Serving 598 students in grades 6-8, Handy Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 13% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 598 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Handy Middle School serves the southeast part of Bay City, MI, covering an area of approximately 67.2 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 10-15 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 12.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Handy Middle School's student population of 598 students has declined by 31% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
598 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
HMS: Positive Change for a Better Tomorrow
School Rankings
Handy Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Handy Middle School is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2324 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
35%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
16:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
18%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
5%
18%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
67%
63%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)56.7%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue and White
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Handy Middle School's ranking?
Handy Middle School is ranked #2324 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Handy Middle School often compared to?
Handy Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cramer Junior High School, Christa Mcauliffe Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Handy Middle School?
598 students attend Handy Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Handy Middle School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Handy Middle School?
Handy Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Handy Middle School offer ?
Handy Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Handy Middle School part of?
Handy Middle School is part of Bay City School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
This school has gone down hill. Kids smoking weed, teachers quitting because they don't want to have to deal with the 7th grade kids. It reminds me of a movie you would see about a run down NYC school. I plan on removing my child and placing her in a new school, if there is no room, I will homeschool. Half of the 7th grade class is already at an alternative school for 'bad kids" or in and out of juvenile. I refuse to let my child be taken down by this unparented generation of children. I don't blame the kids, I blame the parents and that school. If you have kids that go there, just ask them, they will tell you what's really going on there.
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