Summary:
Zip code 48118 is served by four public schools within the highly-rated Chelsea School District, covering a complete educational pathway from Pre-K through 12th grade. This district, ranked 42nd out of 625 in Michigan, offers a cohesive pipeline starting at North Creek Elementary School (PK-2) and South Meadows Elementary School (3-5), continuing through Beach Middle School (6-8), and culminating at Chelsea High School (9-12).
The standout performers are the secondary schools. Chelsea High School ranks 33rd in the state (96th percentile) and boasts a 96.7% graduation rate, with SAT math proficiency more than double the state average (59.1% vs. 26.5%). Beach Middle School is equally impressive, ranking 52nd (94th percentile) and showing exceptional 8th-grade PSAT math proficiency (77.1% vs. 33.2% statewide). While South Meadows Elementary School remains above state averages, it is the lowest-ranked school (78th percentile) and saw a notable drop in 5th-grade math proficiency from 65.6% to 48.7% year-over-year, a trend worth monitoring.
A key takeaway is the stark contrast in chronic absenteeism: Beach Middle School (10.3%) and the elementary schools (11.7%-12.8%) have rates roughly half the state average, yet Chelsea High School sits at 27.0%, nearly matching the state average despite high academic success. The district is relatively affluent (under 17% free/reduced lunch) and spends over $16,400 per student, supporting small class sizes and robust programs. Overall, this is a top-tier district with a strong feeder pattern, though the high school attendance discrepancy and elementary math dip present areas for parental awareness.
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