Summary:
Zip code 48623 (Freeland, MI) is home to 2 elementary schools within the highly-ranked Freeland Community School District, serving approximately 1,050 students across grades PK-6 in a suburban community with relatively low poverty levels.
Freeland Elementary School (grades 2-6, 755 students) is the academic powerhouse, consistently ranking in the top 15% of Michigan elementary schools. Its math proficiency is exceptional—3rd graders post a 68.8% proficiency rate versus 42.9% statewide, a nearly 26-point advantage that persists across all grades. English Language Arts scores also run 12-20 points above state averages. However, 5th grade ELA dropped nearly 14 points year-over-year (73.2% to 59.3%), though it still beats the state by 15.5 points. Science (60.7% vs. 40.0% state) and Social Studies (39.3% vs. 27.5% state) also outperform. The school's chronic absenteeism rate is just 7.9%—less than one-third of the state's 27.9%—and only 21% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch. Per-student spending is $11,698 with an 18.8:1 student-teacher ratio.
Freeland Learning Center (grades PK-1, 295 students) serves as the district's early-learning entry point, with no standardized test data. It receives 18.4% more per-student funding ($13,851 vs. $11,698) and maintains a lower 14.5:1 student-teacher ratio, reflecting a strategic investment in foundational years. Its chronic absenteeism is even lower at 6.9%. While both schools share the district's low poverty indicators (25% free/reduced lunch at the Learning Center), the Learning Center's smaller classes and higher spending suggest a deliberate focus on early childhood development. The district itself ranks #53 of 625 in Michigan (5 stars), and the elementary program's low absenteeism, strong family engagement, and consistent academic outperformance make this an attractive area for families prioritizing rigorous academics with strong early-learning support.
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