Average
#2530 of 3,190 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
5.1
Grades
6th – 7th
Enrollment
327
Student-Teacher
20.4:1
Score
5.1
Grades
6th – 7th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Battle Creek
#21 of 26
public schools
Michigan middle schools
#381 of 497
In district
#4 of 5
Pennfield Schools
About Pennfield Middle School
Pennfield Middle School is a public middle school located in Battle Creek, Michigan, in the rural outskirts of Calhoun County. The school serves students from sixth through seventh grade with an enrollment of 327 students and a student-teacher ratio of 20.4 to 1, providing reasonably personalized attention for each student. Pennfield Middle School focuses on fostering supportive learning environments despite lower academic performance ratings.
According to MySchoolScout’s metrics, the school ranks at the 28th percentile statewide with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 10 and a math proficiency rate of just 20%. However, there is room for improvement in various areas, including student engagement and support programs that cater to diverse learning needs. Pennfield Middle School’s setting offers students a peaceful rural environment near the town, which can be beneficial for those seeking a quieter atmosphere conducive to learning.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Pennfield Middle School is 20.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, Pennfield Middle School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Pennfield Middle School — Students at Pennfield Middle School score 29% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
63.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 12 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 6.0/10.
How Pennfield Middle School Compares
See how Pennfield Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 29% (2019) to 18.63% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 38% (2019) to 39.3% (2022).
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 7.2/10, 4.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Northwestern Middle School (rated 6.6/10, 4.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek MS (rated 5.8/10, 4.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Battle Creek, see our Battle Creek schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.7 miNeighborhood 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Pennfield Middle School has a median household income of $58,500. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $134,800, with a median rent of $946/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.3%. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| Farwell Middle School Farwell, MI | 5.1 |
| HOLLAND CHRISTIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Holland, MI | 5.1 |
| Marine City Middle School Marine City, MI | 5.1 |
| Mt Morris Middle School Mount Morris, MI | 5.1 |
| University Middle School Academy Lathrup Village, MI | 5.1 |
| White Cloud Junior High School White Cloud, MI | 5.1 |
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 is ranked #2530 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Pennfield Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Pennfield Middle School has a composite rating of 5.1 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 Pennfield Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pennfield Middle School has 19.8% math proficiency and 38.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,679/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Battle Creek). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (269) 961-9784
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Pennfield Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,928
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,581
- District Rank
- #4 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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