Houghton Middle School

Houghton Middle School, part of the Houghton-Portage Township School District, serves 359 students in grades 6-8 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This school is a standout performer, ranking 55th out of 896 middle schools statewide and earning a 5-star rating—placing it in the top 6% of all Michigan middle schools.

Academically, Houghton Middle School dramatically outperforms its nearest comparable school, Washington Middle School in Calumet, which is about 11 miles away. In 8th-grade science, 70.2% of Houghton students are proficient compared to 54.1% at Washington and the 39.2% state average. Social studies results are even more impressive, with 76.6% proficiency versus 60.8% at Washington. The school also excels in English Language Arts, with 6th and 7th-grade proficiency rates around 60-61%, nearly double the state average in 6th grade. What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that the school ranks in the 96th percentile for low socio-economic status students and the 95th percentile for male students, showing effectiveness across all demographics. Additionally, the special education program has seen remarkable growth, jumping from the 37th percentile in 2017-2018 to 3rd in the state by 2022-2023.

While math scores remain above state averages, they represent a relative area for growth—8th-grade PSAT math proficiency (51.6%) trails significantly behind ELA proficiency (88.7%). The school also demonstrates efficient resource use, spending $12,484 per student compared to $14,668 at Washington Middle School, yet achieving far superior outcomes. Chronic absenteeism, which spiked to 27.9% in 2021-2022, has been steadily declining to 17.7%—well below the state average of 27.9%. For parents seeking a high-performing, inclusive middle school in the Houghton area, this school offers exceptional academics, strong support for diverse learners, and a track record of continuous improvement.