Beta You're viewing our redesigned school page. Prefer the classic layout?

New rankings! SchoolDigger recently updated its Michigan rankings with newly released test scores for the 2025-26 school year.

Be the first to know when we post new rankings!

Battle Creek Area Learning Center

Public, Charter Grades 9-12

716^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 800 Michigan High Schools

Better than 10% of Michigan high schools

Summary

Battle Creek Area Learning Center is a small public alternative high school in Springfield, MI, serving 194 students in grades 9-12, where nearly 89% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This school operates as its own single-school district and serves as a "last chance" option for students who have not found success in traditional high school settings.

The most striking data about this school centers on student retention and completion. The graduation rate has plummeted from 74.3% in 2022-2023 to just 32% in 2024-2025, while the dropout rate has soared to 48%—the highest in the area. To put this in perspective, nearby traditional schools like Lakeview High School (95.8% graduation) and Harper Creek High School (94.1%) have near-perfect graduation rates. Even other alternative schools in the region perform better, including Lakeview Alternative High School (57.4%) and West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek High School (40.9%). Academic proficiency is also very low—for example, only 10.8% of 11th graders were proficient in Social Studies compared to 43.2% statewide.

There are some positive structural elements worth noting. The school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15.2, better than most surrounding schools, suggesting an attempt at individualized attention. Chronic absenteeism at 36.7%, while high, is actually lower than at WK Kellogg Preparatory High School (81.4%) and Lakeview Alternative (76.9%). However, spending per student ($12,569) is lower than traditional area high schools, and the extreme volatility in outcomes year-to-year suggests a highly transient student population with complex needs. For parents considering this option, it's important to understand that BCALC serves students who have struggled elsewhere, and the data indicates significant challenges with keeping students enrolled through graduation.

194

Students ?

15.2

Student/teacher ratio ?

$12,569

Per pupil spending ?

88.7%

Free/discounted lunch ?

765 Upton Ave
Springfield, MI 49037-4850

(269) 565-2460

District: Battle Creek Area Learning Center

Racial breakdown:

White:

59.8%

African American:

18.6%

Two or more races:

13.9%

See top rated Michigan high schools

Compare Battle Creek Area Learning Center to nearby high schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 10th percentile in 2012 → 10th in 2026

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Michigan average (18% vs 43% meeting standards)

!In the lower quartile statewide (10th percentile)

!Graduation rate below the Michigan average (32% vs 84%)

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school18%

District avg18%

Michigan avg43%

716^th of 800

Michigan public high schools ?

Bottom 10%▲ up 2 pts since 2016

See the entire ranking list of Michigan High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

580^th of 625Battle Creek Area Learning Center among Michigan districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	8.8	716 of 800	10.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	4.4	723 of 739	2.2%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	13.1	647 of 743	12.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	8.4	729 of 824	11.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2017	4.6	786 of 835	5.9%	☆☆☆☆☆
2016	5.7	776 of 852	8.9%	☆☆☆☆☆
2015	12.5	738 of 832	11.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2014	6.0	772 of 799	3.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2013	8.1	751 of 805	6.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2012	9.9	698 of 773	9.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2011	10.9	689 of 784	12.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2010	16.5	631 of 765	17.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2009	16.4	627 of 754	16.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2008	10.6	661 of 750	11.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2007	15.2	630 of 767	17.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2006	30.4	549 of 705	22.1%	★☆☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2024	13.9	539 of 619	12.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	4.8	659 of 710	7.2%	☆☆☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	8.2	668 of 719	7.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	15.8	565 of 654	13.6%	★☆☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	11.0	616 of 693	11.1%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	7.2	595 of 633	6.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	6.5	649 of 707	8.2%	☆☆☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	3.8	655 of 671	2.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2025	3.6	624 of 639	2.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	6.2	611 of 638	4.2%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	4.6	655 of 708	7.5%	☆☆☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Female (2024)13th percentile~ school

Male (2026)11th percentile~ school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)7th percentile-3 vs school

White (2026)2nd percentile-8 vs school

By subject vs Michigan (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts26%-33 vs state

Mathematics15%-18 vs state

Social Studies11%-32 vs state

★

No ratings yet

Be the first to rate Battle Creek Area Learning Center and help other families decide.

Rate Battle Creek Area Learning Center

Have first-hand experience? A quick rating - and a sentence or two about what stands out (teachers, academics, safety, communication) - helps other families know what to expect.

Takes about a minute. We email you a link to verify your review - your address is never shown publicly.

Tap a star to rate

Reviews

No written reviews yet. If you know this school, be the first to share what stands out.

