Summary:
Zip code 48723 is home to just one middle school, Caro Middle School, which serves grades 6-8 and enrolls 305 students in the Caro Community Schools district.
For parents considering this school, the most important takeaway is that Caro Middle School shows a mixed academic profile with a few notable bright spots and some persistent challenges. The school consistently scores below Michigan state averages across nearly every subject and grade level, with the widest gaps appearing in mathematics. For example, 7th grade math proficiency sits at just 17.3% compared to the state average of 33.3%—a 16-point deficit—and 8th grade PSAT math proficiency is 22.7% versus 33.2% statewide. However, there is encouraging news: 6th grade math proficiency nearly doubled in one year, jumping from 14.3% to 28.0%, suggesting a possible successful intervention or a particularly strong cohort. The school also shows relative strength in 8th grade social studies (45.8% proficient) and PSAT English Language Arts (60.8% proficient), which are closest to state averages.
A concerning pattern emerges in 7th grade, where performance dips noticeably compared to 6th grade in both ELA and math, suggesting this transition year may need extra support. Chronic absenteeism is also elevated at 30.0%, higher than both the district (26.5%) and state (27.9%) averages, which likely impacts learning. With 53.77% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the school serves a population with significant economic need. Despite some absolute gains in test scores, the school's state ranking has declined over three years (from the 41st to 34th percentile), indicating that other Michigan schools are improving faster. The student-teacher ratio of 17.2:1 and per-student spending of $14,088 are moderate, but the school's overall 2-star rating and persistent math gaps suggest families should inquire about math support programs and attendance initiatives when evaluating this school.
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