Summary:
The Milan Area Schools district in Michigan contains two high schools serving grades 9-12: Milan High School, a comprehensive school with 526 students, and Milan Alternative Education, a small alternative program with just 29 students.
Milan High School is the district's academic standout, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 55th percentile statewide. Its graduation rate is an impressive 91.9%, far exceeding the district average of 85.3% and state average of 84.0%, while its dropout rate sits at just 1.4%. Students perform above the state average in SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (59.1% proficient vs. 52.1% statewide), but math is a clear weakness—only 18.9% are proficient compared to 26.5% statewide. The most alarming statistic, however, is the chronic absenteeism rate of 92.4%, which is more than double the district rate and over three times the state rate. This disconnect between high graduation rates and extremely low attendance suggests a potential issue with engagement or attendance policies that parents should investigate.
In stark contrast, Milan Alternative Education faces severe challenges. Its graduation rate is just 22.2% and its dropout rate is 44.4%, both dramatically worse than district and state averages. The school serves a higher-need population, with 62.07% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch compared to 30.23% at the main high school. Interestingly, the alternative school spends significantly more per student ($27,829 vs. $17,778) yet has a higher student-teacher ratio (23.9 vs. 16.8), suggesting funds may go toward support services rather than classroom instruction. While the district's overall 3-star rating is heavily influenced by Milan High School's success, the alternative school's poor outcomes reveal a significant divide within the district that parents should understand when evaluating educational options.
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