Summary:
Zip code 49085 is home to a single middle school, Upton Middle School, which serves grades 6-8 within the St. Joseph Public Schools district, an area characterized by relatively low economic disadvantage.
Upton Middle School is a standout performer, earning a 5-star rating and consistently ranking in the top 10-13% of Michigan middle schools over the past three years. Its academic profile is exceptionally strong, with 8th graders achieving an 88% proficiency rate in ELA on the PSAT—a remarkable 23-point advantage over the state average. The school also excels in science (62.7% proficient) and social studies (70.2% proficient), both far exceeding state benchmarks. While math scores are also above state averages by 17-21 points, they remain the school's relative weakness, particularly when compared to its own stellar ELA results. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 19:1 and a chronic absenteeism rate of just 15.9% (well below the state's 27.9%), the school benefits from strong engagement and support.
The most notable concern is a significant year-over-year decline in 7th-grade ELA proficiency, which dropped sharply from 66.1% to 50.0%—a 16.1-point swing that also mirrors a smaller decline in 6th-grade ELA. This suggests a potential systemic issue in the lower grades rather than an isolated cohort problem. However, the school saw improvements in 8th-grade science (+6.6 points) and social studies (+4.5 points), while PSAT ELA held steady at 88%. With per-student spending of $13,256—moderate for Michigan—Upton Middle School delivers exceptional results, making it a top choice for families in the area seeking a rigorous academic environment.
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