Summary:
The Jenison Public Schools district in Jenison, Michigan, serves approximately 4,589 students across nine schools—six elementary schools, one junior high, and two high schools—and holds a 5-star rating, ranking 52nd out of 625 districts statewide.
For parents, this is a consistently high-performing district, but individual schools vary. Bauerwood School is the academic standout among elementary schools, ranking in the 95th percentile statewide with exceptional math proficiency—77.8% of 6th graders meet standards versus 31.9% statewide—and 5th-grade social studies scores that more than double the state average. Rosewood School is the most improved, jumping 123 places in state rankings over two years to the 94th percentile. At the secondary level, Jenison High School leads with a 97.1% graduation rate and SAT math proficiency (55.9%) that more than doubles the state average. Meanwhile, Jenison Innovation Academy boasts a perfect graduation rate and zero dropouts but shows volatile test scores and weaker math performance, reflecting its specialized alternative model. JIA Elementary is the district's smallest school with just 83 students.
Notable patterns emerge when comparing schools. Bursley School receives the highest per-student funding ($18,983) yet ranks lowest among traditional elementary schools, while top-performing Bauerwood and improved Rosewood spend less, suggesting resources alone don't drive success. Schools with higher poverty rates, like Sandy Hill School (38.6% free/reduced lunch) and Bursley, show lower proficiency, though the entire district remains well above state averages. Chronic absenteeism is a hidden strength—district-wide it's just 10.8% versus 27.9% statewide, with Rosewood and Sandy Hill around 6-7%. Pinewood School stands out for its 76.4% 5th-grade social studies proficiency, nearly triple the state average. Overall, Jenison Junior High School posts strong middle-school scores, and the district's math advantage is its most consistent strength across all grade levels.
Thank you for your feedback!