Summary:
Zip code 48624 in Gladwin, Michigan is served by two very different high schools within the Gladwin Community Schools district: a large, traditional high school and a small alternative program, together offering educational paths for students in grades 9-12.
Gladwin High School is the area's academic leader, enrolling 486 students and ranking in the top 28% of Michigan high schools (220th out of 800). It consistently outperforms state averages across all tested subjects, with particularly strong results in science (51.5% proficient vs. 35.2% statewide) and social studies (61.6% vs. 43.2%). Its SAT evidence-based reading and writing scores are also solid at 62.6% proficiency, while math remains its relative weakness at 30.3% (still above the state's 26.5%). The school boasts a strong 91.7% graduation rate, well above the state average, and spends about $12,359 per student. However, its student-to-teacher ratio of 24.1 is high, and chronic absenteeism (29.5%) slightly exceeds the state rate, which could pose challenges to its continued success.
In stark contrast, Gladwin Community Alternative High School serves just 23 students, many facing significant economic hardship, with 78.26% eligible for free or reduced lunch—nearly double the rate at the main high school. Its graduation rate is just 50%, though it reports a 0% dropout rate, suggesting students may leave through transfers or other means rather than being classified as dropouts. The alternative school spends slightly more per student ($12,637), reflecting the need for individualized support. While it lacks state ranking and test score data, its mission clearly targets at-risk students who may not thrive in a traditional setting. Together, these schools illustrate the district's effort to provide both rigorous academics for college-bound students and a safety net for those needing alternative pathways.
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