Buchanan Community Schools

Buchanan Community Schools is a mid-sized Michigan district serving roughly 1,567 students across six schools—two elementary campuses, one middle school, one high school, and two alternative programs—and currently ranks in the 81st percentile statewide with a 4-star rating.

For parents, the standout is Buchanan High School, which posts a remarkable 98.2% graduation rate and a 0.8% dropout rate, far better than district and state averages. It jumped 184 spots in state rankings in one year and now sits in the 84th percentile. However, its SAT math proficiency (24%) trails the state (26.5%), even as its English scores are strong. The biggest concern is Buchanan Middle School, which has slid from the 86th to the 65th percentile over two years and has the highest chronic absenteeism (27.4%) among traditional schools—nearly double the high school’s rate. Its 6th-grade ELA (34.1%) and math (32.6%) are weak spots, though 5th-grade ELA is a bright spot at 55.2%. At the elementary level, Moccasin Elementary is the rising star, with 3rd-grade math proficiency (61.3%) far above the state (42.9%) and improving rankings. Ottawa Elementary (PK-1) has no recent test data but spends the most per student ($15,527).

District-wide, English Language Arts is a clear strength—every grade level beats state averages, often by double digits. Math is the persistent weakness, especially at secondary levels. The alternative programs face steep challenges: Buchanan Step Up serves the highest-need students (80% free/reduced lunch) with a 33.3% graduation rate, while Buchanan Virtual Academy posts respectable test scores but a 76% graduation rate. The middle school’s absenteeism and academic slide, combined with the high school’s success, suggest that addressing attendance and math instruction early could yield significant dividends across the district.