Summary:
The Ida Public School District is a small, high-performing district in Michigan serving approximately 1,432 students across three schools: Ida Elementary School (PK-4), Ida Middle School (5-8), and Ida High School (9-12). The district earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the 84th percentile statewide, with all three schools consistently outperforming Michigan averages.
Ida Middle School stands out as the district’s academic powerhouse, ranking in the 87th percentile—higher than the elementary (72nd) and high school (73rd). Its students excel in science and social studies, with 8th-grade social studies proficiency at 71.2% versus the state’s 50.3%, and math scores running 12–20 points above state averages. The middle school also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the district at just 6.9%, far below the state’s 27.9%. Ida High School shines in student outcomes, boasting a 97.8% graduation rate and a 1.0% dropout rate, compared to state figures of 84.0% and 7.1%. Ida Elementary School provides a strong foundation, with ELA and math proficiency rates outpacing state averages by 4 to 18 points.
The most notable concern is a sharp decline in high school math: while middle school proficiency reaches 51.3% in 7th grade, only 22% of 11th graders are proficient on the SAT Math exam—the district’s only metric below the state average (26.5%). Another interesting pattern is that economic disadvantage decreases with grade level, from 22.96% free/reduced lunch in elementary to 15.08% in high school. Despite Ida High School having the district’s highest chronic absenteeism rate (15.3%), its near-perfect graduation rate suggests strong support systems keep students on track. Overall, this district delivers consistent, year-over-year excellence, making it a reliable choice for families seeking rigorous academics and strong student engagement from kindergarten through graduation.
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