Farwell Middle School

Farwell Middle School in Farwell, MI, serves 281 students in grades 4 through 7 and is part of the Farwell Area Schools district, a small, rural community where a large share of families face economic challenges.

For parents, the most important takeaway is that Farwell Middle School is currently struggling academically. State test scores are well below the Michigan average in both math and English language arts across all grade levels. For example, only about 14% of 4th graders were proficient in math, compared to a state average of 39%. The school’s overall state ranking has also slipped recently, dropping to the bottom quarter of Michigan middle schools. This decline is widespread, affecting all groups of students, not just a few. While the school spends a relatively high amount per student (over $17,000), the academic results are not keeping pace with that investment. When compared to nearby Chippewa Hills Middle School or Mt Pleasant Middle School, Farwell’s proficiency rates are significantly lower, even though those schools also serve communities with economic needs.

One of the biggest challenges is chronic absenteeism. While it has improved from a high of nearly 39% a few years ago, about one in four students still misses too much school, a rate nearly double that of Clare Middle School, which is only a few miles away. This high rate of missed instruction, combined with the high level of poverty in the district, makes it difficult for students to stay on track. Test scores also swing widely from year to year and grade to grade, suggesting the instructional program isn't yet stable or consistent. There is one bright spot: a few years ago, 5th graders scored above the state average in social studies, showing the school is capable of success. For parents, this means Farwell Middle School has real hurdles to overcome, but the recent dip in performance and high absenteeism are key issues to watch closely.