Summary:
Middle Schools in zip code 48446 (Lapeer, MI) are served by two campuses within the Lapeer Community Schools district, together educating roughly 1,238 students in grades 5 through 8.
Families in this area have access to two solid, above-average schools that split the middle school years: Zemmer Campus 78 (grades 7-8) and Rolland Warner Campus 56 (grades 5-6). Zemmer is the district's rising star, having jumped over 200 spots in state rankings to reach the 76th percentile (4 stars), and it now exceeds state averages in every subject tested. Its 8th graders are particularly strong in science (+10.5 points over state) and PSAT ELA (+8.9 points), though math remains a relative weakness, with PSAT math proficiency (33.6%) sitting essentially at the state average. Rolland Warner is a consistent performer, ranking slightly higher than Zemmer (77th percentile) and showing a clear pattern: its 5th graders post only marginal gains over state averages, but by 6th grade, the advantage grows substantially (e.g., +8.5 points in ELA). This suggests the district's program has a cumulative positive effect as students advance.
The most striking concern is Rolland Warner's chronic absenteeism rate of 88.0%—more than triple the district average (31.1%) and state average (27.9%)—despite serving a similar socioeconomic population as Zemmer (43.4% vs. 41.4% free/reduced lunch). Zemmer's rate is a healthy 25.8%. That Rolland Warner still exceeds state averages in most subjects despite this attendance crisis speaks to effective instruction when students are present, and suggests significant untapped potential if attendance improves. Both schools spend similarly per student (~$15,500-15,700) with nearly identical student-teacher ratios, but Zemmer achieves slightly better outcomes at a marginally lower cost. Overall, this district offers a strong middle school experience, with science and social studies as particular strengths and math as the area needing the most attention.
Thank you for your feedback!