3rd grade math despite high poverty, and the latter serving just 20 students with intensive support.

The most striking pattern is the disconnect between these schools and their highly-rated district. Despite Ann Arbor Public Schools ranking in the 90th percentile statewide, every school in this zip code significantly underperforms district averages—by as much as 45 points in some subjects. Chronic absenteeism emerges as a hidden crisis, with Multicultural Academy at 54.7% and Scarlett Middle School at 42.3%, correlating with higher poverty rates (58-73% free/reduced lunch). Grade-level performance also swings dramatically within schools, suggesting inconsistent instruction quality. For parents, this area offers solid early elementary options but requires careful attention to middle school transition and attendance support.