Summary:
Zip code 48529 in Burton, Michigan, is home to just one middle school, Bendle Middle School, which serves grades 6-8 within the Bendle Public Schools district.
For parents considering this area, Bendle Middle School is a small school with about 219 students, giving it a favorable 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio. However, the school faces substantial challenges. It currently holds a 1-star rating and ranks in the 14th percentile statewide. Academic proficiency is significantly below state averages across every subject, with gaps ranging from roughly 20 to 36 percentage points. For example, only 5.9% of 7th graders are proficient in math, and 8th grade social studies proficiency sits at just 13.8% compared to the state’s 50.3%. A particularly concerning trend is the sharp drop in 7th grade ELA proficiency, which fell from 20% to 10.3% in one year, though this may reflect the small size of individual grade cohorts.
One of the most critical issues is chronic absenteeism. At 57.1%, the rate is more than double the state average of 27.9%, and this likely plays a major role in the low test scores. The school also serves a predominantly low-income population, with 90.87% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Interestingly, per-student spending is high at $17,385 annually, yet outcomes remain low, suggesting that financial resources alone are not addressing the underlying challenges. On a more positive note, 8th graders scored 32.2% proficient on the PSAT ELA, which is higher than their M-Step performance in earlier grades and may indicate some literacy growth. Ultimately, families should be aware that while the school offers small class sizes and dedicated spending, addressing attendance and providing targeted academic support will be essential for student success.
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