Summary:
There are three schools serving middle school grades in zip code 48506 (Flint, MI), including two traditional public schools in the Kearsley Community School District and one charter school, Richfield Public School Academy, all of which serve predominantly low-income student populations with free/reduced lunch rates between 75.9% and 95.9%.
Armstrong Middle School is the strongest performer in this cluster, ranking in the 34th percentile statewide and showing steady improvement over the past three years. It significantly outperforms Richfield Public School Academy, which ranks in the 4th percentile and has proficiency rates in single digits across multiple subjects. Notably, Richfield spends the most per student ($15,340) yet achieves the worst outcomes, while Armstrong spends less ($14,960) and produces much better results—including a 60.9% proficiency rate in 8th grade English Language Arts compared to Richfield's 32.2%. Leota Fiedler Elementary School, despite its name, serves grades 4-6 and performs between the other two schools, with no state ranking available due to its unique grade configuration.
Chronic absenteeism is a systemic problem, with all three schools exceeding the state rate of 27.9%; Richfield has the highest at 44.8%, while Leota Fiedler's 31.7% is notably better than its district average of 43.1%. Math proficiency is alarmingly low everywhere—Armstrong's 7th grade math is just 9.2% proficient versus the 33.3% state average, and even the best math score (Leota Fiedler's 4th grade at 27.9%) trails the state by nearly 12 points. However, content areas show relative strength, with Armstrong's 8th grade social studies (45.5%) and science (36.5%) approaching state averages. Parents should note that Armstrong shows significant year-to-year volatility in scores, and 6th graders from Leota Fiedler likely transition to Armstrong for 7th grade, making that school the primary destination for families seeking stronger academic outcomes in this area.
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