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Needs Improvement

#3144 of 3,192 schools in MI

Arbor Academy

Elementary School · Arbor Academy

55 ARBOR ST, Battle Creek, MI 49015

Charter

Enrollment

127

Student-Teacher

11.5:1

Score

2.7

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#3,144 of 3,192

In Battle Creek

#32 of 33

public schools

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Arbor Academy

2.7/10

Elementary School in Battle Creek · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Lakeview Alternative High School

3.8/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Calhoun Christian School

8.1/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Arbor Academy

Arbor Academy is a public elementary school in Battle Creek, MI, part of Arbor Academy. Arbor Academy serves approximately 127 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 11.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Arbor Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.7 out of 10 and ranks #3,144 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Arbor Academy show 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 33% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares3.4 pts below MI schools
  • This school 2.7 · Needs Improvement
  • MI avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

At 127 students, Arbor Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Arbor Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

90% of students at Arbor Academy were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress1.8Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-5.12 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.1Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency15.1% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency15.1% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-26.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-26.9 pts
Overall Proficiency15% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)20% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-4.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
Resources & Environment3.0Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,781
Chronic Absenteeism89.8%

Arbor Academy — Students at Arbor Academy score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

88.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 25.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
34.4% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 32.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
44.3% (2022 EdFacts)

Based on 40 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
92%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
22%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
32%
ELA
57%
2013
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2017
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2018
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2022
Math
17.2%
ELA
17.2%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.8/10.

How Arbor Academy Compares

See how Arbor Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
2.7/10
2th percentile in MI
Academic
4.1/10
Below Average
Growth
1.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.0/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
88%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
89.8%

Location

55 ARBOR ST, Battle Creek, MI 49015

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Arbor Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Riverside Elementary School (rated 7.2/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is BATTLE CREEK AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST JOSEPH ELEMEN (rated 7.0/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Battle Creek Montessori Academy (rated 7.0/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Springfield), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Battle Creek, see our Battle Creek schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Lakeview Alternative High School Battle Creek 0.2 mi 3.8
CALHOUN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Battle Creek 0.3 mi 8.1
ST JOSEPH MIDDLE SCHOOL Battle Creek 0.7 mi 7.7
BATTLE CREEK AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST JOSEPH ELEMEN Battle Creek 0.7 mi 7.0
Prairieview School Battle Creek 0.7 mi 3.5
Lakeview Middle School Battle Creek 1.0 mi 5.0
Westlake Elementary School Battle Creek 1.3 mi 6.0
Battle Creek Montessori Academy Springfield 1.4 mi 7.0
Riverside Elementary School Battle Creek 1.3 mi 7.2
Lakeview High School Battle Creek 1.4 mi 7.1
Battle Creek Area Learning Center Springfield 1.6 mi 6.1
Minges Brook School Battle Creek 1.9 mi 6.2
West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek HS Battle Creek 1.8 mi 5.0
West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek MS Battle Creek 1.8 mi 6.5
Ann J Kellogg School Battle Creek 2.1 mi 3.9
Battle Creek MathSci Center Battle Creek 2.0 mi
BATTLE CREEK ACADEMY Battle Creek 2.3 mi 7.3
Endeavor Charter Academy Battle Creek 2.1 mi 3.8
Northwestern Middle School Battle Creek 2.5 mi 3.2
Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center Battle Creek 2.2 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49015 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$67,719

Median Home Value

$171,000

Median Rent

$980/mo

Population

29,013

College Educated

28.3%

Homeownership

70.5%

Avg Commute

19.1 min

Poverty Rate

13.5%

Median Age

37.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Litchfield Elementary School Litchfield, MI 2.8
Dudley School Battle Creek, MI 2.9
North AdamsJerome Elem School North Adams, MI 2.9
Daly School Inkster, MI 3.0
Gaines Elementary School Gaines, MI 3.0
Lucile S Patton Elem School Roseville, MI 3.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Arbor Academy

What grades does Arbor Academy serve?

Arbor Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Arbor Academy?

Arbor Academy has an enrollment of approximately 127 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Arbor Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Arbor Academy is 11.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Arbor Academy rank in MI?

Arbor Academy ranks #3,144 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Arbor Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Arbor Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Arbor Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Arbor Academy has 26% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 33% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Arbor Academy a charter school?

Yes, Arbor Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Arbor Academy a Title I school?

No, Arbor Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Arbor Academy?

88.2% of students at Arbor Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
76 Very Walkable
Bike Score
49 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
127
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
88.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Calhoun County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
89.8%

District

Arbor Academy
District Enrollment
127
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,781
District Rank
#1 of 1

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