Mason County Eastern Schools

Mason County Eastern Schools is a small, rural district in Custer, Michigan, serving roughly 357 students in two schools: Mason County Eastern Elementary School (PK-6) and Mason County Eastern Junior High/High School (7-12). The district serves a predominantly low-income population, with high free/reduced lunch rates, and holds an overall 2-star rating.

This district is a true tale of two buildings. The secondary school is the clear standout, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 73rd percentile statewide. It boasts an exceptional 96.8% graduation rate, well above the state average, and outperforms the state in 11th-grade science and social studies. Most impressively, 9th graders hit an 81.25% proficiency rate in PSAT ELA, a staggering 21 points above the state average. In stark contrast, the elementary school has earned a 1-star rating for three consecutive years and ranks in the bottom 26% of Michigan schools. Its performance is declining, with proficiency gaps of over 20 points in several subjects, including 4th-grade ELA and math, and 5th-grade science.

For parents, the key takeaway is that students who struggle in the early grades appear to experience a dramatic turnaround in high school. The data shows a significant "middle school dip" in 7th and 8th grades, followed by a remarkable surge in 9th grade, suggesting the high school has highly effective transition and intervention programs. While the elementary school faces serious challenges, particularly in ELA and science, the secondary school proves that students in this community can achieve at high levels. The district's overall rating masks this success story, and understanding what the high school does differently could be the key to improving outcomes for younger students. Chronic absenteeism (around 25%) and high poverty remain district-wide challenges, but the high school's success in keeping students engaged through graduation is a genuine strength.