Average
#2056 of 3,190 schools in MI
Surline Middle School
Middle School · West Branch-Rose City Area Schools
PO Box 308, West Branch, MI 48661
Enrollment
583
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
5.8
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
583
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
5.8
Grades
5th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In West Branch
#3 of 4
public schools
Michigan middle schools
#285 of 497
In district
#3 of 4
West Branch-Rose City Area Schools
Academic performance
7.0 / 10
Strong
About Surline Middle School
Surline Middle School is a regular public school located in the rural area of West Branch, Michigan. Serving students from fifth through eighth grade, Surline has an enrollment of 583 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.7:1 with 35 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. The school's MySchoolScout rating is 4.5 out of 10, reflecting its state ranking at #2134 out of 3204 schools in Michigan and an academic score of 5.2 out of 10.
Academic performance shows that 45% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 27% are proficient or above in Math, indicating areas where the school is focusing on student development and growth. Surline Middle School is situated in a rural setting, offering its students a close-knit community environment with opportunities for strong connections between teachers and families. Surrounded by natural beauty and small-town charm, Surline Middle School provides a supportive educational experience within its rural community.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Surline 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
Surline Middle School — Students at Surline Middle School score 35% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
69.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 14 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: 4.0/10.
How Surline Middle School Compares
See how Surline Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 38% (2019) to 25.88% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 51% (2019) to 44.55% (2022).
Location
PO Box 308, West Branch, MI 48661
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Surline Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Rose City School (rated 9.2/10, 11.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is StandishSterling Central Elementary School (rated 7.1/10, 23.0 miles away, in nearby Standish), which scores notably higher. Additionally, MioAuSable Elementary School (rated 7.0/10, 26.1 miles away, in nearby Mio), which scores notably higher. For more schools in West Branch, see our West Branch schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 22.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 48661 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,767
Median Home Value
$166,500
Median Rent
$839/mo
Population
10,744
College Educated
19.1%
Homeownership
77.9%
Avg Commute
24.9 min
Poverty Rate
13.6%
Median Age
48.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Surline Middle School has a median household income of $58,767. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $166,500, with a median rent of $839/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.6%. The average commute for residents is 25 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 |
| Pierce Middle School Waterford, MI | 5.8 |
| Riley Street Middle School Hudsonville, MI | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Surline Middle School
What grades does Surline Middle School serve?
Surline Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend Surline Middle School?
Surline Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 583 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Surline Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Surline Middle School is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Surline Middle School rank in MI?
Surline Middle School is ranked #2056 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Surline Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Surline 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 Surline Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Surline Middle School has 26.8% math proficiency and 45.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Surline Middle School a charter school?
No, Surline Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Surline Middle School a Title I school?
No, Surline Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Surline Middle School?
69.3% of students at Surline 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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Average (424/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (West Branch). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 583
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 69.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Ogemaw County
- Phone
- (989) 343-2140
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
West Branch-Rose City Area Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,841
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,252
- District Rank
- #3 of 4
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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