Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 48310

Zip code 48310, covering Sterling Heights, MI, is home to 2 middle schools serving roughly 1,419 students across grades 6-9, with both institutions operating within different districts and serving predominantly low-income families.

For parents comparing options, Frank Jeannette Junior High School (part of Utica Community Schools) holds a higher 4-star district rating and outperforms Grissom Middle School (in Warren Consolidated Schools) in math across most grades and in 8th-grade science (29.6% vs. 28.4% proficient). However, Grissom shines in English Language Arts on the PSAT 8, with 69.3% proficiency—exceeding both the state average (64.8%) and Frank Jeannette’s 58.6%—and also leads in social studies (47.2% vs. 44.0%). Grissom has shown a strong upward trajectory in state rankings, climbing from #570 to #442 over three years, while Frank Jeannette’s ranking has remained relatively flat around #488-#512. Both schools face similar challenges: chronic absenteeism rates (34-35%) run well above the state average (27.9%), and math proficiency trails state averages by 8-9 percentage points across all tested grades. Despite spending $16,486-$17,188 per student—above typical levels—and serving comparable populations (77-79% free/reduced lunch), outcomes vary by subject, making the choice less about overall quality and more about specific academic priorities.

Notable trends include Frank Jeannette’s dramatic 6-point improvement in 8th-grade science (23.6% to 29.6%) and Grissom’s significant gains in 6th-grade math (23.2% to 31.7%) and social studies (39.2% to 47.2%). Conversely, Frank Jeannette saw declines in 7th-grade ELA and 8th-grade PSAT ELA, while Grissom’s science proficiency dropped from 34.6% to 28.4%. Frank Jeannette also reveals a challenging 9th-grade transition, with PSAT scores falling from 8th to 9th grade in both ELA (58.6% to 48.5%) and math (28.7% to 25.1%). For parents, Grissom may appeal if literacy and social studies are priorities, while Frank Jeannette offers stronger math and science performance—though both schools would benefit from addressing absenteeism and systemic math gaps to better serve their students.