Summary:
Chesaning Union Schools is a small, predominantly middle-income Michigan district serving about 1,377 students across four schools: one elementary (PK-3), one middle school (4-8), and two high schools (9-12), with an overall 4-star rating and a #107 state ranking.
For parents, the standout is Chesaning Union High School, which leads the district academically. It boasts a 91.9% graduation rate, a mere 2.3% dropout rate, and exceptional test scores—most notably SAT Math proficiency at 41.5%, a full 15 points above the state average, and 11th-grade science at 50% (nearly 15 points above state). This high school outpaces its peers significantly. Big Rock Elementary School provides a solid foundation, with 3rd-grade math proficiency (54.2%) exceeding the state by over 11 points. Chesaning Middle School is a consistent performer, with 8th-grade social studies (60%) and 5th-grade science (52.8%) both beating state averages by 10-13 points. In contrast, Chesaning Union Schools Alternative Education serves a very different, at-risk population of just 19 students, facing high chronic absenteeism (66.6%) and a 45.4% dropout rate, reflecting its specialized mission rather than a direct comparison to traditional schools.
District-wide, performance is consistently above state averages across all subjects and grade levels, from elementary ELA to high school social studies. A notable finding is the high school's remarkable single-year turnaround in SAT Math, jumping from 24.7% to 41.5% proficiency. While the district's chronic absenteeism (24.9%) is below the state average, it still affects roughly one in four students and increases with grade level. Financially, the middle school spends the least per student ($12,495) yet achieves strong results, while the high school spends the most ($15,054). Overall, families can expect a cohesive, well-aligned district where the traditional schools—especially the high school—deliver strong academic outcomes, though the alternative program highlights ongoing challenges with student engagement.
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