Summary
Charlton Heston Academy is an alternative public charter school located in Saint Helen, Michigan, serving grades PK-12 with a total enrollment of 752 students. The school has a unique focus as an alternative school, catering to students who may not thrive in a traditional school setting.
While Charlton Heston Academy is dedicated to supporting its students, the school faces several key challenges. Its 4-year graduation rates have ranged from 69.7% to 82.8% over the past few years, lower than the state average, and its dropout rates have been significantly higher, ranging from 7.6% to 18.6%. The school also struggles with high chronic absenteeism rates, between 29.5% and 37.2%, much higher than the state average. Academically, Charlton Heston Academy's test scores across various subjects and grade levels are consistently lower than the state averages, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math for grades 3-7 all below 25% in the 2024-2025 school year.
Interestingly, the nearby COOR Special Educational Center, another alternative school serving a similar population, has slightly better graduation rates, lower dropout rates, and lower chronic absenteeism compared to Charlton Heston Academy. Additionally, Charlton Heston Academy's spending per student has increased significantly, from $7,817 in 2020-2021 to $12,700 in 2023-2024, but this increased funding has not yet translated to improved academic outcomes. The school's high student-teacher ratio, fluctuating between 10.5 and 18 over the past few years, and its very high percentage of students (over 85%) qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, suggest the school faces significant challenges in supporting its student population.
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