Average
#1559 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 49% in state
West Middle School
Middle School · Traverse City Area Public Schools
3950 SILVER LAKE RD, Traverse City, MI 49684
Enrollment
1,108
Student-Teacher
22.2:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,108
Student-Teacher
22.2:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Traverse City
#13 of 23
public schools
Michigan middle schools
#191 of 497
In district
#8 of 16
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Equity
8.2 / 10
Very strong
About West Middle School
West Middle School serves 1,108 students in grades 6-8 in Traverse City, Michigan's Grand Traverse County. Located on Silver Lake Road in a small suburban setting, the school operates with 50 full-time equivalent teachers, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 22.2:1. The school currently ranks in the 10th percentile statewide, placing #2,901 out of 3,204 Michigan schools with a MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10, indicating significant room for academic growth and improvement.
While specific test score data isn't available, the school's leadership and staff are working to better serve their substantial student population. West Middle School draws from a community with solid economic foundations. The surrounding 49684 ZIP code area is home to 21,171 residents with a median household income of $73,730 and median home values of $342,800.
The neighborhood demonstrates a strong educational foundation, with 45% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, and maintains a relatively low poverty rate of 9.3%. The school's location in Traverse City's suburban landscape provides students with access to both small-town community values and the educational and recreational opportunities that come with being part of this northern Michigan region known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at West Middle School is 22.2:1, 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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West Middle School — Students at West Middle School score 52% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
37.2%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 7.3/10.
How West Middle School Compares
See how West Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 43% (2019) to 46.8% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 64% (2019) to 56.64% (2022).
Location
3950 SILVER LAKE RD, Traverse City, MI 49684
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. TCAPS Montessori School (rated 9.2/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is North EdNew Horizons (rated 8.8/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Central Grade School (rated 8.2/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Traverse City, see our Traverse City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| TCAPS Montessori School Traverse City | 0.4 mi | 9.2 |
| The Greenspire School Traverse City | 0.8 mi | 7.1 |
| North EdCreekside School Traverse City | 0.7 mi | 7.7 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Traverse City | 1.3 mi | 6.5 |
| THE CHILDREN'S HOUSE Traverse City | 1.4 mi | 7.0 |
| Willow Hill Elementary School Traverse City | 2.0 mi | 5.1 |
| Central Grade School Traverse City | 1.8 mi | 8.2 |
| West Senior High Traverse City | 1.6 mi | 7.3 |
| The Greenspire High School Travse City | 1.7 mi | 7.2 |
| North EdNew Horizons Traverse City | 2.7 mi | 8.8 |
| Traverse Heights Elem School Traverse City | 2.7 mi | 4.9 |
| TRAVERSE BAY MENNONITE SCHOOL Traverse City | 2.7 mi | — |
| North EdBridgeway Traverse City | 3.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Silver Lake Elementary School Traverse City | 3.8 mi | 5.3 |
| THE PATHFINDER SCHOOL Traverse City | 4.3 mi | 7.3 |
| Central High School Traverse City | 3.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Eastern Elementary School Traverse City | 3.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Long Lake Elementary School Traverse City | 3.7 mi | 5.7 |
| TRAVERSE CITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Traverse City | 4.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Blair Elementary School Traverse City | 5.6 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49684 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$75,678
Median Home Value
$375,700
Median Rent
$1,216/mo
Population
21,328
College Educated
46.4%
Homeownership
66.4%
Avg Commute
19.2 min
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Median Age
48.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Middle School has a median household income of $75,678. It is a well-educated community where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $375,700, with a median rent of $1,216/month. The local poverty rate of 8.5% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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 |
|---|---|
| Hamilton Middle School Hamilton, MI | 6.4 |
| Middle School at Parkside Jackson, MI | 6.4 |
| Mt Pleasant Middle School Mt. Pleasant, MI | 6.4 |
| Northeast Middle School Midland, MI | 6.4 |
| Royal Oak Middle School Royal Oak, MI | 6.4 |
| Bedford Junior High School Temperance, MI | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Middle School
What grades does West Middle School serve?
West Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend West Middle School?
West Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 1,108 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at West Middle School is 22.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Middle School rank in MI?
West Middle School is ranked #1559 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is West Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
West Middle School has a composite rating of 6.4 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 West Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Middle School has 45.8% math proficiency and 57.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Middle School a charter school?
No, West Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Middle School a Title I school?
No, West Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Middle School?
37.2% of students at West 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
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,108
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 50
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 37.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small Suburb
- County
- Grand Traverse County
- Phone
- (231) 933-8200
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Traverse City Area Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 8,655
- Schools in District
- 16
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,840
- District Rank
- #8 of 16
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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