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#2054 of 3,190 schools in MI

Pierce Middle School

Middle School · Waterford School District

5145 HATCHERY RD, Waterford, MI 48329

Enrollment

742

Student-Teacher

19.5:1

Score

5.8

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Waterford

#9 of 16

public schools

Michigan middle schools

#284 of 497

In district

#9 of 16

Waterford School District

About Pierce Middle School

Pierce Middle School serves grades six through eight in Waterford, Michigan, with an enrollment of 742 students. Located in a large suburban area, the school has 38 full-time equivalent teachers, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 19.5:1. Academically, Pierce Middle is currently focusing on student development with room for growth.

The school ranks at the 44th percentile among Michigan schools, with an academic score of 5.2 out of 10. In English language arts and reading, 41 percent of students are performing at or above proficiency levels, while math proficiency stands at 31 percent across grades six through eight. These results suggest the school is working to strengthen its instructional programs and support student achievement in core academic areas.

The school's suburban setting provides a stable community environment for middle grades learners navigating the transition to secondary education. Families considering Pierce Middle may want to learn more about the school's specific initiatives and support systems for improving academic outcomes.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.9Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.95 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.6Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28.8%
Reading/ELA Proficiency40.4%
Math vs. State Avg-0.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+2.4 pts
Overall Proficiency35%
Expected (poverty-adj.)42%
vs. Expected-7.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile38th
Resources & Environment5.9Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,329

Pierce Middle School — Students at Pierce Middle School score 35% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

52%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 30.6%
School
State
32.7%
ELA Proficiency 41.4%
School
State
45.2%

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

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
36%
ELA
45%
2021*
Math
33%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
28.7%
ELA
40.4%

* 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: 5.9/10.

How Pierce Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.8/10
36th percentile in MI
Academic
5.6/10
5.6/10
Growth
5.9/10
Above average
Environment
5.9/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
52%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers

Location

5145 HATCHERY RD, Waterford, MI 48329

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pierce Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Mason Middle School (rated 7.0/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sashabaw Middle School (rated 5.7/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Clarkston), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Waterford, see our Waterford schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Waterford Kettering High School Waterford 0.4 mi 5.1
Riverside Elementary School Waterford 1.3 mi 6.4
Cooley Elementary School Waterford 1.0 mi 7.8
Waterford Montessori Academy Waterford 1.4 mi 7.3
OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC SCHOOL Waterford 1.7 mi 7.6
Kingsley Montgomery School Waterford 1.9 mi 6.9
Schoolcraft Elementary School Waterford 1.6 mi 6.6
Mason Middle School Waterford 1.6 mi 7.0
Grayson Elementary Waterford 1.7 mi 5.8
Knudsen Elementary School Waterford 2.4 mi 6.6
Beaumont Elementary School Waterford 2.4 mi 5.5
Waterford Montessori Academy Waterford 2.6 mi 5.4
Waterford Durant High School Waterford 2.6 mi 7.7
Waterford Lifetracks Program Crary Campus Waterford 2.6 mi
Waterford Mott High School Waterford 2.4 mi 5.7
Haviland Elementary School Waterford 3.3 mi 3.9
Pine Knob Elementary School Clarkston 3.6 mi 6.0
North Sashabaw Elementary School Clarkston 3.5 mi 7.8
Childrens Village School Pontiac 2.9 mi 7.6
Sashabaw Middle School Clarkston 3.6 mi 5.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 48329 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$85,777

Median Home Value

$245,800

Median Rent

$1,323/mo

Population

24,022

College Educated

29.2%

Homeownership

89.9%

Avg Commute

27.7 min

Poverty Rate

5.2%

Median Age

44.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Pierce Middle School has a median household income of $85,777. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $245,800, with a median rent of $1,323/month. The local poverty rate of 5.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 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
Baker Middle School Troy, MI 5.8
Central Middle School Port Huron, MI 5.8
Cityside Middle School Zeeland, MI 5.8
Ionia Middle School Ionia, MI 5.8
Kenneth T Beagle Middle School Grand Ledge, MI 5.8
Riley Street Middle School Hudsonville, MI 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pierce Middle School

What grades does Pierce Middle School serve?

Pierce Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Pierce Middle School?

Pierce Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 742 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Pierce Middle School is 19.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pierce Middle School rank in MI?

Pierce Middle School is ranked #2054 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Pierce Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Pierce Middle School has a composite rating of 5.8 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 Pierce Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pierce Middle School has 30.6% math proficiency and 41.4% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Pierce Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Pierce Middle School a Title I school?

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

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

52.0% of students at Pierce 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

County Safety
Low (7/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
742
Student-Teacher Ratio
19.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
38
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Oakland County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Waterford School District
District Enrollment
6,892
Schools in District
17
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,194
District Rank
#9 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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