Summary:
Fennville Public Schools is home to a single middle school, Fennville Middle School, which serves grades 6 through 8 and enrolls 293 students in a rural Michigan community.
For parents, the most important takeaway is that Fennville Middle School faces significant challenges, particularly with chronic absenteeism. Nearly half of the students (48.8%) are chronically absent, which is far above the district average of 34.3% and the state average of 27.9%. This likely contributes to a notable academic decline between the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, with proficiency drops seen in 6th and 7th grade English and math, as well as 8th grade science. The school also trails state averages by 10-15 percentage points on most M-Step tests, a gap consistent with its high-poverty profile (77.8% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch). Despite spending a relatively high $15,256 per student, the school ranks in the 49th percentile statewide, earning a 2-star rating.
However, there is a clear bright spot: 8th grade PSAT math proficiency is a standout strength. In both 2024-2025 (42.7%) and 2025-2026 (42%), the school significantly outperformed the state average (30.4% and 33.2%, respectively). This suggests effective math instruction for that grade level. Additionally, 8th grade social studies showed a slight improvement, rising from 35.2% to 38.2%. While the overall picture is concerning due to absenteeism and declining scores, parents should note that the school’s 8th grade math program is a proven area of excellence, and the school is investing heavily in its students. The key issue to watch is attendance, as improving it could be the most impactful lever for reversing the recent academic slide.
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