Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 48117

Middle schools in zip code 48117 (Carleton, MI) serve 862 students across grades 5-8 through two schools on a shared campus within the Airport Community Schools district, which holds a 3-star state rating.

Families in this area will find a unique grade-level split: Wagar Middle School houses only 5th graders (221 students), while Wagar Junior High School serves grades 6-8 (641 students). The junior high is clearly the standout, showing remarkable upward momentum—its state ranking jumped from the 45th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 61st percentile in 2025-2026, earning its first 3-star rating. Its 8th graders particularly shine in Science (46.7% proficiency, 7.5 points above state) and Social Studies (55.5%, 5.2 points above state), plus PSAT English Language Arts (71.1% vs. 64.8% statewide). However, math remains a relative weakness across both schools, with 7th grade math proficiency dropping sharply from 41.1% to 28.6% in one year—a volatility worth monitoring. The 5th grade at Wagar Middle also outperforms state averages in Science (41.1% vs. 40%) despite serving a more economically disadvantaged population (54.3% free/reduced lunch eligibility).

One concern for parents is chronic absenteeism: Wagar Junior High reports a 32.4% rate, notably higher than the district (26.0%) and state (27.9%) averages, which could be limiting even greater academic gains. On the positive side, both schools track closely with district averages across subjects, suggesting consistent instructional quality. Wagar Middle receives $1,069 more per student ($13,848 vs. $12,779) despite its smaller size, likely reflecting the higher needs of its student body. While 8th grade PSAT ELA results signal strong college-readiness potential, the 35.5% math proficiency rate suggests many students may need additional math support in high school. Overall, this campus offers a solid educational foundation with clear strengths in science and social studies, though families should watch math performance and attendance trends closely.