Montabella Community Schools

Montabella Community Schools is a small, rural district in Blanchard, Michigan, serving approximately 772 students across two schools: Montabella Elementary (PK-5) and Montabella Junior/Senior High (6-12). The district overall ranks in the 44th percentile statewide, with both schools serving predominantly low-income populations.

The standout story is the dramatic turnaround at Montabella Junior/Senior High, which jumped from the 17th to the 57th percentile in a single year—a remarkable 40-point leap. This improvement is visible across nearly every subject, with 11th-grade science proficiency surging from 13.7% to 37.3% and SAT reading/writing improving from 33.3% to 45.1%. The high school now exceeds state averages in 7th-grade math, 9th and 10th-grade PSAT ELA, and 11th-grade science. Meanwhile, Montabella Elementary remains a consistent 2-star performer, with 3rd-grade math (45.5%) exceeding the state average, though 4th-grade scores drop sharply in both math (16.9%) and ELA (19.7%).

For parents, the key takeaway is a district with clear strengths and challenges. The high school's recent gains suggest effective interventions are working, and the district maintains above-average graduation rates (84.6%) and below-average chronic absenteeism despite high poverty levels. However, math struggles persist from 4th grade through 8th grade—8th-grade PSAT math sits at just 11.3% versus the state's 33.2%—and social studies proficiency is uniformly weak across all grades. The elementary school shows pockets of excellence but also a notable 4th-grade dip that may warrant attention. Overall, this is a district with strong school culture and recent momentum, but with clear targets for improvement in math and social studies.