Lowell Area Schools

Lowell Area Schools is a highly ranked Michigan district of 7 schools serving about 3,455 students in the suburban/rural communities around Lowell, including four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. The district holds a 5-star rating and ranks in the 93rd percentile statewide, with students consistently scoring 20–30 points above Michigan averages in nearly every subject and grade level.

For parents, the standout options are Murray Lake Elementary and Lowell Senior High School. Murray Lake is the district’s academic powerhouse, ranking in the top 100 elementary schools in Michigan with 4th grade math proficiency at 77% and 5th grade science at 72.2%—both far above state averages. Lowell Senior High posts a 97.6% graduation rate and SAT reading/writing proficiency of 69.3%, nearly 17 points above the state. Lowell Middle School also shines, especially in 8th grade ELA where 87.4% of students are proficient. Among elementaries, Alto Elementary has the lowest chronic absenteeism in the district at just 5.4% and strong math scores, while Bushnell Elementary serves only PK-1 with the smallest class sizes but no test data yet.

Two schools warrant a closer look. Cherry Creek Elementary has slipped in rankings over recent years, with 5th grade math proficiency at just 40.8%—well below district peers—despite relatively high per-student spending. Unity Alternative School, serving only 19 students, has the district’s highest poverty rate and per-student spending ($19,200) yet the lowest graduation rate (75%) and highest dropout rate (12.5%). A district-wide concern is a consistent dip in 5th grade math across all elementary schools, suggesting a curriculum transition challenge. Overall, Lowell offers exceptional academics for most students, but families should weigh school-specific trends, especially at Cherry Creek and Unity.