Gull Lake High School

Gull Lake High School in Richland, MI, is a large public school serving 877 students in grades 8 through 12 as part of the Gull Lake Community Schools district, and it stands out as one of the top-performing high schools in the region.

For parents, the most important takeaway is that Gull Lake delivers exceptional academic results that far surpass nearby schools. On the 11th-grade SAT, 67% of students scored proficient in reading and writing, and 42.7% scored proficient in math—more than triple the math proficiency rates at Parchment High School (12.3%) and Comstock High School (7.9%). The school ranks 102nd out of 800 Michigan high schools, placing it in the top 15% statewide, and it has earned a 5-star rating for three consecutive years before a slight dip to 4 stars in the most recent ranking. Students are clearly well-prepared for college, and the school also boasts a 95% graduation rate with a 0% dropout rate. Chronic absenteeism sits at just 17.3%, less than half the rate at nearby schools like Galesburg-Augusta High School (37.6%), which points to a highly engaged student body.

One of the most remarkable findings is the school's exceptional support for special education students, who ranked in the 94th percentile statewide—a rare achievement that shows strong inclusive practices. The school also performs well above state averages across all subjects and grade levels, from PSAT math to M-Step science. It's worth noting that the district operates Gull Lake Gateway Academy, an alternative program just down the road serving students who need a different environment, which explains the stark contrast in metrics between the two schools. While Gull Lake's state ranking dipped slightly this year, its overall record of excellence makes it a standout choice for families in the Richland area.