Rogers City Elementary School

Rogers City Elementary School serves 182 students in kindergarten through 5th grade in the small, lakeside community of Rogers City, Michigan, and is part of the Rogers City Area Schools district.

Over the past several years, this school has faced significant academic challenges. After reaching its highest point in the 2018-2019 school year, its state ranking has steadily declined, and it has consistently ranked in the bottom quarter of Michigan elementary schools for the last four years. The most recent data places the school in the 20th percentile statewide, earning a 1-star rating. To put this in perspective, Posen Elementary School, located less than 12 miles away, ranks in the 74th percentile (4 stars) for the same period. Proficiency rates on state assessments highlight this gap—for example, only 25% of Rogers City 3rd graders were proficient in English Language Arts, compared to 64% at Posen and 38% statewide. It is important to note that over 70% of Rogers City students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a rate considerably higher than Posen's 48%, which reflects the greater economic needs of the student body.

Despite these struggles, there are some encouraging signs. The school shows a relative strength in supporting its economically disadvantaged students, who performed better than the school's overall average in a recent year. Additionally, chronic absenteeism has dropped significantly from a high of 38% to 20.4%, which is now below the state average. However, the school spends a substantial $14,854 per student—nearly identical to Posen's spending—yet achieves far lower results, suggesting that funding alone is not the issue. For parents considering this school, it is essential to understand that while the school is investing heavily in its students and improving attendance, the academic trajectory remains a serious concern that warrants close attention and active involvement.