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Average

#2365 of 3,192 schools in MI

Benzie Central Middle School

Middle School · Benzie County Central Schools

9300 HOMESTEAD RD, Benzonia, MI 49616

Enrollment

239

Student-Teacher

18.4:1

Score

5.2

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#2,365 of 3,192

In Benzonia

#2 of 4

public schools

In district

#3 of 6

Benzie County Central Schools

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Benzie Central Middle School

5.2/10

Middle School in Benzonia · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Benzie Central SR High School

6.5/10

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

Benzie Academy

5.1/10

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

About Benzie Central Middle School

Benzie Central Middle School is a public middle school in Benzonia, MI, part of Benzie County Central Schools. Benzie Central Middle School serves approximately 239 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 18.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Benzie Central Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,365 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Benzie Central Middle School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.7 pts below MI schools
  • This school 5.2 · Average
  • MI avg 5.9

What Parents Should Know

Benzie Central Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

57% of students at Benzie Central Middle School 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 Progress5.0Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.27 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.8Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28.9% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency44.4% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-0.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+6.4 pts
Overall Proficiency37% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)36% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+1.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile54th
Resources & Environment3.4Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,948
Chronic Absenteeism57.3%

Benzie Central Middle School — Students at Benzie Central Middle School score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

62.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 39.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
32.1% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 51.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
45.4% (2022 EdFacts)

Based on 34 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
81%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
86%
2011
Math
40%
ELA
62%
2012
Math
33%
ELA
63%
2013
Math
33%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
35%
ELA
44%
2015
Math
40%
ELA
53%
2016
Math
40%
ELA
43%
2017
Math
32%
ELA
32%
2018
Math
35%
ELA
41%
2019
Math
35%
ELA
41%
2020*
Math
32%
ELA
42%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
28.7%
ELA
43.9%

* 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: 5.0/10.

How Benzie Central Middle School Compares

See how Benzie Central Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
26th percentile in MI
Academic
6.8/10
Average
Growth
5.0/10
Average
Environment
3.4/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
62%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
57.3%

Location

9300 HOMESTEAD RD, Benzonia, MI 49616

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Benzie Central Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. INTERLOCHEN ARTS ACADEMY (rated 8.7/10, 14.0 miles away, in nearby Interlochen), which scores notably higher. Another option is Frankfort High School (rated 8.3/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Frankfort), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Onekama Consolidated Schools (rated 8.2/10, 19.0 miles away, in nearby Onekama), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Benzonia, see our Benzonia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Benzie Central Sr High School Benzonia 0.1 mi 6.5
Benzie Academy Benzonia 0.2 mi 5.1
Homestead Hills Elementary School Benzonia 2.2 mi 3.6
Betsie Valley School Thompsonville 10.2 mi 4.6
Frankfort High School Frankfort 8.7 mi 8.3
Frankfort Elementary School Frankfort 9.1 mi 7.6
Lake Ann Elementary School Interlochen 10.8 mi 6.6
Bear Lake High School Bear Lake 14.5 mi 7.5
Bear Lake Elementary School Bear Lake 14.5 mi 5.4
Glen Lake Community School Maple City 17.2 mi 7.9
PLEASANTVIEW MENNONITE SCHOOL Kaleva 18.1 mi
INTERLOCHEN ARTS ACADEMY Interlochen 14.0 mi 8.7
Westwoods Elementary School Traverse City 15.0 mi 7.2
Onekama Consolidated Schools Onekama 19.0 mi 8.2
THE LEELANAU SCHOOL Glen Arbor 20.7 mi 8.0
Brethren Middle School Brethren 21.8 mi 6.7
Brethren High School Brethren 21.8 mi 5.8
KND Elementary Brethren 21.8 mi 3.3
Long Lake Elementary School Traverse City 18.3 mi 6.4
Silver Lake Elementary School Traverse City 18.4 mi 4.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49616 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$49,224

Median Home Value

$204,100

Median Rent

$594/mo

Population

2,177

College Educated

26.3%

Homeownership

91.1%

Poverty Rate

24%

Median Age

51.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Caro Middle School Caro, MI 5.1
Gladstone Area Middle School Gladstone, MI 5.1
HOLLAND CHRISTIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Holland, MI 5.1
Jonesville Middle School Jonesville, MI 5.1
Charyl Stockwell Academy Middle School Brighton, MI 5.0
Holton Middle School Holton, MI 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Benzie Central Middle School

What grades does Benzie Central Middle School serve?

Benzie Central Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Benzie Central Middle School?

Benzie Central Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 239 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Benzie Central Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Benzie Central Middle School is 18.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Benzie Central Middle School rank in MI?

Benzie Central Middle School ranks #2,365 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Benzie Central Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Benzie Central Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 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 Benzie Central Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Benzie Central Middle School has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Benzie Central Middle School a charter school?

No, Benzie Central Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Benzie Central Middle School a Title I school?

No, Benzie Central Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Benzie Central Middle School?

62.3% of students at Benzie Central Middle School 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
5 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
33 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
239
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
62.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Benzie County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
57.3%

District

Benzie County Central Schools
District Enrollment
1,183
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,948
District Rank
#3 of 6

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