Very Good
#1067 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 33% in state
Western Middle School
Middle School · Western School District
1400 SOUTH DEARING RD, Parma, MI 49269
Enrollment
595
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
7.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
595
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
7.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Parma
#2 of 3
public schools
Michigan middle schools
#106 of 497
In district
#3 of 6
Western School District
Academic growth
7.9 / 10
Very strong
About Western Middle School
Western Middle School is a regular public middle school located in Parma, Michigan, within Jackson County. It serves students from sixth through eighth grade with an enrollment of 595 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16.1:1, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention. The school has 37 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to providing a robust educational experience.
Academically, Western Middle School has a MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks at #1113 among the state's 3204 schools, placing it in the 65th percentile. In terms of subject proficiency, 49% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts/Reading, while 35% meet or exceed standards in math. These scores indicate areas for improvement and highlight the school’s focus on student development.
Western Middle School is situated in a rural area near a town, offering a close-knit community atmosphere where students can thrive both academically and socially.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Western 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
Western Middle School — Students at Western Middle School score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
40%
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: 7.9/10.
How Western Middle School Compares
See how Western Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 40% (2019) to 35.57% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 46% (2019) to 51.48% (2022).
Location
1400 SOUTH DEARING RD, Parma, MI 49269
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Western Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. LUMEN CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 4.4 miles away, in nearby Jackson), which scores notably higher. Another option is Paragon Charter Academy (rated 8.2/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby Jackson), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cascades Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Jackson), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Parma, see our Parma schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Western High School Parma | 0.0 mi | 5.9 |
| Bean Elementary School Spring Arbor | 2.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Warner Elementary School Spring Arbor | 2.8 mi | 6.8 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Jackson | 2.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Parma Elementary School Parma | 3.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Woodville Community Center Jackson | 3.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Paragon Charter Academy Jackson | 3.8 mi | 8.2 |
| LUMEN CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Jackson | 4.4 mi | 8.3 |
| Dibble Elementary School Jackson | 4.8 mi | 7.7 |
| JACKSON CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson | 4.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Da Vinci Schools 612 Jackson | 5.1 mi | 4.3 |
| Hunt Elementary School Jackson | 5.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Jackson ISD Local Based Special Education Programs Jackson | 5.7 mi | 8.1 |
| Cascades Elementary School Jackson | 5.7 mi | 8.2 |
| Northwest High School Jackson | 6.9 mi | 5.7 |
| QUEEN OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL SCHOOL Jackson | 5.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Northwest Kidder Middle School Jackson | 7.0 mi | 6.1 |
| South Central Michigan Virtual Jackson | 5.9 mi | 6.2 |
| NORTH STAR MONTESSORI LLC Jackson | 6.5 mi | — |
| Northwest Connect Jackson | 7.2 mi | 5.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49269 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$83,933
Median Home Value
$200,100
Median Rent
$967/mo
Population
5,874
College Educated
19.6%
Homeownership
90.3%
Avg Commute
26.5 min
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Median Age
39.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Western Middle School has a median household income of $83,933. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $200,100, with a median rent of $967/month. The local poverty rate of 7.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| Adams Middle School Westland, MI | 7.0 |
| Creekside Intermediate School Dexter, MI | 7.0 |
| East Grand Rapids Middle School Grand Rapids, MI | 7.0 |
| East Middle School Farmington Hills, MI | 7.0 |
| Eastern Middle School Ada, MI | 7.0 |
| Gull Lake Middle School Richland, MI | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Middle School
What grades does Western Middle School serve?
Western Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Western Middle School?
Western Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 595 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Western Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Western Middle School is 16.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Western Middle School rank in MI?
Western Middle School is ranked #1067 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Western Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Western Middle School has a composite rating of 7.0 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 Western Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Western Middle School has 35.1% math proficiency and 49.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Western Middle School a charter school?
No, Western Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Western Middle School a Title I school?
No, Western Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Western Middle School?
40.0% of students at Western 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
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 595
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 40.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Jackson County
- Phone
- (517) 841-8370
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Western School District- District Enrollment
- 2,687
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,044
- District Rank
- #3 of 6
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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