Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 48367

Zip code 48367 in Leonard, Michigan, is served by two K-5 elementary schools—HamiltonParsons Elementary School and Leonard Elementary School—which belong to different districts (Romeo Community Schools and Oxford Community Schools, respectively), creating a stark contrast in academic outcomes despite their geographic proximity.

HamiltonParsons is the clear academic leader, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 71st percentile statewide, while Leonard holds a 2-star rating and sits in the 35th percentile. The gap is most dramatic in 5th-grade math, where HamiltonParsons posts 44.2% proficiency versus Leonard’s 9.76%—a 34.4-point difference. HamiltonParsons also outperforms Leonard in every ELA and math grade level tested, often by 16 to 25 points, and leads in 5th-grade science (54.7% vs. 29.3%). Notably, Leonard actually edges out HamiltonParsons in 5th-grade social studies (24.4% vs. 22.1%), though both fall below the state average. Leonard serves a higher share of economically disadvantaged students (29.88% free/reduced lunch vs. 15.66%), which provides context, but the spending paradox is striking: Leonard spends $21,704 per student—81% more than HamiltonParsons’ $11,969—yet achieves far lower scores. Leonard also enjoys a smaller student-teacher ratio (13.5:1 vs. 18.2:1), challenging the assumption that smaller classes or higher funding automatically drive better results.

Both schools saw year-over-year declines in most subjects from 2024-2025 to 2025-2026, though Leonard improved slightly in 5th-grade ELA, science, and social studies. Chronic absenteeism is a bright spot for both: Leonard’s rate (14.4%) is nearly identical to HamiltonParsons’ (14.6%) and dramatically better than its own district’s alarming 32.3%, suggesting strong school-level attendance practices. For parents weighing options, HamiltonParsons offers consistently stronger academics and more efficient spending, while Leonard’s smaller classes and competitive social studies performance may appeal to some—but the math and reading gaps are substantial and worth serious consideration.