Best Public Schools in Zip Code 48813

Zip code 48813 in Charlotte, Michigan, is served by 9 schools across two districts—Charlotte Public Schools and Eaton Regional Educational Service Agency—enrolling roughly 2,371 students from early elementary through high school, including alternative programs.

For parents, the standout choice academically is Parkview Elementary School, which outperforms the state in 3rd grade math (55.7% proficient vs. 42.9% statewide) and has the district’s lowest chronic absenteeism at 8.7%, despite over half its students qualifying for free/reduced lunch. In contrast, Washington Elementary School struggles with just 20.3% math proficiency and the highest poverty rate among traditional elementaries. At the secondary level, Charlotte Middle School is the district’s most improved, jumping from the 33rd to 60th percentile in state rankings, and posts exceptional 8th grade science scores (53.7% vs. 39.2% statewide). Charlotte Senior High School graduates 87.8% of students (above the state’s 84.0%) and exceeds state averages in 11th grade science, though math proficiency lags badly at 13.3%. For at-risk students, Charlotte Public Schools Project Success achieves a remarkable 96.8% graduation rate despite high absenteeism, while the two Eaton RESA Meadowview programs report no graduates and chronic absenteeism above 53%.

The district’s biggest challenge is a systemic math deficit that widens from 3rd grade through 11th grade, with gaps reaching 13 points at the high school level. However, Charlotte Upper Elementary School shows a troubling 6th grade ELA drop to 27.3% proficiency, suggesting transition-year struggles. Spending varies widely—from $10,949 per student at Charlotte Upper Elementary to $21,310 at Galewood Early Elementary School—but higher spending doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. The most actionable takeaway: replicate Parkview’s success at Washington Elementary, study Charlotte Middle School’s science program, and investigate Project Success’s engagement strategies to reduce absenteeism district-wide.