High Schools in Public Schools of Petoskey

Petoskey High School is the sole high school serving grades 9-12 within the Public Schools of Petoskey district in Northern Michigan, enrolling 862 students and earning a top-10% statewide ranking.

This is a standout school by nearly every academic measure. It holds a 5-star rating and has climbed from #112 to #77 in Michigan over two years. The graduation rate is exceptional at 96.7%, far above the state’s 84.0%, while the dropout rate of just 1.3% is nearly five times lower than the state average. Test scores are consistently strong, with the most impressive gap in mathematics: 9th graders score 64% proficient on the PSAT math section versus 33.5% statewide—a 30.5-point advantage. This math strength persists through 10th grade (+19 points) and 11th grade SAT math (+19.3 points). Reading and writing scores are also well above state averages, with 67.9% proficiency on the SAT. The school’s only notable weakness is chronic absenteeism, which affects 31.4% of students—higher than both the district (23.9%) and state (27.9%)—yet academic outcomes remain excellent despite this challenge.

For parents, this school offers a clear picture of high achievement and college readiness. The 67.9% SAT reading/writing and 45.8% SAT math proficiency rates signal strong preparation for postsecondary work. However, context matters: only 18.45% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, indicating a relatively affluent population, and per-pupil spending is substantial at $18,282 with a moderate 17.3:1 student-teacher ratio. The strong 9th-grade scores suggest excellent feeder middle schools, and the district’s reputation rests entirely on this one high school’s performance. While the chronic absenteeism rate is a red flag worth monitoring, the school’s upward trajectory, top-tier graduation rate, and standout math program make it a compelling choice for families prioritizing rigorous academics and strong student support.