East Jordan Public Schools

East Jordan Public Schools is a small, two-school district in northern Michigan serving roughly 715 students across grades PK-12, with East Jordan Elementary School (PK-6) and East Jordan MiddleHigh School (7-12).

The two schools present very different academic profiles. East Jordan MiddleHigh School is the district’s standout, with a 92.5% graduation rate that far exceeds the state average of 84% and a strong 63% proficiency rate in SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing—about 11 points above the state. However, its 8th grade scores are a major concern, with social studies at just 25.5% proficiency versus the state’s 50.3%, and science at 23.6% versus 39.2%. This represents a sharp single-year drop in science from 45.5% the prior year, suggesting a possible cohort or curriculum issue. In contrast, East Jordan Elementary School shows strength in early grades, particularly 3rd grade math (49% vs. 42.9% state) and 3rd grade ELA (43.1% vs. 38.2% state), but struggles emerge by 5th grade ELA (33.3% vs. 43.8%) and 6th grade math (22.2% vs. 31.9%). The elementary school also has a notably higher economically disadvantaged population (57.8% free/reduced lunch) compared to the secondary school (40.4%).

Both schools share a hidden strength in attendance, with chronic absenteeism at just 6.4% (elementary) and 11.7% (secondary) versus the state’s alarming 27.9%—especially impressive given the district’s poverty levels. The secondary school spends considerably more per student ($21,285 vs. $16,460), which may reflect specialized program costs. Year-over-year data shows significant volatility across several grades, likely due to small cohort sizes of 40-60 students, making it difficult to draw firm trend conclusions. Overall, parents will find a district with genuine bright spots in graduation rates, early elementary math, and SAT reading, but should be aware of the pronounced 8th grade achievement cliff and the transition challenges between 5th and 6th grades.