Best High Schools in Zip Code 48519

Zip code 48519 in Burton, Michigan is home to 2 high schools serving approximately 599 students in grades 7-12, both of which serve predominantly economically disadvantaged populations with over 92% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.

For parents exploring options in this area, Atherton Junior Senior High School (part of Atherton Community Schools) stands out as the stronger academic performer. It ranks 656th in the state compared to Madison Academy High School's 725th place ranking, and it consistently outperforms Madison Academy across nearly all subjects and grade levels. Atherton also boasts a 92.9% graduation rate—well above the state average of 84%—and shows promising momentum, including a remarkable 23.5 percentage point jump in 11th grade social studies proficiency. Meanwhile, Madison Academy High School (part of Madison Academy district) offers a superior 6.3:1 student-teacher ratio, yet struggles with a 10.3% dropout rate and has seen its state ranking decline from 652nd to 725th over three years, with its star rating dropping to zero.

Both schools face serious challenges that parents should understand. Chronic absenteeism affects nearly half of all students at each school—roughly double the state average—and this likely represents the biggest barrier to learning. Math proficiency is critically low, with fewer than 1 in 15 students meeting grade-level standards in several grades at both institutions. Test scores in reading, science, and social studies also trail state averages significantly. Despite these academic struggles, both schools exceed the state graduation rate, suggesting effective credit recovery or alternative pathways. With 92-94% of students facing economic disadvantage, these schools serve communities with substantial needs, and while Atherton demonstrates stronger overall results and positive trends, both institutions would benefit most from targeted efforts to improve attendance and foundational math skills.