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Plainwell High School

Q: Is Plainwell High School a good school?

Plainwell High School ranks 191 st of 800 Michigan high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public, Virtual Grades 9-12

191^st

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 800 Michigan High Schools

Better than 76% of Michigan high schools

Summary

Plainwell High School is a public high school in Plainwell, MI, serving 828 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Plainwell Community Schools district. The school has built a strong reputation for academic achievement, consistently earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the top quarter of Michigan high schools over the past decade.

Plainwell's standout strength is science, where 54.1% of 11th graders are proficient on the M-Step—nearly 19 percentage points above the state average. The school also shines in reading and writing, with 60.9% of students proficient in SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing versus the state's 52.1%. Perhaps most impressive is the graduation rate of 94.2%, which far exceeds the state average of 84.0% and the district's own 78.8% (a figure dragged down by the alternative Renaissance High School). Plainwell also ranks 4th statewide for its support of English Language Learners, a remarkable achievement. The school accomplishes all this while spending $13,099 per student—less than nearby Otsego High School ($15,320) and Kalamazoo Central High School ($15,911).

Compared to its neighbors, Plainwell is a clear academic leader. It dramatically outperforms Parchment High School in every subject—for example, 39.1% proficiency in SAT Math versus Parchment's 12.3%—and holds its own against Otsego, with stronger math and science scores. The one area for growth is math, where proficiency (39.1%) is above the state average (26.5%) but lags behind the school's other subjects. Additionally, recent data shows a dip in rankings for male, white, and low-income students in the 2025-2026 school year, a trend worth monitoring. Overall, Plainwell offers a rigorous, supportive environment with exceptional outcomes in science, literacy, and graduation—making it a top choice for families in the area.

828

Students ?

20.9

Student/teacher ratio ?

$13,099

Per pupil spending ?

27.1%

Free/reduced lunch eligible (2024-25) ?

All students in Michigan receive free school meals.

684 102nd Ave
Plainwell, MI 49080-1692

(269) 685-9554

District: Plainwell Community Schools

Racial breakdown:

White:

84.9%

Hispanic:

7.1%

Two or more races:

3.1%

See top rated Michigan high schools

Compare Plainwell High School to nearby high schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 88th percentile in 2016 → 76th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Michigan average (49% vs 43% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 24% of Michigan high schools

✓94% graduate in 4 years — above the Michigan average (84%)

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 12 percentile points since 2016

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school49%

District avg46%

Michigan avg43%

191^st of 800

Michigan public high schools ?

Top 24%▼ down 12 pts since 2016

From top 12% (2016) to top 24% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Michigan High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

265^th of 625Plainwell Community Schools among Michigan districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	68.5	191 of 800	76.1%	★★★★☆
2025	82.4	93 of 739	87.4%	★★★★☆
2024	72.9	161 of 743	78.3%	★★★★☆
2023	82.9	97 of 735	86.8%	★★★★☆
2022	78.2	110 of 531	79.3%	★★★★☆
2021	59.7	182 of 561	67.6%	★★★☆☆
2019	83.1	98 of 666	85.3%	★★★★☆
2018	82.5	120 of 824	85.4%	★★★★☆
2017	78.1	143 of 835	82.9%	★★★★☆
2016	83.8	105 of 852	87.7%	★★★★☆
2015	85.9	90 of 832	89.2%	★★★★☆
2014	73.8	176 of 799	78.0%	★★★★☆
2013	86.1	91 of 805	88.7%	★★★★☆
2012	85.6	92 of 773	88.1%	★★★★☆
2011	82.0	107 of 784	86.4%	★★★★☆
2010	74.6	211 of 765	72.4%	★★★★☆
2009	79.4	141 of 754	81.3%	★★★★☆
2008	70.8	270 of 750	64.0%	★★★☆☆
2007	83.5	94 of 767	87.7%	★★★★☆
2006	85.2	73 of 705	89.6%	★★★★☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	86.7	4 of 119	96.6%	★★★★★

