Auburn’s public schools score below 54% of Michigan districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 28% of Auburn’s students scored proficient, below the Michigan average (34%). The grade covers the public school district serving Auburn, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Michigan, not nationally.
From Michigan state tests taken in spring 2022, when 96% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Auburn’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 1240 Michigan towns with household incomes within a quarter of Auburn’s, its schools beat 30%, lower than their 46% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 41% of tested students were proficient in reading and 28% in math, against 45% and 34% statewide; 96% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
77% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 82% across Michigan. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,490 per student, against $16,528 across Michigan (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Western Middle School, then Bay City Western High School. Enrollment is down 10% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Auburn Area Catholic School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Auburn’s grade
B−: better than 46% of Michigan school districts. Both inputs trail the Michigan average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Auburn, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Auburn
Auburn Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 474 students · 19:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Auburn
Western Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 681 students · 18:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Auburn
Western Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 681 students · 18:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Auburn
Western Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 681 students · 18:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Auburn
Bay City Western High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,009 students · 24:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Auburn
Bay City Western High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,009 students · 24:1 students per teacher
Auburn’s public schools are run by Bay City School District, which also serves Bay City, Beaver, Frankenlust and Hampton and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Below the state in reading
Auburn vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Michigan towns that share Auburn’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn | B− | Bay City |
Every school in Auburn
4 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Michigan’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Auburn’s schools
Are Auburn’s schools good?
On Michigan’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Auburn children attend score below 54% of Michigan’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 30%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Auburn in?
Bay City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 6,030 students in 13 schools (2024–25).
Where do Auburn kids go to high school?
Bay City Western High School, with 1,009 students; its own test results earn a B+.
What is Auburn’s graduation rate?
77% of the class of 2023 in Bay City School District graduated in four years, against 82% across Michigan.
How much does Auburn spend per student?
$15,490 in Bay City School District (FY2024), against $16,528 across Michigan. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Auburn?
Yes: Auburn Area Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–5, 114 students).
Parents talk
What Auburn families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Auburn → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Michigan. Stars are from neighbors.