Center for Innovation

Center for Innovation is a small alternative public school in Lapeer, MI, serving 210 students across Pre-K through 12th grade under the Lapeer Community Schools district.

This school is designed for students who haven't thrived in a traditional classroom setting, and the data reflects that mission. The most important thing for parents to know is that the school faces significant challenges with student retention and academic milestones. The 4-year graduation rate is 50%, compared to 89.8% for the district and 84% statewide. The dropout rate is 13.8%, which is more than four times the district rate of 3%. Chronic absenteeism also affects about one in three students. On a positive note, these numbers have improved steadily since the 2020-2021 school year, when the graduation rate was just 21.4% and the dropout rate hit 35.7%. The school appears to be on an upward trajectory, though it still has a long way to go.

Academically, performance is uneven. Elementary students sometimes score close to state averages—for example, 4th-grade reading hit 42.9% proficiency, nearly matching the state's 41.3%. However, by 11th grade, only 17.1% of students were proficient in SAT reading and writing, compared to 55.4% statewide. This suggests the school functions largely as a credit-recovery center for students who have fallen behind. When compared to other alternative schools in the region, outcomes vary widely. Bobcat Innovation in Grand Blanc, also an alternative school, boasts a 95.7% graduation rate and test scores near state averages, while Atherton Vern Van Y Educational Center has a 38.8% graduation rate. The school spends a substantial $14,836 per student—higher than the state average—which likely funds extra support services. However, that investment hasn't yet translated into strong outcomes, highlighting how difficult it is to serve a highly transient, high-need population.