Montrose Community Schools

The Montrose Community Schools district in Michigan serves students from preschool through 12th grade across 4 schools: 1 elementary school, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools (one of which is an alternative education center). The data reveals a mix of academic performance, with HillMcCloy High School outperforming the district and state in several test score categories, while the Montrose Alternative Education Center struggles significantly.

HillMcCloy High School has seen fluctuations in its statewide ranking, ranging from 206th out of 743 schools in 2023-2024 to 434th out of 739 schools in 2024-2025. The school maintains a relatively high 4-year graduation rate of 82.8% and a dropout rate of 7.6%. In contrast, the Montrose Alternative Education Center has consistently ranked in the bottom 10% of Michigan high schools, with a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger, despite also having a 4-year graduation rate of 82.8% and a 7.6% dropout rate.

Across the district, there are concerns about high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 29.5% for the 2023-2024 school year. Additionally, the schools serve a population with significant economic challenges, as evidenced by the high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, from 58.22% at HillMcCloy High School to 73.56% at Montrose Alternative Education Center. The differences in spending per student and student-teacher ratios between the schools suggest potential inequities in resource allocation within the district, which could contribute to the performance gaps observed.