Summary:
The city of Yale, Michigan, is served by the Yale Public Schools district, which includes four schools—Yale Elementary School (PK-5), Yale Junior High School (6-8), Yale Senior High School (9-12), and Phoenix Alternative School (6-12)—serving roughly 1,269 students in a small, rural community.
For parents, the standout choice is Yale Elementary School, which earns a 5-star rating and ranks in the 91st percentile statewide. Despite having the highest poverty rate in the district (45.3% free/reduced lunch), it posts remarkable scores—5th grade science proficiency hits 78.7% versus a 40% state average, and 5th grade math reaches 67.2% versus 32.2% statewide. Yale Senior High School is a consistent performer with a 96.6% graduation rate (state: 84%) and a 1.6% dropout rate, though its 11th grade SAT math proficiency (19%) falls below the state average (26.5%). Yale Junior High School holds its own, ranking in the 80th percentile, but shows a notable "dip" in 8th grade science (41.4% vs. 39.2% state). By contrast, Phoenix Alternative School serves just 6 students with a 40% graduation rate and 60% dropout rate, reflecting significant challenges.
The district's biggest red flag is a math proficiency cliff: students drop from 57-67% proficiency in elementary grades to just 19% by 11th grade, suggesting a secondary-level math alignment issue. However, chronic absenteeism is a clear strength—all traditional schools range from 15-19%, well below the 27.9% state average. Notably, Yale Elementary spends the most per student ($14,919) and achieves the best results, while Phoenix Alternative spends the least ($12,434) despite serving students who likely need the most support. Overall, this small district ranks in the 89th percentile statewide, making it a strong option for families seeking high achievement, with the caveat that high school math needs attention.
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