Schools Near Battle Creek Area Learning Center

Load more schools when map is moved

Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				PSAT English Language Arts (2026)			PSAT Mathematics (2026)			SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (2026)	SAT Mathematics (2026)	M-Step Science (2026)		M-Step Social Studies (2026)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSAT English Language Arts 8th Grade	PSAT English Language Arts 9th Grade	PSAT English Language Arts 10th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 8th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 9th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 10th Grade	SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 11th Grade	SAT Mathematics 11th Grade	M-Step Science 8th Grade	M-Step Science 11th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 8th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 11th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Battle Creek Area Learning Center	Public, Charter	9-12	765 Upton Ave	Springfield	49037	Calhoun County	Battle Creek Area Learning Center	Yes	No	No	Yes	(269) 565-2460	194	13	15.2	88.7%	116 (59.8%)	36 (18.6%)	13 (6.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	1 (0.5%)	27 (13.9%)	8.8	716^th of 800 public high schools	10.5%		4.4	723^rd of 739 public high schools	2.2%	7		30.0	21.1		15.0	344.7	368.5	329.5		2070.0		10.8	$12,569	$970	$11,599
Lakeview Alternative High School	Public	9-12	15 Arbor St	Battle Creek	49015	Calhoun County	Lakeview School District (Calhoun)	No	No	No	No	(269) 565-2452	67	1	47.8	68.7%	33 (49.3%)	19 (28.4%)	6 (9.0%)	1 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (11.9%)	8.4	720^th of 800 public high schools	10.0%					(n/a)							380.0	324.6		13.0		12.5	$11,813	$925	$10,888
Battle Creek MathSci Center	Public, Magnet	8-12	171 Michigan Ave W	Battle Creek	49017	Calhoun County	Battle Creek Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(269) 965-9440	1	13	.0		1 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)													$19,622	$2,077	$17,545
West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek High School	Public, Virtual	9-12	35 Hamblin Ave W	Battle Creek	49017	Calhoun County	Berrien Springs Public Schools	No	No	Yes	No	(269) 965-6486	370	6	59.6	61.9%	268 (72.4%)	43 (11.6%)	24 (6.5%)	2 (0.5%)	3 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	30 (8.1%)	12.2	687^th of 800 public high schools	14.1%		7.2	690^th of 739 public high schools	6.6%	3		28.8	44.9		6.3	367.3	26.8	372.5		9.9		15.5	$6,937	$256	$6,681
Lakeview High School	Public	9-12	15060 Helmer Rd S	Battle Creek	49015	Calhoun County	Lakeview School District (Calhoun)	No	No	No	No	(269) 565-3700	1,241	66	18.8	48.5%	633 (51.0%)	163 (13.1%)	168 (13.5%)	151 (12.2%)	4 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	122 (9.8%)	46.8	397^th of 800 public high schools	50.4%		51.2	356^th of 739 public high schools	51.8%	41		58.1	57.9		24.5	27.7	43.3	19.8		35.8		39.0	$14,829	$904	$13,925
WK Kellogg Preparatory High School	Public	9-12	100 Van Buren St W	Battle Creek	49017	Calhoun County	Battle Creek Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(269) 213-3500	173	8	22.9	77.5%	44 (25.4%)	87 (50.3%)	16 (9.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (14.5%)								(n/a)							342.7	320.0		2072.9		2074.5	$11,930	$2,541	$9,389
Battle Creek Central High School	Public	9-12	100 Van Buren St W	Battle Creek	49017	Calhoun County	Battle Creek Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(269) 213-3500	978	58	16.9	61.9%	264 (27.0%)	409 (41.8%)	150 (15.3%)	13 (1.3%)	6 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	135 (13.8%)	10.7	696^th of 800 public high schools	13.0%		7	693^rd of 739 public high schools	6.2%	3		34.5	30.3		10.0	9.1	23.1	5.6		8.4		18.8	$19,754	$2,586	$17,168
Calhoun Area Career Center	Public	10-12	475 Roosevelt Ave E	Battle Creek	49017	Calhoun County	Calhoun Intermediate School District	No	No	No	No	(269) 968-2271	0	19	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Michigan Youth Challenge Academy	Public	9-12	5500 Armstrong Rd	Battle Creek	49037	Calhoun County	Marshall Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(269) 781-1250	119	6	19.8	57.1%	74 (62.2%)	21 (17.6%)	12 (10.1%)	1 (0.8%)	1 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (8.4%)								(n/a)													$13,078	$1,610	$11,468
Pennfield Senior High School	Public	8-12	8299 Pennfield Rd	Battle Creek	49017	Calhoun County	Pennfield Schools	No	No	No	No	(269) 961-9770	748	34	22.1	50.7%	606 (81.0%)	29 (3.9%)	40 (5.3%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	71 (9.5%)	47.8	389^th of 800 public high schools	51.4%		48.5	381^st of 739 public high schools	48.4%	8	54.4	65.8	49.3	13.4	29.5	20.5	46.6	20.3	21.9	35.1	33.6	45.0	$14,161	$833	$13,328

Frequently Asked Questions about Battle Creek Area Learning Center

What district is Battle Creek Area Learning Center in?

Battle Creek Area Learning Center

What is the racial makeup of Battle Creek Area Learning Center?

Students at Battle Creek Area Learning Center are 60% White, 19% African American, 14% Two or more races, 7% Hispanic.

Is Battle Creek Area Learning Center a good school?

Battle Creek Area Learning Center ranks in the bottom 10.5% of Michigan high schools.

How many students attend Battle Creek Area Learning Center?

In the 2024-25 school year, 194 students attended Battle Creek Area Learning Center.

Rate Battle Creek Area Learning Center!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

MIMichigan High School Rankings

MIMichigan District Rankings

Schools in Springfield, MI

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Battle Creek Area Learning Center!

Latest Michigan data All new data »

2025–26 M-Step, PSAT & SAT test scoresNewSep 4, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

2024–25 attendance dataJan 6, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.