Summary:
Zip code 49203 in Jackson, Michigan, is home to just one middle school, Middle School at Parkside, which serves grades 6-8 and enrolls 750 students within the Jackson Public Schools district.
For parents considering this school, the most important takeaway is that Middle School at Parkside serves a student body where nearly 80% qualify for free or reduced lunch, and it faces significant academic challenges. The school holds a 1-star rating and ranks in the bottom 20% of Michigan middle schools, with a ranking that has slipped slightly over the past three years. Proficiency rates in core subjects are well below state averages—for example, only about 15% of 6th and 7th graders are proficient in ELA, and math proficiency sits near 9%, compared to state averages above 30%. The most alarming trend is a sharp year-over-year drop in ELA scores, with 7th grade falling from 26.8% to 15.3% proficiency. Chronic absenteeism is also a critical issue, affecting 44.9% of students—17 points above the state average—which likely hampers learning. On a positive note, the school consistently outperforms its own district in nearly every subject, and there are bright spots: 8th grade Social Studies jumped 10.4 points to 38% proficiency, and 8th grade PSAT math more than doubled to 18.1%.
Despite spending a substantial $18,406 per student—well above typical levels—academic outcomes remain low, raising questions about how resources are being used. However, the school’s relative strength in 8th grade PSAT ELA (46% proficiency) and its consistent edge over district peers suggest some effective practices. For parents, this school offers a dedicated environment with a favorable 14.7:1 student-teacher ratio, but the combination of high poverty, severe absenteeism, and declining literacy scores means families should closely monitor progress and consider supplemental support at home.
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