Alternative Educational Academy of Ogemaw County

Alternative Educational Academy of Ogemaw County is a small, single-school district in West Branch, MI, serving just 128 students in grades 6-12 as an alternative option for those who haven't thrived in traditional school settings.

This school serves a highly at-risk population, with over three-quarters of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The challenges facing its students are reflected in the school's key metrics, which are far below state averages. The 4-year graduation rate is just 27.5% compared to the state's 84%, while the dropout rate sits at 32.5%—more than four times the state average. Chronic absenteeism affects 62.1% of students, meaning most are missing significant amounts of class time. When compared to Ogemaw Heights High School, just 5 miles away, the contrast is stark: Ogemaw Heights graduates 93.6% of its students with only a 2.8% dropout rate. Even Whittemore-Prescott JrSr High School, which serves a similarly economically challenged population, graduates 75% of its students—nearly triple the Academy's rate.

There are a few bright spots worth noting. In the most recent school year, 8th graders at the Academy scored a 63.64% proficiency rate in English Language Arts, nearly matching the state average and far exceeding the 28.9% rate at Whittemore-Prescott. Additionally, per-student spending has risen significantly to $13,092, now comparable to what West Branch-Rose City Area Schools spends at Ogemaw Heights. However, this increased investment hasn't yet translated into better overall outcomes, and the school's state ranking remains in the bottom percentile. For parents considering this option, it's important to understand that the Academy serves as a last-chance environment for students facing significant obstacles—one where success looks different than at a traditional high school, and where the path to graduation requires overcoming substantial barriers related to poverty, attendance, and engagement.