Summary:
In zip code 48811, there is exactly one elementary school, Carson City Elementary School, serving grades PK-3 within the Carson City-Crystal Area Schools district.
For parents considering this area, Carson City Elementary School stands out as a strong academic performer, particularly in mathematics. In the most recent testing year, 65.9% of 3rd graders were proficient in math, which is a remarkable 23 percentage points above the state average of 42.9%. The school also exceeds state averages in English Language Arts, with 50% proficiency compared to the state's 38.2%. This success is especially notable given that 66.2% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, a demographic often associated with lower test scores. The school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.3 to 1, allowing for more individualized attention, and spends a substantial $16,210 per pupil. Chronic absenteeism is a concern at 20.8%, but this is significantly better than the district average of 32.3% and also better than the state average of 27.9%.
One of the most compelling findings is the dramatic improvement in math scores from the previous year, jumping from 41.3% proficiency to 65.9%—a 24.6 percentage point increase in a single year. This suggests a possible new curriculum, intensive coaching, or a particularly strong cohort. While math is clearly a strength, there is a 15.9-point gap between math and ELA proficiency, indicating that literacy instruction could benefit from the strategies used in math. The school's district is ranked 380th out of 625 in Michigan, placing it in the 39th percentile, which makes the school's high test scores even more impressive. Historical data from over a decade ago shows the school was a mid-to-upper-tier performer, and current results suggest it may be performing even better now. Overall, this is a school that is achieving strong results despite economic challenges, making it a solid choice for families in the area.
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