Summary:
Zip code 49088 in Scotts, Michigan is served by two elementary schools—Tobey Elementary School and ClimaxScotts Elementary School—which together educate about 613 students in grades PK-5 across two different districts.
For parents comparing options, Tobey Elementary School in Vicksburg Community Schools is the clear academic leader. It ranks in the 74th percentile statewide (4 stars) and has improved dramatically over two years, jumping 180 positions. Tobey outperforms ClimaxScotts in 13 of 16 subject/grade test comparisons, with particularly strong results in 5th-grade social studies (47.9% proficiency vs. 20.0%) and 5th-grade science (66.2% vs. 58.8%). Tobey also exceeds state averages in most subjects, including all three ELA grades tested. Meanwhile, ClimaxScotts Elementary School in Climax-Scotts Community Schools ranks near the state median (49th percentile, 2 stars) and struggles most in social studies, falling 7.5 points below the state average. Both schools share a notable strength in science, outperforming the state by 19-26 points, and both maintain low chronic absenteeism (around 11%) compared to the state average of 27.9%.
One surprising finding is that ClimaxScotts actually spends $1,302 more per student ($17,035 vs. $15,733) yet achieves lower outcomes, suggesting spending alone doesn't drive success. Both schools face a common challenge: math proficiency declines sharply from 3rd to 5th grade, with both falling below the state average by 5th grade. Socioeconomic differences are modest (28% vs. 31% free/reduced lunch), so the large academic gaps point to other factors like curriculum and instruction. For families seeking the strongest academic environment, Tobey offers a notably better track record, while ClimaxScotts remains a solid option with competitive early-grade math and excellent science performance.
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