Best Public Schools in Zip Code 48601

The 48601 zip code area of Saginaw, Michigan is home to 11 schools, including 7 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 2 alternative schools. This school system faces significant challenges, with consistently low academic performance and high rates of chronic absenteeism across the board.

Among the standout schools, Francis Reh PSA, a public charter school serving grades PK-12, has the highest enrollment but also struggles with high chronic absenteeism and low proficiency rates. The lone high school, Saginaw High School, ranks in the bottom 5% of Michigan high schools and has a 4-year graduation rate of just 82.8%. Martin G Atkins Elementary, a public magnet school, has particularly low proficiency rates, ranking in the bottom 1% of Michigan elementary schools.

Across the schools in this area, chronic absenteeism rates are extremely high, ranging from 29.5% to 29.5%, well above the state average. Proficiency rates on state assessments are also very low, with most schools scoring 20% or less proficient in English Language Arts and Math. The schools serve predominantly low-income student populations, with free/reduced lunch rates over 90% at many schools. Per-student spending varies widely, from $12,589 at Martin G Atkins Elementary to $137,166 at the alternative MG Millet Learning Center, though it's unclear if the extra funding is translating to better outcomes.