Summary:
Zip code 49735, serving the Gaylord, Michigan area, is home to two middle-level schools within the Gaylord Community Schools district, which together educate roughly 1,067 students in grades 4 through 8.
For parents, the standout choice is Gaylord Middle School (grades 7-8), which has earned a 4-star rating for three consecutive years and ranks in the top quarter of Michigan middle schools. Its 8th graders shine on the PSAT, with 76.6% proficiency in ELA and 44.4% in math—both far exceeding state averages. Science and social studies scores are also strong, with 8th grade science at 53.8% proficiency (12.7 points above the state). Meanwhile, Gaylord Intermediate School (grades 4-6) shows a dramatic turnaround by 6th grade: math proficiency jumps to 47.5% (16 points above the state) and ELA to 51% (12.4 points above), despite 4th and 5th graders starting below state averages. This suggests the district’s instructional approach gains real momentum in the upper elementary years.
Both schools serve economically diverse populations (52-60% free/reduced lunch), yet they outperform state averages in most subjects by 7th and 8th grade. The main concerns are 5th grade social studies at the Intermediate School (18.9% proficiency, well below the state’s 29.8%) and chronic absenteeism at the Middle School (28.1%, above the state average). However, the Middle School’s high achievement despite attendance challenges is notable. The Intermediate School has a better attendance record (19.3%) and smaller class sizes (17.8:1 ratio). Per-student spending is similar ($12,943 vs. $13,205). While early-grade scores show some year-over-year volatility, the overall trajectory is positive—students leave 8th grade well-prepared for high school, making this district a solid choice for families seeking strong academic growth through the middle years.
Thank you for your feedback!