Summary:
Zip code 48835 is home to just one elementary school, Waldron Elementary and Middle School, a K-8 school in Fowler, Michigan, serving 262 students within the highly-rated Fowler Public Schools district.
For parents exploring this area, Waldron is a standout performer that consistently exceeds state averages in every subject and grade level tested. The school holds a 5-star rating and ranks in the 93rd percentile statewide, having improved dramatically from the 87th percentile just a year prior. Academically, the advantages are substantial—for example, 4th grade math proficiency is 88% compared to the state's 39.4%, and 8th grade social studies proficiency reaches 89.3% versus the state's 50.3%. Even more impressive is the 8th grade PSAT math performance, where 71.4% of students are proficient compared to just 33.2% statewide. The school's strongest subject is social studies, where it outperforms state averages by roughly 39 percentage points in both 5th and 8th grades. Upper-grade students have shown remarkable year-over-year growth, with 6th grade ELA jumping from 47.8% to 80.8% proficiency and 8th grade science improving from 45.2% to 64.3%.
Beyond test scores, Waldron offers an intimate learning environment with a favorable 14.4:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Chronic absenteeism is remarkably low at just 7.0%, compared to the state average of 27.9%, indicating strong family engagement. Only 18.32% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, reflecting a relatively affluent community. The school does show a slight dip in 3rd grade math and ELA scores compared to the previous year, which may warrant attention, but overall this is an exceptional school that benefits from a district-wide culture of achievement. With per-student spending of $13,794 and consistent 5-star ratings, Waldron represents one of Michigan's premier K-8 educational options.
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