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	68.2	162 of 686	76.4%	★★★★☆
2025	75.6	117 of 629	81.4%	★★★★☆
2024	69.9	143 of 619	76.9%	★★★★☆
2023	70.2	146 of 611	76.1%	★★★★☆
2022	74.6	111 of 416	73.3%	★★★★☆
2021	54.4	184 of 462	60.2%	★★★☆☆
2019	84.1	72 of 554	87.0%	★★★★☆
2018	78.6	125 of 710	82.4%	★★★★☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	66.4	65 of 259	74.9%	★★★★☆
2024	85.7	21 of 195	89.2%	★★★★☆
2018	83.4	27 of 201	86.6%	★★★★☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	62.0	219 of 719	69.5%	★★★☆☆
2025	78.4	99 of 635	84.4%	★★★★☆
2024	67.3	163 of 654	75.1%	★★★★☆
2023	62.9	191 of 614	68.9%	★★★☆☆
2022	68.7	111 of 369	69.9%	★★★★☆
2021	53.2	185 of 417	55.6%	★★★☆☆
2019	87.9	43 of 532	91.9%	★★★★★
2018	71.3	169 of 755	77.6%	★★★★☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	60.5	215 of 693	69.0%	★★★☆☆
2025	81.5	86 of 628	86.3%	★★★★☆
2024	67.2	172 of 633	72.8%	★★★★☆
2023	88.8	53 of 611	91.3%	★★★★★
2022	74.0	107 of 440	75.7%	★★★★☆
2021	52.3	191 of 472	59.5%	★★★☆☆
2019	74.6	126 of 543	76.8%	★★★★☆
2018	80.0	110 of 707	84.4%	★★★★☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	46.8	100 of 220	54.5%	★★★☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	61.8	210 of 671	68.7%	★★★☆☆
2025	80.0	95 of 639	85.1%	★★★★☆
2024	63.4	194 of 638	69.6%	★★★☆☆
2023	77.6	116 of 647	82.1%	★★★★☆
2022	69.9	143 of 492	70.9%	★★★★☆
2021	53.9	204 of 516	60.5%	★★★☆☆
2019	77.0	112 of 582	80.8%	★★★★☆
2018	77.2	138 of 708	80.5%	★★★★☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

English Language Learner (2026)97th percentile+21 vs school

Female (2026)76th percentile~ school

Hispanic (2026)75th percentile~ school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)70th percentile-7 vs school

Male (2026)69th percentile-7 vs school

White (2026)69th percentile-7 vs school

Special Education (2026)55th percentile-22 vs school

By subject vs Michigan (2025-2026) ?

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing61%+9 vs state

English Language Arts59%~ state avg

Science54%+19 vs state

Social Studies44%~ state avg

Mathematics36%+3 vs state

1.0

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What people are saying

by a parent
Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Almost zero diversity and a culture of bullying. Lots of hateful, racist, homophobic kids and parents. Some administration appear to be part of the problem and many on school board. Don't send your children here, there are better schools. Close Quote

