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Average

#2116 of 3,192 schools in MI

Highlander Way Middle School

Middle School · Howell Public Schools

511 NORTH HIGHLANDER WAY, Howell, MI 48843

Enrollment

776

Student-Teacher

17.2:1

Score

5.6

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Howell

#11 of 14

public schools

Michigan middle schools

#297 of 497

In district

#9 of 10

Howell Public Schools

About Highlander Way Middle School

Highlander Way Middle School serves students in grades six through eight in Howell, a mid-size suburb in Livingston County. The school enrolls 776 students with a student-teacher ratio of 17.2:1, supported by 45 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, Highlander Way is working to strengthen student performance in core subjects.

In English Language Arts, 51% of students are performing at or above proficiency levels, while math proficiency stands at 38% across grade levels. The school holds a MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10, placing it at the 53rd percentile statewide among Michigan's 3,204 schools. With an academic score of 6.5 out of 10, the school has room for growth as it continues to focus on student development and achievement.

As a regular public school, Highlander Way serves as an important educational hub for Howell's middle-grade students and the surrounding suburban community.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.9Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.32 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.8Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency37.1%
Reading/ELA Proficiency49.4%
Math vs. State Avg+8.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+11.4 pts
Overall Proficiency43%
Expected (poverty-adj.)56%
vs. Expected-12.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile41th
Resources & Environment6.3Above Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,228
Chronic Absenteeism22.3%

Highlander Way Middle School — Students at Highlander Way Middle School score 43% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

29.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 46.9%
School
State
32.1%
ELA Proficiency 60.6%
School
State
45.4%

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
85%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
89%
ELA
91%
2011
Math
51%
ELA
74%
2012
Math
56%
ELA
76%
2013
Math
55%
ELA
79%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
58%
2015
Math
39%
ELA
53%
2016
Math
39%
ELA
50%
2017
Math
36%
ELA
49%
2018
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
37%
ELA
48.9%

* 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: 4.9/10.

How Highlander Way Middle School Compares

See how Highlander Way Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.6/10
34th percentile in MI
Academic
5.8/10
5.8/10
Growth
4.9/10
Below average
Environment
6.3/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
29%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
45 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year
22.3%

Location

511 NORTH HIGHLANDER WAY, Howell, MI 48843

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highlander Way Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Parker Middle School (rated 5.9/10, 3.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Fowlerville Junior High School (rated 5.9/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Fowlerville), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Howell, see our Howell schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Adult Transition Services Howell 0.3 mi 3.6
Pathway School Howell 0.4 mi 7.5
Howell High School Howell 0.4 mi 6.9
Challenger Elementary School Howell 0.5 mi 5.7
Voyager Elementary School Howell 0.6 mi 5.8
Southwest Elementary School Howell 0.9 mi 6.4
Northwest Elementary School Howell 1.2 mi 6.7
ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Howell 1.7 mi 5.4
Innovation Academy Howell 2.0 mi 4.5
Parker Middle School Howell 3.8 mi 5.9
Ruahmah J Hutchings Elementary Howell 3.7 mi 5.9
Three Fires Elementary Howell 5.8 mi 5.6
Natalie Kreeger Elementary School Fowlerville 6.6 mi 4.4
HT Smith Elementary School Fowlerville 6.7 mi 6.1
Fowlerville Junior High School Fowlerville 6.9 mi 5.9
Fowlerville High School Fowlerville 7.0 mi 6.7
Fowlerville Online Learning Academy Fowlerville 7.0 mi 2.6
Farley Hill Elementary School Pinckney 9.4 mi 6.8
Light of the World Academy Pinckney 10.9 mi 7.5
Hornung Elementary School Brighton 9.1 mi 8.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 48843 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$91,620

Median Home Value

$323,100

Median Rent

$1,221/mo

Population

46,902

College Educated

37.3%

Homeownership

77.2%

Avg Commute

28.9 min

Poverty Rate

5.6%

Median Age

41.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Highlander Way Middle School has a median household income of $91,620. It is an area where 37% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $323,100, with a median rent of $1,221/month. The local poverty rate of 5.6% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 29 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
Big Rapids Middle School Big Rapids, MI 5.6
Fruitport Middle School Fruitport, MI 5.6
Hoover Middle School Taylor, MI 5.6
Legg Middle School Coldwater, MI 5.6
Macatawa Bay Middle School Holland, MI 5.6
Swartz Creek Middle School Swartz Creek, MI 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highlander Way Middle School

What grades does Highlander Way Middle School serve?

Highlander Way Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Highlander Way Middle School?

Highlander Way Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 776 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Highlander Way Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Highlander Way Middle School is 17.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highlander Way Middle School rank in MI?

Highlander Way Middle School is ranked #2116 out of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Highlander Way Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Highlander Way Middle School has a composite rating of 5.6 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 Highlander Way Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Highlander Way Middle School has 46.9% math proficiency and 60.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Highlander Way Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Highlander Way Middle School a Title I school?

No, Highlander Way Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highlander Way Middle School?

29.4% of students at Highlander Way 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 →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
776
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
45
Free/Reduced Lunch
29.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Livingston County
Chronic Absenteeism
22.3%
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Howell Public Schools
District Enrollment
6,722
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,228
District Rank
#9 of 10

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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