Summary:
Cedar Springs Public Schools is a mid-sized Michigan district serving approximately 3,001 students across six schools in the Cedar Springs area, including three elementary schools (PK-1, 2-3, and 4-5), one middle school, and two high schools. The district holds a 4-star rating and ranks in the 79th percentile of Michigan districts, with most schools performing well above state averages in core subjects.
Cedar Springs High School is the district's flagship, ranking in the 80th percentile statewide with a 93% graduation rate—well above the district (85.3%) and state (84%) averages. Cedar Springs Middle School is the rising star, jumping 136 ranking positions in two years to reach the 74th percentile. Among elementary schools, Beach Elementary School (grades 2-3) posts standout 3rd-grade math scores (53.8% proficient vs. 42.9% statewide), while Cedar View Elementary School (grades 4-5) excels in 5th-grade math and science. Cedar Trails Elementary School (PK-1) has the highest per-student spending ($21,383) and smallest class sizes (14.3:1), reflecting a strong investment in early education. The outlier is New Beginnings Alternative High School, which serves just 50 at-risk students but reports a 45.9% graduation rate and 64% chronic absenteeism—metrics that significantly drag down district averages.
District-wide, chronic absenteeism (17.5%) is far better than the state (27.9%), and math proficiency consistently beats state averages from 3rd through 7th grade. However, 8th-grade PSAT math scores fall below state levels, and 11th-grade science proficiency dropped 11 points year-over-year. Social studies is a notable strength at the secondary level (8th and 11th grades exceed state by 10+ points), though 5th-grade social studies lags. Free/reduced lunch rates range from 29.7% at the high school to 54% at New Beginnings, with elementary schools serving higher-poverty populations yet still outperforming state averages. Overall, the district's feeder pattern—from Beach to Cedar View to Middle School to High School—shows consistent academic building, making Cedar Springs a solid choice for families seeking above-average performance with strong early-grade investments.
Thank you for your feedback!