Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 48340

There are three elementary schools serving grades K-5 or K-8 in zip code 48340, which covers the Pontiac area of Michigan, and they collectively face significant academic and attendance challenges compared to state averages.

For parents, the standout choice in this area is Walton Charter Academy, which outperforms its local peers despite serving the highest percentage of low-income students (91.74% free/reduced lunch). It is the only school with a star rating and ranks in the 28th percentile statewide, compared to the 4th-5th percentile for Owen Elementary School and Alcott School. Walton also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (34.2%) versus 63.3% at Owen and 65.0% at Alcott, and it is the only school showing proficiency above state averages in any subject—notably in 7th-grade ELA (40.5% vs. 38.4% state) and math (37.3% vs. 33.3% state). In contrast, both public schools, part of the Pontiac City School District, post very low scores, such as 4th-grade ELA proficiency of just 19% at Owen and 7.69% at Alcott, compared to Walton's 31%.

A striking finding is that spending does not equal results. Alcott School spends the most per student at $29,641—more than double Walton's $13,960—yet has the lowest test scores and a 23.1 student-teacher ratio, the highest in the group. Meanwhile, Walton, with the lowest spending and a better 17.5 ratio, achieves the best outcomes. Chronic absenteeism is a severe crisis across all three schools, with rates far exceeding the state average of 27.9%, and this likely drives much of the low performance. For parents, Walton appears to offer the most effective education in this zip code, while the two public schools in the Pontiac City School District are struggling acutely despite higher funding.