Monroe High School

Monroe High School is a large public high school in Monroe, MI, serving 1,332 students in grades 8 through 12 as part of the Monroe Public Schools district.

The most striking thing about Monroe High is its graduation rate. For the 2024-2025 school year, 96.6% of students graduated—far exceeding both the district average of 86.7% and the state average of 84.0%. The dropout rate is similarly impressive at just 1.6%. This is a remarkable achievement for a school where 55% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. However, this success in keeping students in school doesn't translate to test scores. Only 11.8% of 11th graders scored proficient in SAT math, compared to the state average of 26.5%, and reading/writing proficiency sits at 37.1% versus the state's 53.4%. The school spends a hefty $17,189 per student—more than nearby Bedford Senior High School ($14,099) or Ida High School ($12,167)—yet academic outcomes lag behind these neighbors. Bedford, for instance, posts 63.3% proficiency in reading/writing and 28.9% in math.

Chronic absenteeism affects 26.2% of Monroe students, a rate far higher than Bedford's 7.5% or Ida's 15.3%, and likely contributes to academic struggles. Special education students are particularly underserved, ranking in the 12th percentile statewide. On a positive note, English Language Learners perform relatively well at the 56th percentile. For parents considering alternatives, Monroe County Middle College (just 1.6 miles away) ranks in the 92nd percentile statewide with 67.8% reading/writing proficiency, while Airport Senior High School, serving a similar income demographic, still achieves 61.9% reading proficiency. Monroe High clearly prioritizes graduating students, but families should weigh whether the academic preparation matches their child's college or career goals.