Schools Near Plainwell High School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				PSAT English Language Arts (2026)			PSAT Mathematics (2026)			SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (2026)	SAT Mathematics (2026)	M-Step English Language Arts (2026)		M-Step Math (2026)		M-Step Science (2026)		M-Step Social Studies (2026)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/reduced lunch (2024-25)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSAT English Language Arts 8th Grade	PSAT English Language Arts 9th Grade	PSAT English Language Arts 10th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 8th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 9th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 10th Grade	SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 11th Grade	SAT Mathematics 11th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 6th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 7th Grade	M-Step Math 6th Grade	M-Step Math 7th Grade	M-Step Science 8th Grade	M-Step Science 11th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 8th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 11th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Plainwell High School	Public, Virtual	9-12	684 102nd Ave	Plainwell	49080	Allegan County	Plainwell Community Schools	No	No	Yes	No	(269) 685-9554	828	40	20.9	27.1%	703 (84.9%)	21 (2.5%)	59 (7.1%)	13 (1.6%)	4 (0.5%)	2 (0.2%)	26 (3.1%)	68.5	191^st of 800 public high schools	76.1%		82.4	93^rd of 739 public high schools	87.4%	98		60.5	58.4		34.7	36.8	60.9	39.1						54.1		43.9	$13,099	$575	$12,524
Renaissance High School	Public, Virtual	9-12	798 E Bridge St	Plainwell	49080	Allegan County	Plainwell Community Schools	No	No	Yes	No	(269) 685-8911	86	3	34.4	58.1%	78 (90.7%)	1 (1.2%)	4 (4.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (2.3%)								(n/a)			300.7			298.6	330.7	295.0						2068.9		2072.9	$11,949	$575	$11,374
Otsego High School	Public	9-12	550 Washington St	Otsego	49078	Allegan County	Otsego Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(269) 694-7403	708	38	18.8	28.0%	631 (89.1%)	6 (0.8%)	38 (5.4%)	7 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.3%)	24 (3.4%)	80.3	113^th of 800 public high schools	85.9%		73.7	166^th of 739 public high schools	77.5%	53		69.6	74.3		49.4	45.3	65.7	31.4						52.1		56.2	$15,320	$1,416	$13,904
Otsego West Campus High School	Public	6-12	570 Washington St	Otsego	49078	Allegan County	Otsego Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(269) 694-7403	19	1	17.2	57.9%	16 (84.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (15.8%)								(n/a)																	$8,926	$686	$8,240
Martin High School	Public	6-12	1556 Chalmers	Martin	49070	Allegan County	Martin Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(269) 442-0400	330	18	18.8	42.1%	284 (86.1%)	3 (0.9%)	34 (10.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (2.7%)	52.5	339^th of 800 public high schools	57.6%		61.6	260^th of 739 public high schools	64.8%	79	60.4	66.0	81.0	11.3	31.9	31.0	42.5	12.5	31.3	21.6	14.9	23.1	14.8	27.8	46.3	41.7	$14,719	$703	$14,016
Kalamazoo Central High School	Public	9-12	2432 N Drake Rd	Kalamazoo	49006	Kalamazoo County	Kalamazoo Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(269) 337-0300	1,613	70	23.1	54.2%	524 (32.5%)	700 (43.4%)	164 (10.2%)	22 (1.4%)	8 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	195 (12.1%)	46	413^th of 800 public high schools	48.4%		48.5	380^th of 739 public high schools	48.6%	33		48.8	52.9		28.4	28.3	45.1	18.2						34.5		48.8	$15,911	$1,420	$14,491
Parchment High School	Public	8-12	1916 E G Ave	Kalamazoo	49004	Kalamazoo County	Parchment School District	No	No	No	No	(269) 488-1100	412	24	17.0	56.3%	269 (65.3%)	51 (12.4%)	34 (8.3%)	5 (1.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	52 (12.6%)	32.6	525^th of 800 public high schools	34.4%		29.6	509^th of 739 public high schools	31.1%	16		56.0	45.3		18.0	14.7	43.2	12.3						30.0		32.5	$16,795	$1,520	$15,275
Boys To Men Group Home	Public	6-12	6025 Litchfield Ln	Kalamazoo	49009	Kalamazoo County	Kalamazoo Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(269) 254-8444	0	0		—	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency West Campus Transition Services	Public	6-12	4606 Croyden Ave	Kalamazoo	49006	Kalamazoo County	Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency	No	No	No	No	(269) 250-9602	126	14	9.0	31.7%	76 (60.3%)	19 (15.1%)	12 (9.5%)	1 (0.8%)	1 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (13.5%)								(n/a)
Parchment Innovation Center	Public	6-12	1125 E Mosel Ave	Kalamazoo	49004	Kalamazoo County	Parchment School District	No	No	No	No	(269) 488-1470	119	3	39.6	63.9%	76 (63.9%)	20 (16.8%)	14 (11.8%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (6.7%)								(n/a)																	$7,862	$1,520	$6,342

Frequently Asked Questions about Plainwell High School

How many students attend Plainwell High School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 828 students attended Plainwell High School.

What district is Plainwell High School in?

Plainwell Community Schools

Is Plainwell High School a good school?

Plainwell High School ranks 191^st of 800 Michigan high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Plainwell High School?

Students at Plainwell High School are 85% White, 7% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races, 3% African American, 2% Asian.

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Latest Michigan data All new data »

2025–26 M-Step, PSAT & SAT test scoresSep 4, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

2024–25 attendance dataJan 6, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.