Elk Rapids Schools

Elk Rapids Schools is a small, high-performing district in Michigan serving about 947 students across four schools: Elk Rapids High School (grades 9-12), Lakeland Elementary School (PK-5), Cherryland Middle School (grades 6-8), and Sunrise Academy (grades 9-12). The district ranks in the 88th percentile statewide, with all three traditional schools earning 4-star ratings.

Elk Rapids High School is the clear standout, ranking in the top 12% of Michigan high schools. Its graduation rate of 97.7% far exceeds the state average of 84.0%, and its chronic absenteeism rate of 12.1% is less than half the state's 27.9%. The school's SAT reading proficiency (73.2%) and math proficiency (56.1%) both dwarf state averages (52.1% and 26.5%, respectively). Cherryland Middle School offers remarkable consistency, holding nearly identical rankings for three straight years (83rd-85th percentile). Its 8th grade PSAT math proficiency (50%) is well above the state (33.2%). Lakeland Elementary School shows strong 5th grade science (64% vs. 40% state) and social studies (48% vs. 27.5% state), though its ranking has slipped from the 84th to 73rd percentile over three years. Sunrise Academy, a small alternative high school with 21 students, serves a more economically diverse population (47.62% free/reduced lunch) yet still achieves a 90.9% graduation rate, exceeding the state average.

The most notable concern is elementary mathematics: 4th grade math proficiency at Lakeland (32.5%) actually falls below the state average (39.4%), and 5th grade math (34%) barely exceeds it. This contrasts sharply with the high school's strong math scores, suggesting a gap that emerges early. Additionally, Sunrise Academy receives significantly less per-student funding ($10,005) than the district's other schools ($14,327-$15,311), despite serving students with greater needs. Its chronic absenteeism rate of 28.5% also matches the state's troubling average. For parents, this district offers exceptional high school outcomes and consistent middle school performance, but elementary math and equitable funding for the alternative program are areas worth watching.