Alcona Community Schools

Alcona Community Schools is a small, rural district in Harrisville, Michigan, serving about 687 students across two schools: Alcona Community High School (grades 6–12) and Alcona Elementary School (grades K–5). The district serves a predominantly low-income population, with 70–80% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, and spends well above average per student ($15,868–$17,179) while maintaining favorable 13:1 student-teacher ratios.

The high school is the clear standout. It has improved to the 59th percentile (3 stars) and beats state averages in several areas: an 87% graduation rate (state: 84%), a 3.7% dropout rate (state: 7.1%), and strong science scores (38.5% proficiency in 11th grade vs. 35.2% statewide). In 2024–2025, 11th graders posted 64.4% proficiency on SAT Reading/Writing, 9 points above the state. However, the same students scored just 17.8% on SAT Math—a 46-point gap—and chronic absenteeism is a serious concern at 40.8%, nearly double the elementary school's rate. By contrast, Alcona Elementary School is the district's weakest link, ranking in the 10th percentile (0 stars) for 2025–2026. Elementary proficiency is dramatically low: 3rd–5th grade ELA ranges from 12.1–14.6% (state: 38–44%), and math from 9.8–17.2% (state: 32–43%). Fifth-grade social studies is just 7.3% versus the state's 27.5%.

The most striking finding is the performance paradox: elementary students score 20–30 points below state averages, yet by 8th grade they meet or exceed state averages in science (40.9% vs. 39.2%), and by 11th grade they surpass state averages in science and social studies. This suggests meaningful academic growth during middle school. Math remains the district's greatest weakness across all grades, with gaps widening in grades 5–7—a critical intervention window. The elementary school also saw sharp year-over-year declines (e.g., 5th grade ELA dropped from 32.6% to 14.6%), which may reflect a challenging cohort or instructional changes. Despite high spending and small class sizes, outcomes remain below state averages in most subjects, indicating that poverty and absenteeism—not resources—are the primary hurdles. In short, this district is a tale of two buildings: a high school that beats state averages in several subjects and an elementary school in the bottom 10% of Michigan schools.