Clawson Public Schools

Clawson Public Schools is a small, unified district in Clawson, Michigan, serving about 1,187 students across three schools—Clawson Elementary School (K-5), Clawson Middle School (6-8), and Clawson High School (9-12)—all sharing one campus at 101 Phillips Ave.

The standout performer is Clawson Middle School, which has held a 4-star rating for three straight years and ranks in the 83rd percentile statewide. Its 8th graders crush state averages in science (65.9% vs. 39.2% proficient) and social studies (68.1% vs. 50.3%). Meanwhile, Clawson High School is the district's dramatic improver, jumping from the 41st to 82nd percentile in a single year, with a 93.2% graduation rate and a 0.0% dropout rate. Clawson Elementary School provides a steady foundation with consistent 3-star ratings, though its 5th grade results reveal a troubling math cliff—only 24.2% proficient, 8 points below the state average and down from 31.6% the prior year. That same 5th grade cohort also saw ELA drop sharply from 62.1% to 48.4%, suggesting a specific grade-level struggle rather than a district-wide issue.

District-wide, science and social studies are clear strengths at every level, with 11th grade science at 57.8% vs. 35.2% statewide and SAT Reading/Writing at 66.3% vs. 52.1%. Despite roughly one-third of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, the district outperforms state averages in nearly every subject. Chronic absenteeism (17.6%–21.8%) remains a hidden challenge, especially at the middle and high schools, though all are below the state's 27.9%. With per-student spending ranging from $14,494 at the middle school to $18,938 at the high school, and student-teacher ratios between 13.4:1 and 17.6:1, Clawson Public Schools balances fiscal efficiency with strong academic outcomes—a district clearly on the rise, with the middle school as its crown jewel and the high school's momentum worth watching.