Best Public Schools in Zip Code 48617

Zip code 48617, serving the Clare, Michigan area, is home to five schools spanning pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, including two high schools, a middle school, an elementary school, and an alternative school, with a total enrollment of roughly 1,601 students across two districts.

For parents, the standout option is Clare High School, which earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the 87th percentile statewide. It boasts a 93.8% graduation rate, a 0.8% dropout rate, and proficiency levels far exceeding state averages—especially in Social Studies (68.2% vs. 43.2% statewide) and SAT Reading/Writing (72% vs. 52.1%). In contrast, Clare Middle School shows a notable "dip," with 6th-grade ELA proficiency at just 22.3% versus the state's 37.5%, despite 5th-grade scores nearly matching state averages. Clare Primary School (PK-4) shows mixed results, with 3rd-grade math at the state average but 4th-grade ELA dropping 12.5 points year-over-year to 36.4%. The district, Clare Public Schools, ranks in the 60th percentile statewide and maintains chronic absenteeism at 13.6%—less than half the state rate.

The area also includes two schools serving high-need populations. Clare Pioneer High School, an alternative setting with just 45 students, faces significant challenges: an 80% free/reduced lunch rate, 55.1% chronic absenteeism, and a 79.1% graduation rate. It spends $19,719 per student—45% more than Clare High—reflecting the need for smaller classes (11.7:1 ratio) and individualized support. Similarly, ClareGladwin Area School, under the Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District, serves 47 students with an 83% economic disadvantage rate and a 3.6:1 student-teacher ratio, though its reported 0% graduation rate underscores the severity of student barriers. Overall, families will find a high-performing comprehensive high school, but should be aware of the middle school transition challenges and the resource-intensive alternative programs for at-risk students.