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Excellent

#315 of 3,190 schools in MI

Top 10% in state

Central Grade School

Elementary School · Traverse City Area Public Schools

301 WEST SEVENTH ST, Traverse City, MI 49684

Enrollment

537

Student-Teacher

17.9:1

Score

8.2

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Traverse City

#4 of 23

public schools

Michigan elementary schools

#215 of 1,602

In district

#2 of 16

Traverse City Area Public Schools

Equity

9.2 / 10

Exceptional

About Central Grade School

Central Grade School is a public elementary school in Traverse City, MI, part of the Traverse City Area Public Schools. The school serves approximately 537 students in grades Pre-K – 6th with a student-teacher ratio of 17.9:1. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.2/10, placing it in the 90.2th percentile among MI schools — an above average rating overall.

Students demonstrate 52% proficiency in math, 16 points above the state average and 62% in reading/language arts, 19 points above the state average. The school scores particularly well in student growth (8.7/10). Located in a neighborhood with a median household income of $75,678, where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

The school is situated in a small city setting.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.7Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+0.71 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendStable
Academics9.1Exceptional30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency51.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency63.4%
Math vs. State Avg+9.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+21.5 pts
Overall Proficiency57%
Expected (poverty-adj.)45%
vs. Expected+12.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile86th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment5.6Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,986

Central Grade School — Students at Central Grade School score 57% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 51.6%
School
State
36.0%
ELA Proficiency 62.4%
School
State
43.4%

Based on 12 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
50%
ELA
60%
2021*
Math
57%
ELA
65%
2022
Math
50.6%
ELA
62.4%

* 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: 8.7/10.

How Central Grade School Compares

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

Overall Score
8.2/10
90th percentile in MI
Academic
9.1/10
9.1/10
Growth
8.7/10
Above average
Environment
5.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
47%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
30 teachers

Location

301 WEST SEVENTH ST, Traverse City, MI 49684

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central Grade School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. TCAPS Montessori School (rated 9.2/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is THE PATHFINDER SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 3.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, THE CHILDREN'S HOUSE (rated 7.0/10, 2.9 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Traverse City, see our Traverse City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.5 mi
School Distance Rating
TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Traverse City 0.6 mi 6.5
North EdCreekside School Traverse City 1.1 mi 7.7
The Greenspire School Traverse City 1.1 mi 7.1
Willow Hill Elementary School Traverse City 1.2 mi 5.1
The Greenspire High School Travse City 1.5 mi 7.2
TCAPS Montessori School Traverse City 1.4 mi 9.2
Traverse Heights Elem School Traverse City 1.5 mi 4.9
North EdNew Horizons Traverse City 1.5 mi 8.8
TRAVERSE BAY MENNONITE SCHOOL Traverse City 1.6 mi
West Middle School Traverse City 1.8 mi 6.4
North EdBridgeway Traverse City 1.6 mi 6.0
Central High School Traverse City 1.9 mi 7.7
Eastern Elementary School Traverse City 2.2 mi 4.4
THE PATHFINDER SCHOOL Traverse City 3.1 mi 7.3
THE CHILDREN'S HOUSE Traverse City 2.9 mi 7.0
West Senior High Traverse City 3.0 mi 7.3
North EdCareer Tech Traverse City 3.2 mi
Life Skills Center Traverse City 3.2 mi 7.9
TRAVERSE CITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Traverse City 4.2 mi 4.4
Traverse City High School Traverse City 3.5 mi 6.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49684 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$75,678

Median Home Value

$375,700

Median Rent

$1,216/mo

Population

21,328

College Educated

46.4%

Homeownership

66.4%

Avg Commute

19.2 min

Poverty Rate

8.5%

Median Age

48.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding Central Grade School has a median household income of $75,678. It is a well-educated community where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $375,700, with a median rent of $1,216/month. The local poverty rate of 8.5% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Bird Elementary School Plymouth, MI 8.2
Bruce Collins Elementary School Sterling Heights, MI 8.2
CRESCENT ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL Canton, MI 8.2
Carter Elementary School Montrose, MI 8.2
Cascades Elementary School Jackson, MI 8.2
Dodson Elementary School Canton, MI 8.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central Grade School

What grades does Central Grade School serve?

Central Grade School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Central Grade School?

Central Grade School has an enrollment of approximately 537 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Grade School?

The student-teacher ratio at Central Grade School is 17.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central Grade School rank in MI?

Central Grade School is ranked #315 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Central Grade School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central Grade School has a composite rating of 8.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Central Grade School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Grade School has 51.6% math proficiency and 62.4% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Central Grade School a charter school?

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

Is Central Grade School a Title I school?

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

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

46.9% of students at Central Grade 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
91 Walker's Paradise
Bike Score
97 Biker’s Paradise

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR. County-level only.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
537
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
30
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Grand Traverse County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Traverse City Area Public Schools
District Enrollment
8,655
Schools in District
16
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,840
District Rank
#2 of 16

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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