Saugatuck Public Schools

Saugatuck Public Schools is a small, highly-rated district in Michigan serving about 819 students across three schools—Douglas Elementary School (PK-5), Saugatuck Middle School (6-8), and Saugatuck High School (9-12)—earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 95th percentile statewide.

Douglas Elementary is the district’s academic powerhouse, with 3rd-grade math proficiency at 81.4%—nearly double the state average—and consistent 25-30 point advantages over state averages in ELA and science. Saugatuck High School is the rising star, climbing 93 spots in state rankings over three years to the 94th percentile, with a 95.2% graduation rate and standout 9th-grade PSAT ELA scores (89.8% proficient). Saugatuck Middle School offers consistency, particularly in 8th-grade PSAT ELA where 91.23% of students scored proficient—26 points above the state. Social studies is a district-wide strength, with proficiency rates 18-34 points above state averages at every level.

However, there are notable challenges. Math proficiency declines sharply as students advance—from 81.4% in 3rd grade to just 34.3% on the 11th-grade SAT—though still above state averages. The middle school shows a "dip" in 6th-7th grade M-Step ELA (44-56%) compared to elementary and high school performance. Most striking is the chronic absenteeism paradox at the high school: 47.2% of students are chronically absent, yet the school achieves top-tier results. Per-student spending varies widely ($9,180 at middle school vs. $19,016 at high school), but all schools outperform state averages regardless of funding levels. For parents, this district offers exceptional elementary foundations and strong high school outcomes, but the secondary math gap and attendance concerns warrant attention.