Summary:
Zip code 48423 in Davison, MI, is home to two high schools serving grades 9-12 under the Davison Community Schools district, which ranks in the 69th percentile statewide.
Davison High School is the clear academic leader, ranking in the top 30% of Michigan high schools for three consecutive years and earning 4-star ratings in two of the last three years. With 1,623 students, it posts a 96.8% graduation rate—nearly 13 points above the state average—and outperforms state averages in science, social studies, and English language arts. For example, 52.8% of 11th graders are proficient in social studies versus 43.2% statewide, and 58.1% are proficient in SAT reading/writing versus 52.1% statewide. However, math remains a weakness, with only 27% proficient on SAT math, barely above the state's 26.5%. Chronic absenteeism sits at 23%, below the state's 27.9%, and 45.7% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch.
By contrast, Davison Alternative Education serves just 140 students with far greater challenges. Its graduation rate is 62.7%, dropout rate is 11.7%, and chronic absenteeism is a striking 55.4%—double the state average. Proficiency rates are dramatically lower across all subjects (e.g., 9.4% in science vs. 41.7% at the main high school). The alternative school spends $19,068 per student versus $14,156 at Davison High School and maintains a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, reflecting intensive support for a population where 75.7% qualify for free/reduced lunch. While outcomes lag, the alternative school shows a small positive sign: 9th grade PSAT ELA proficiency (36.4%) exceeds 10th grade (20.8%). For parents, Davison High School offers consistently strong academics and high graduation rates, while the alternative program addresses higher-need students despite persistent obstacles.
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