- Fred W Ritter Elementary School — 2.1 mi · Grades PK–4 · 265 students
- Henry Niedermeier Elementary School — 3.8 mi · Grades PK–4 · 242 students
- Loren Eyler Elementary School — 5.4 mi · Grades PK–4 · 292 students
- Airport Senior High School — 6.2 mi · Grades 9–12 · 760 students
- Airport Center for Education — 6.2 mi · Grades K–12 · 49 students
- Joseph C Sterling Elementary School — 6.3 mi · Grades PK–4 · 370 students
- Wagar Junior High School — 6.3 mi · Grades 6–8 · 641 students
- Wagar Middle School — 6.3 mi · Grades 5–5 · 221 students
| Metric | Airport Community School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 2,809 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 9 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,627/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 23% below avg |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Community School District (this district) | 7/10 | 66th | 2,809 |
| Gibraltar School District | 6/10 | 54th | 3,630 |
| Jefferson Schools | 4/10 | 33rd | 1,357 |
| Flat Rock Community Schools | 4/10 | 35th | 1,772 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 488 rated districts in MI → 66th percentile → 7/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Airport Community School District
Airport Community School District serves zip code 48179, covering South Rockwood, Michigan with grades Pre-K–12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 7/10 Rating
With a rating of 7/10 (above average), Airport Community School District ranks among Michigan’s above average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Michigan is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Airport Community School District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Michigan. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 48179
Children in zip code 48179 are assigned to Airport Community School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 48179, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Airport Community School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Michigan districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in South Rockwood
For families considering a purchase in the South Rockwood area, district assignment matters financially. Because Airport Community School District serves zip code 48179, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 48179 and neighboring areas. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Michigan, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Airport Community School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 48179.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Airport Community School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 48179 data.