Summary:
Hesperia Community Schools is home to just one elementary school, Patricia St Clair Elementary School, which serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade in Hesperia, Michigan, a small, rural community where the school’s 354 students face notable socioeconomic challenges—over 70% qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Because this is the district’s only elementary school, its test scores exactly mirror the district’s overall elementary performance, making it the single point of focus for parents. Academically, the school trails state averages significantly across every subject and grade level. For example, in 2025-2026, only 8.77% of 4th graders were proficient in English Language Arts compared to 41.3% statewide, and just 9.2% of 5th graders were proficient in math versus 32.2% statewide. The most alarming trend is a steep 18.7-point drop in 4th grade ELA proficiency from the prior year, alongside double-digit declines in 5th grade science and social studies. However, there are small signs of stability: 3rd grade ELA improved slightly, and 5th grade math inched upward.
On the positive side, the school spends a substantial $18,197 per student—well above typical Michigan levels—yet this high spending has not translated into stronger test scores, raising questions about how funds are used. Chronic absenteeism stands at 26.6%, which is better than the district average of 37.7% but still concerning. The school’s state ranking has been volatile, improving from the 15th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 25th percentile in 2024-2025, then slipping to the 17th percentile in 2025-2026. For parents, this means the school is working against significant economic hurdles, with attendance as a relative bright spot, but academic performance remains well below state benchmarks and requires careful monitoring.
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