Summary:
Casman Alternative Academy is the sole school in the Casman Alternative Academy district, serving 65 students in grades 7-12 in Manistee, MI. This small, alternative high school faces profound challenges, with nearly all students (98.46%) economically disadvantaged and a chronic absenteeism rate of 84.7%—more than three times the state average.
The most critical issue is student persistence: only 35.7% of students graduate on time, while 42.8% drop out—compared to state averages of 84% and 7.1%, respectively. This crisis is likely driven by the extreme absenteeism, as students who rarely attend cannot progress toward graduation. However, the school’s low student-teacher ratio of 12.4:1 offers a more personalized environment than typical high schools. Despite the odds, PSAT ELA proficiency rates for 9th and 10th graders (40% and 38.46%) are not in single digits, suggesting that when students are present and engaged, they can achieve meaningful academic gains—even with 98% poverty and 85% chronic absenteeism.
Financially, the school spends $12,594 per student, slightly above many districts, which may support its small class sizes. The school ranks 592nd out of 800 Michigan high schools (26th percentile) with a 1-star rating, but this marks a dramatic improvement from the 4th percentile in 2014-2015. For parents, this school is best understood as a specialized option for students who have struggled in traditional settings. The data reflects the intense challenges of its population rather than a simple measure of quality. While the graduation and attendance numbers are deeply concerning, the academic proficiency rates and improving ranking offer a glimmer of hope—suggesting that with consistent attendance, students can succeed. Parents should weigh the school’s supportive, small-class environment against the high risk of dropout and disengagement.
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