Summary:
Zip code 48433 in Flushing, Michigan is served by two high schools within the Flushing Community Schools district, offering very different educational paths for students in grades 9-12.
For parents considering traditional schooling, Flushing High School is the clear standout. With 1,229 students, it boasts a 92.7% graduation rate—well above the state average of 84%—and a dropout rate of just 3.7%. The school has shown strong momentum, jumping 79 spots in state rankings to land in the 61st percentile. It outperforms the state average in SAT Reading/Writing (52.3% vs. 52.1%) and PSAT ELA for 10th graders (62.7% vs. 58.0%). However, science proficiency remains a weakness at 23.2%, trailing the state average by 12 points. The school spends $13,799 per student and serves a student body where 38.2% qualify for free/reduced lunch.
In stark contrast, Raider Virtual Academy faces serious challenges. This online program serves just 98 students but struggles with a 45.6% graduation rate—less than half of its traditional counterpart—and an alarming 90% chronic absenteeism rate. Its state ranking sits in the bottom fifth (16th percentile), and proficiency rates are dramatically lower across all subjects. For example, only 23.5% of 11th graders are proficient in SAT Reading/Writing compared to 52.3% at Flushing High School. The virtual academy spends just $4,917 per student and serves a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students (44.9% free/reduced lunch).
The district's overall 3-star rating masks this significant divide. While Flushing High School demonstrates what effective traditional education can achieve, Raider Virtual Academy's nearly universal student disengagement suggests the virtual model may need fundamental restructuring or additional support services. For parents, the choice is clear: if seeking a traditional high school experience with strong outcomes, Flushing High School is the proven option. However, the district must address the virtual academy's struggles, as its low graduation rate and extreme absenteeism indicate the program is not effectively serving its students.
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