Top Rankings
South Lake Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 10%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 934 students in South Lake Schools. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Michigan.
Public Elementary Schools in South Lake Schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 23% (versus the 44% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Overview
This School District
This State (MI)
# Schools
4 Schools
2,541 Schools
# Students
1,408 Students
953,504 Students
# Teachers
91 Teachers
58,876 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
South Lake Schools, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 845 school districts in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 92% has decreased from 95% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#697 out of 862 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
38%
Graduation Rate
92%
81%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.53
0.57
% American Indian
n/a
1%
% Asian
n/a
4%
% Hispanic
3%
9%
% Black
64%
18%
% White
25%
62%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $19,169 is higher than the state median of $18,512. The school district revenue/student has grown by 27% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $17,188 is less than the state median of $17,694. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$27 MM
$25,476 MM
Spending
$24 MM
$24,351 MM
Revenue / Student
$19,169
$18,512
Spending / Student
$17,188
$17,694
Best South Lake Schools Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Avalon Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
20000 Avalon St
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 435-1001
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 435-1001
Gr: PK-2 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #22.
Elmwood Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
22700 California St
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 435-1101
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 435-1101
Gr: 3-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #33.
South Lake Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
21621 California St
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 435-1301
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 435-1301
Gr: 6-8 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
