Skip to main content

Below Average

#2907 of 3,192 schools in MI

Pennfield Middle School

Middle School · Pennfield Schools

8587 PENNFIELD RD, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Enrollment

327

Student-Teacher

20.4:1

Score

4.0

Grades

6th – 7th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#2,907 of 3,192

In Battle Creek

#23 of 33

public schools

In district

#5 of 5

Pennfield Schools

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Pennfield Middle School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Pennfield Middle School

4.0/10

Middle School in Battle Creek · grades 6th – 7th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Pennfield Dunlap Elementary

4.7/10

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

Pennfield Senior High School

5.1/10

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

About Pennfield Middle School

Pennfield Middle School is a public middle school in Battle Creek, MI, part of Pennfield Schools. Pennfield Middle School serves approximately 327 students, and covers grades 6th-7th, and has a 20.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Pennfield Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 out of 10 and ranks #2,907 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Pennfield Middle School show 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.9 pts below MI schools
  • This school 4.0 · Below Average
  • MI avg 5.9

What Parents Should Know

Pennfield Middle School runs 20.4:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Pennfield 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.

53% of students at Pennfield 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 Progress3.7Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.85 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency18.6% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency39.3% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-10.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.3 pts
Overall Proficiency29% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)35% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-5.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
Resources & Environment2.7Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,581
Chronic Absenteeism52.9%

Pennfield Middle School — Students at Pennfield Middle School score 29% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

63.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 31.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
32.1% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 50.0% (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
77%
ELA
84%
2010
Math
81%
ELA
83%
2011
Math
29%
ELA
64%
2012
Math
28%
ELA
71%
2013
Math
34%
ELA
70%
2014
Math
35%
ELA
49%
2015
Math
29%
ELA
48%
2016
Math
26%
ELA
45%
2017
Math
26%
ELA
32%
2018
Math
29%
ELA
38%
2019
Math
29%
ELA
38%
2020*
Math
15%
ELA
36%
2021*
Math
15%
ELA
36%
2022
Math
18.7%
ELA
38.8%

* 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: 3.7/10.

How Pennfield Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.0/10
9th percentile in MI
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.7/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
64%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
16 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
52.9%

Location

8587 PENNFIELD RD, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pennfield Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center (rated 7.3/10, 4.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek MS (rated 6.5/10, 4.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Northwestern Middle School (rated 3.2/10, 4.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Battle Creek, see our Battle Creek schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Pennfield Dunlap Elementary Battle Creek 0.1 mi 4.7
Pennfield Senior High School Battle Creek 0.3 mi 5.1
North Pennfield Elementary Battle Creek 2.7 mi 5.5
Pennfield Purdy School Battle Creek 2.4 mi 6.1
Verona Elementary School Battle Creek 3.0 mi 2.8
Doris Klaussen Dev Center Battle Creek 3.4 mi 7.6
Fremont International Academy Battle Creek 3.6 mi 8.1
Wattles Park Elementary School Battle Creek 4.6 mi 6.0
ST PHILIP CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Battle Creek 4.2 mi 7.6
WK Kellogg Preparatory High School Battle Creek 4.2 mi 3.9
Battle Creek Central High School Battle Creek 4.2 mi 4.8
Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center Battle Creek 4.2 mi 7.3
Battle Creek MathSci Center Battle Creek 4.4 mi
Post Franklin School Battle Creek 4.8 mi 2.6
Ann J Kellogg School Battle Creek 4.4 mi 3.9
West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek HS Battle Creek 4.6 mi 5.0
West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek MS Battle Creek 4.6 mi 6.5
Dudley School Battle Creek 4.3 mi 2.9
Northwestern Middle School Battle Creek 4.6 mi 3.2
BATTLE CREEK ACADEMY Battle Creek 4.7 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49017 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,500

Median Home Value

$134,800

Median Rent

$946/mo

Population

20,785

College Educated

20.4%

Homeownership

72.9%

Avg Commute

19.8 min

Poverty Rate

12.3%

Median Age

43.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Kelloggsville Middle School Grand Rapids, MI 4.0
Parchment Middle School Kalamazoo, MI 4.0
Romulus Middle School Romulus, MI 4.0
TS Nurnberger Middle School Saint Louis, MI 4.0
Ravenna Middle School Ravenna, MI 4.1
PD Chatterton Middle School Warren, MI 3.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pennfield Middle School

What grades does Pennfield Middle School serve?

Pennfield Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 7th.

How many students attend Pennfield Middle School?

Pennfield Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 327 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pennfield Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Pennfield Middle School is 20.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pennfield Middle School rank in MI?

Pennfield Middle School ranks #2,907 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Pennfield Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Pennfield Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 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 Pennfield Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pennfield Middle School has 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Pennfield Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Pennfield Middle School a Title I school?

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

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

63.6% of students at Pennfield 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
6 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 7th
Enrollment
327
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
16
Free/Reduced Lunch
63.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Calhoun County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
52.9%

District

Pennfield Schools
District Enrollment
1,928
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,581
District Rank
#5 of 5

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.