Pellston Public Schools

Pellston Public Schools is a small, rural district in northern Michigan serving approximately 478 students across two schools: Pellston Elementary School (grades PK-5) and Pellston MiddleHigh School (grades 6-12). The district earns a 3-star rating overall, but that single rating hides a dramatic split between its two buildings.

Pellston Elementary School is the clear standout, earning 4-star ratings for three straight years and ranking in the top quintile of Michigan elementary schools (80th-81st percentile). Its students outperform state averages in nearly every subject—most notably in math, where 62.2% of 5th graders are proficient versus 32.2% statewide, and in 5th grade social studies (43.2% vs. 27.5% statewide). This success comes despite over half the student body qualifying for free/reduced lunch. In contrast, Pellston MiddleHigh School has earned just 2 stars for three consecutive years, ranking near the middle of Michigan high schools (49th percentile in 2025-2026). Its students fall below state averages in most subjects, with particularly large gaps in social studies (23.5% of 11th graders proficient vs. 43.2% statewide) and SAT math (just 14.3% proficient in 2024-2025 vs. 27.5% statewide).

The achievement cliff between the two schools is striking. While elementary students thrive, the secondary school struggles with a 64.8% graduation rate (19 points below the state average), a 30.2% chronic absenteeism rate, and significant year-to-year test score volatility. Both schools spend generously—around $18,000 per student—and maintain excellent 11:1 student-teacher ratios, yet the secondary school's results lag. The district's overall 3-star rating masks this internal disparity, so parents should weigh each school's individual performance carefully. The recent improvement in the secondary school's ranking offers some hope, but sustained progress will be needed to close the gap between what the elementary school achieves and what students experience once they move up.