Best High Schools in Zip Code 48617

Zip code 48617 in Clare, Michigan, is home to two high schools serving grades 9-12 within the Clare Public Schools district: Clare High School, a traditional comprehensive school with 478 students, and Clare Pioneer High School, a much smaller alternative program with just 45 students.

Clare High School is the clear academic standout, earning 4-star ratings for three consecutive years and ranking in the top 15% of Michigan high schools. Its students outperform state averages in every subject, with particularly impressive results in social studies (68.2% proficiency, 25 points above the state) and SAT reading/writing (72% proficiency, nearly 20 points above the state). The school also boasts a 93.8% graduation rate and a remarkably low 0.8% dropout rate. Math is its relative weakness, with SAT math proficiency at 34.6%, though this still exceeds the state average. By contrast, Clare Pioneer High School serves a higher-need population, with 80% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch and a 55.1% chronic absenteeism rate—nearly four times that of its counterpart. Its graduation rate is 79.1%, and it spends significantly more per student ($19,719 vs. $13,596) to provide smaller class sizes and additional support.

For parents, the choice is clear: Clare High School offers a consistently high-performing, cost-effective education with strong outcomes across nearly all measures, making it an excellent option for college-bound students. Clare Pioneer High School functions as an alternative setting for students who may have struggled in traditional classrooms, providing a necessary safety net despite its lower academic metrics. The district as a whole benefits from Clare High School's performance, achieving a 91.3% graduation rate that outpaces the state by over 7 points. Families seeking a rigorous, traditional high school experience will find Clare High School highly attractive, while those needing alternative support services may find Pioneer's smaller environment more suitable, though its engagement challenges warrant consideration.