Summary:
The Mancelona Public Schools district has one elementary school, Mancelona Elementary School, which serves grades PK-4 and has a total enrollment of 298 students. The school's academic performance, as measured by student proficiency in English Language Arts and Math, is generally below the state averages, particularly in 3rd-grade subjects. Additionally, the school faces challenges with high chronic absenteeism rates and a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating socioeconomic challenges in the community.
Mancelona Elementary School has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Michigan elementary schools, with a 2 out of 5-star rating in the 2024-2025 school year and a 1 out of 5-star rating in the previous two years. In the 2024-2025 school year, the percentage of 3rd-grade students proficient or better in ELA was 23.2%, compared to the state average of 38.9%, while the percentage of 4th-grade students proficient or better in ELA matched the state average of 42.4%. In Math, the school's performance was mixed, with 3rd-grade students lagging behind the state average but 4th-grade students exceeding it.
The school's high chronic absenteeism rate of 29.5% in the 2023-2024 school year is a significant concern, as it can negatively impact student learning and academic achievement. Additionally, with over 76% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, the school serves a population with significant economic challenges, which may contribute to the lower academic performance. The district should focus on developing and implementing targeted strategies to support student learning, address attendance issues, and provide additional resources and support to students and families in need.
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