Best Public Schools in Clare, MI

The city of Clare, Michigan, is served by five schools spanning elementary through high school, including two alternative programs, and is anchored by the Clare Public Schools district, which holds a 3-star rating and ranks in the 60th percentile statewide.

For parents, the standout is Clare High School, which consistently ranks in the 85th-88th percentile, boasts a 93.8% graduation rate, and has a dropout rate of just 0.8%—far better than state averages. Its students outperform state proficiency rates in science and social studies by wide margins. In contrast, Clare Middle School is the weakest link in the traditional pipeline, ranking in the 40th percentile with students underperforming state averages in math and ELA. Clare Primary School shows mixed results, ranking in the 42nd percentile, though 4th-grade math proficiency is close to the state average. The two alternative schools serve very different populations: Clare Pioneer High School has an 80% free/reduced lunch rate and a 55.1% chronic absenteeism rate, while ClareGladwin Area School, run by the Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District, reports extreme per-student spending of $184,718 and a 3.6:1 student-teacher ratio, reflecting highly specialized, individualized support.

Key takeaways include a stark divide between the main high school and its alternative counterpart, with the district appearing to use a portfolio model that offers both a high-achieving path and a safety net. Chronic absenteeism in the main schools (9.8%-14.3%) is remarkably low compared to the state average of 27.9%, indicating strong engagement. However, the middle school slump—with slipping rankings from the 53rd to 40th percentile—suggests a potential disconnect between elementary and high school success. Per-student spending is consistent across main schools ($13,596-$14,927), but Clare Pioneer High School spends nearly 50% more per student, a clear financial commitment to serving its at-risk population. Overall, Clare is a district of extremes, successfully serving most students while grappling with a smaller, high-need group facing significant attendance and poverty challenges.