Summary:
Charlevoix Public Schools is a small, highly rated district in northern Michigan serving about 785 students across two schools: Charlevoix Elementary School (PK-6) and Charlevoix Middle High School (7-12), with the district ranking in the 86th percentile statewide and earning a 4-star rating.
The standout is Charlevoix Middle High School, which ranks in the 89th percentile of Michigan high schools and has posted a 96.7% graduation rate—nearly 13 points above the state average—along with a dropout rate of just 1.6%. Its 8th graders achieve 86.8% proficiency in PSAT English Language Arts (22 points above the state), and 11th graders shine in social studies at 74.6% proficiency, a 31-point advantage. Science is a clear strength, with 8th grade proficiency at 66% (26.8 points above the state). Meanwhile, Charlevoix Elementary School delivers consistent above-average results, ranking in the 67th–70th percentile over three years. Its 3rd graders excel in ELA at 61.1% proficiency (nearly 23 points above the state), and 5th graders outperform in science (57.9%) and social studies (43.9%). Both schools keep chronic absenteeism far below the state rate (19.4% and 16.8% vs. 27.9%), and favorable student-teacher ratios (12.6:1 and 14.8:1) support strong outcomes.
A key concern is a sharp math decline at the elementary level: 3rd grade proficiency sits at 50%, but by 5th grade it drops to just 14%—18 points below the state average. This "middle school dip" suggests a need for curriculum review in upper elementary math. Additionally, 7th grade ELA scores fell from 55.4% to 38.7% year-over-year, indicating possible cohort or instructional shifts. Despite nearly half of elementary students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, the district outperforms state averages in most subjects, showing that economic factors do not dictate success here. With strong district-wide consistency, a clear science pipeline from 5th through 11th grade, and impressive SAT/PSAT results, Charlevoix offers a rigorous, well-rounded education—though addressing the elementary math slide could elevate it further.
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