Summary:
The Kingston Community School District is a small, rural Michigan district serving 581 students across two schools: Kingston Elementary School (grades PK-6) and Kingston High School (grades 7-12). The district holds a 4-star rating and ranks in the 73rd percentile statewide, with a high school that has shown dramatic recent improvement.
The standout story is Kingston High School, which vaulted from the 50th to the 82nd percentile in a single year—a remarkable 226-position jump. This improvement is driven by strong PSAT and SAT gains, particularly in math, where 11th graders score 11.6 points above the state average and 9th graders outperform the state by an impressive 19.6 points. The high school also boasts a 93.3% graduation rate (9.3 points above state) and a dropout rate of just 2.2%. Meanwhile, Kingston Elementary School is a consistent performer in mathematics, exceeding state averages in every grade level tested (3rd through 6th) by margins of 13.5 to 15.6 points. However, the elementary school shows a curious ELA pattern: 3rd graders score 15 points below state, but by 6th grade they surpass the state by 15.3 points, suggesting effective early intervention.
Despite these strengths, both schools share notable weaknesses. Eighth grade is a clear trouble spot, with science proficiency (14.7%) sitting 24.5 points below state and social studies (32.4%) lagging by 17.9 points. Social studies is a systemic issue across the district, falling below state averages at 5th, 8th, and 11th grades. Chronic absenteeism is below the state average at both schools (17.1% elementary, 20.8% high school vs. 27.9% statewide), though the high school rate exceeds the district average. With per-student spending well above average ($15,852 elementary, $13,593 high school) and the high school's dramatic upward trajectory, this district appears poised for continued growth—particularly for families prioritizing strong math instruction and college preparation.
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