Three Lakes Academy

Three Lakes Academy is a small public elementary school in Curtis, MI, serving 114 students in grades PK through 6 with a strong 12.3:1 student-teacher ratio.

This school stands out for its remarkable success with students from low-income backgrounds. With over 62% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, Three Lakes Academy ranks in the 90th percentile statewide for academic performance among low-SES students—a phenomenal achievement that shows the school is effectively closing, and in many cases eliminating, the achievement gap. The school has also shown dramatic overall improvement, climbing from the 24th percentile in 2017-2018 to the 70th percentile today. Sixth graders are particularly strong, with nearly 73% proficient in both English and math—almost double the state average. Science scores are consistently excellent too, with 5th graders posting a 61.54% proficiency rate versus roughly 40% statewide. The school has also cut chronic absenteeism nearly in half, from 27.7% to 14.4%, far better than the state average of 27.9%.

There are no other schools within 20 miles of Three Lakes Academy, making it the sole educational option in this rural area. The Three Lakes Academy district invests heavily in its students, spending $13,792 per pupil—above the national average—which supports the individualized attention made possible by small class sizes. While math scores for the current 5th-grade class are lower than other grades, this appears to be a unique cohort rather than a school-wide issue. Social studies proficiency dipped below the state average in the most recent year, suggesting an area for future focus. Overall, this is a school on an upward trajectory that delivers exceptional results for the students who need the most support.