Clare Public Schools

Clare Public Schools is a small district in Michigan serving 1,554 students across four schools: one primary school (PK-4), one middle school (5-8), and two high schools (9-12). The district overall earns a 3-star rating, but performance varies dramatically from school to school.

The standout is Clare High School, which earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the 87th percentile statewide. Its 11th graders post strong results, with 72% proficient in SAT reading and writing and 51.4% in science—both well above state averages. The school also has an excellent 93.8% graduation rate and a tiny 0.8% dropout rate. In contrast, Clare Pioneer High School, the alternative high school, struggles significantly. Despite spending the most per student ($19,719) and having the smallest class sizes, it has a 55.1% chronic absenteeism rate, a 79.1% graduation rate, and a 4.1% dropout rate. Clare Middle School is the district's academic weak point, with proficiency rates in math and English language arts falling well below state averages in nearly every grade—for example, only 22.3% of 6th graders are proficient in ELA versus the state's 37.5%. Clare High School achieves its results while spending the least per student ($13,596) and having the highest student-teacher ratio (19), suggesting efficiency or a more advantaged student body.

Chronic absenteeism is a clear differentiator: Clare Pioneer High School has a rate of 55.1%, nearly double the state average of 27.9%, while the other three schools range from 9.8% to 14.3%. Poverty levels also vary widely, from 33.68% free/reduced lunch at Clare High School to 80% at Clare Pioneer High School. At Clare Primary School, 4th-grade ELA proficiency was a bright spot in 2024-2025 at 48.9% (above the state's 42.4%), but dropped to 36.4% in 2025-2026, while 3rd-grade scores also dipped to 24.5%. These swings may reflect small class sizes. For parents, the data suggests that Clare High School is a strong choice, while the middle school and alternative high school face significant challenges that warrant closer attention.