Best Public Schools in Indian River, MI

Indian River, Michigan, is a small, rural community served by three schools—Inland Lakes Elementary School (K-5), Inland Lakes Secondary School (6-12), and COP Education Service District Programs (PK-12 alternative)—totaling roughly 729 students across two districts.

For parents, the standout choice is Inland Lakes Secondary School, which outperforms its elementary counterpart in several key areas. It boasts an 88.8% graduation rate (above the state’s 84.0%), a dropout rate of just 3.7% (half the state average), and chronic absenteeism at 15.5%—well below the state’s 27.9%. Its state ranking has climbed from the 25th to 38th percentile in two years, with notable gains in 8th grade science (39.6% proficiency) and 6th grade ELA (36.2%). However, math remains a weakness, with SAT math proficiency at only 13.6% versus the state’s 26.5%. Inland Lakes Elementary School shows a different pattern: 5th grade science exceeds the state (48.9% vs. 40.0%), but social studies proficiency is a dramatic 6.38% versus 27.5% statewide. Chronic absenteeism is higher here (24.3%), and all ELA and math scores trail state averages by 5–19 points. The COP Education Service District Programs serves a high-need population (95.38% free/reduced lunch) with an intensive 2.4:1 student-teacher ratio and $99,880 per-student spending, yet reports a 0.0% graduation rate and 53% chronic absenteeism.

Economically, all three schools face significant challenges, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 63.51% at the secondary school to 95.38% at COP. The Inland Lakes Schools district (36th percentile statewide) shows positive momentum—improving rankings, strong reading and science gains, and low dropout rates—but math and social studies remain persistent gaps. The Cheb-Otsego-Presque Isle Education Service District oversees the alternative program, which, despite its high cost, struggles with outcomes. Overall, parents should view the secondary school as the district’s academic anchor, while the elementary school shows promise in science but needs attention in attendance and social studies.