Blue Water Middle College Academy

Blue Water Middle College Academy is a small public high school in Port Huron, MI, serving 205 students in grades 9-12, and it operates as its own district, Blue Water Middle College, which ranks in the 96th percentile statewide.

This school stands out for its exceptional academic performance. On state assessments, its students dramatically outperform every nearby traditional high school. For example, 76.5% of students are proficient in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing on the SAT, compared to 62.4% at Marysville High School and 56.6% at Port Huron Northern High School. In science, 50% are proficient, far exceeding the next closest school, Marysville, at 41.2%. The school also achieves these results efficiently, spending $9,154 per student—less than every nearby traditional high school, which range from $11,519 at St Clair High School to $16,109 at Port Huron High School.

However, the most striking difference is its graduation rate. At 64.9%, it is far below the state average of 84.0% and much lower than peers like Marysville (93.7%) and Port Huron Northern (94.8%). Yet, the school reports a 0.0% dropout rate. This paradox is explained by the "middle college" model: students often extend their high school career to five years to earn college credit or an associate's degree, meaning they are still enrolled rather than dropping out. This makes the low four-year graduation rate a structural feature, not a sign of failure. The school is not comparable to nearby alternative or virtual academies, which serve much higher-need populations. Instead, it functions like a top-tier college-prep program, with a small student-to-teacher ratio of 11.8 and a relatively low percentage of economically disadvantaged students (around 22% free/reduced lunch). For parents seeking rigorous academics and college readiness, this school offers a unique pathway—just one that may take an extra year to complete.