Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 48118

Elementary schools in zip code 48118 (Chelsea, MI) serve students in grades PK through 5 through a two-school split-campus model within the highly rated Chelsea School District, which ranks in the 93rd percentile statewide.

Both North Creek Elementary School (grades PK-2) and South Meadows Elementary School (grades 3-5) are nearly identical in size, with enrollments of 485 and 476 students respectively. They serve a relatively affluent population, with only about 16% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch—far below state averages. North Creek stands out for its lower student-teacher ratio (16.2 vs. 18.6) and lower chronic absenteeism rate (11.7% vs. 12.8%), suggesting a strong foundation for early learners. South Meadows, as the upper-grade school, is the only one with standardized test data, and its performance is consistently strong: math proficiency ranges from 48.7% to 62.7% across grades 3-5, compared to state averages of 32-43%, while ELA proficiency ranges from 44.4% to 60.2%, also well above state averages. Both schools have chronic absenteeism rates well below the state average of 27.9%, and per-student spending is nearly identical at roughly $16,500.

The data reveals a deliberate feeder pattern: North Creek's low absenteeism and favorable ratios likely prepare students for the academic success seen at South Meadows. However, South Meadows showed a noticeable dip in 2025-2026, with 5th-grade math proficiency dropping from 65.6% to 48.7% and its state ranking slipping from the 83rd to 78th percentile—possibly a cohort effect worth monitoring. Interestingly, South Meadows' test scores exactly match district averages, confirming it is the sole school serving these grades. While both schools perform exceptionally well, it's important to note this success occurs within a context of significant socioeconomic advantage compared to the rest of Michigan, and the district allocates resources efficiently, spending only $129 more per student at North Creek despite its lower class sizes.