Menominee Elementary School

Menominee Elementary School in Menominee, MI, serves 531 students in Pre-K through 5th grade within the Menominee Area Public Schools district, a mid-sized school where over half of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

One of the school's most notable successes is in attendance. Chronic absenteeism has dropped dramatically from 34.2% in 2021-2022 to just 17.5% in 2024-2025, now well below both the district (21.1%) and state (27.9%) averages. This suggests real progress in getting kids to school and creating a welcoming environment. However, academic results tell a more challenging story. The school consistently earns a 2-star rating and ranks in the 39th percentile statewide. A clear pattern emerges: 3rd graders perform relatively well, but proficiency drops sharply in 4th and 5th grades. For example, in the most recent testing year, 40.7% of 3rd graders were proficient in math, but only 26.3% of 4th graders and 27.4% of 5th graders reached that level. This "3rd-grade peak" appears across both math and reading, suggesting a possible challenge in curriculum alignment or instructional support as students move into upper elementary grades.

Parents should also know that the school's performance with certain student groups—including special education students, White students, and those from low-income households—ranks in the bottom quarter of Michigan schools. At the same time, per-student spending has risen significantly, from $11,468 to $16,554 over three years, yet test scores have not improved correspondingly. There are no other elementary schools within 20 miles for direct comparison, making it difficult to benchmark locally. For families, the key takeaway is that Menominee Elementary has made impressive strides in attendance, but academic growth in the upper grades and support for specific student populations remain critical areas needing attention.