Ojibwe Charter School

Ojibwe Charter School is a small, K-12 public charter school in Brimley, MI, serving 125 students as its own single-school district. It stands out for its remarkable success in keeping students engaged and on track to graduate, despite serving a predominantly low-income population (80.8% eligible for free/reduced lunch).

Perhaps the most impressive achievement is the school's graduation rate. In 2024-2025, 90.9% of seniors graduated—well above the state average of 84% and far surpassing nearby Rudyard Area Schools (73.9%). This isn't a fluke: the school hit 90.9% in 2022-2023 and a perfect 100% in 2021-2022. Equally notable is the low chronic absenteeism rate of just 16.4%, dramatically better than the state average (27.9%) and local peers like Brimley Area School (20.9%) and EUPISD Learning Center (62.3%). With a favorable 10.8:1 student-teacher ratio and rising per-pupil spending ($18,189 in 2024-2025), the school appears to invest heavily in individualized support.

Academically, results are mixed but show clear strengths. In 2025-2026, 11th-grade social studies proficiency hit 46.15%, beating the state average (43.2%) and Brimley Area School (45.7%). Ninth-grade PSAT math also exceeded state averages. However, early-grade ELA and math scores trail state benchmarks—for example, 5th-grade ELA proficiency was 30.77% versus the state's 43.8%. Compared to Rudyard Area Schools, which posts higher test scores but a lower graduation rate (73.9%), Ojibwe seems to prioritize student retention and completion. While a 2023-2024 dip (57.1% graduation, 21.4% dropout) suggests a challenging cohort, the strong rebound indicates the school successfully addressed those issues. For parents seeking a supportive environment where students show up and finish high school, Ojibwe is a compelling option.