Summary:
Zip code 48160, serving the Milan, Michigan area, is home to two elementary schools within the Milan Area Schools district: Clayton H Symons Elementary School (grades 2-4) and Paddock Elementary School (Pre-K through 1st grade). Together, these schools form a single educational pipeline for elementary students in the area, with Paddock focusing on the foundational early years before students transition to Symons for upper elementary grades.
For parents, the most striking difference between the two schools is the district's clear investment in early education. Paddock Elementary School spends significantly more per student ($21,892 vs. $17,688) and maintains a much lower student-teacher ratio (9.7:1 vs. 13.4:1) compared to Clayton H Symons Elementary School. This suggests younger learners at Paddock receive more individualized attention, which may help build a strong academic foundation. At Symons, where standardized testing begins, 4th-grade math proficiency is a standout at 49.6%—more than 10 points above the state average—and the school has improved its state ranking for three consecutive years, now sitting at the 64th percentile. English language arts scores also improved significantly year-over-year, though 3rd-grade math showed a notable decline, indicating some volatility that could be tied to specific student cohorts.
Both schools have similar socioeconomic profiles, with roughly 41% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Chronic absenteeism is a concern at both schools, though they fare better than the district average: Paddock reports 20.2% and Symons 14.3%, compared to a staggering 42.6% district-wide. This suggests the elementary schools are attendance bright spots within a district where older students likely drive the high absenteeism rate. Overall, the feeder pattern appears to be working: the intensive early education at Paddock may be contributing to Symons' rising academic performance and strong math scores in the upper elementary grades.
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