Summary:
Zip code 48858, serving the Mount Pleasant, Michigan area, is home to 7 elementary schools that collectively educate approximately 2,158 students across a mix of grade configurations, from PK-2 buildings to K-8 academies, and includes both district and charter options.
For parents, the standout academic performer in this area is Beal City Elementary School, part of Beal City Public Schools. It holds the highest state ranking (80th percentile) and a 4-star rating, consistently beating state averages in subjects like 5th grade science (56.5% proficiency vs. 40% statewide) and 3rd grade math (44% vs. 42.9%). In contrast, the schools within the Mt. Pleasant City School District—including Fancher School and Mary McGuire School—generally fall well below state averages. For example, Mary McGuire’s 4th grade ELA proficiency (22.1%) trails the state’s 41.3% by nearly 20 points. Within that district, Fancher consistently outperforms Mary McGuire, suggesting school-level differences matter. Renaissance Public School Academy, a charter, presents a mixed profile: it excels in 8th grade science and PSAT ELA but struggles mightily in math, with only 6.5% of 3rd graders proficient in 2025-2026—a staggering 36-point gap from the state average.
Economically, Pullen Elementary School and Mary McGuire have the highest free/reduced lunch rates (62.7% and 60.5%), while Beal City has the lowest (39.6%), correlating with its higher test scores. Spending varies widely, from Ganiard School at $20,023 per student to Renaissance at $12,800, yet higher spending does not guarantee better results. Notably, all schools keep chronic absenteeism below the state average of 27.9%, with Ganiard leading at 16.6%. However, three PK-2 schools—Pullen, Vowles School, and Ganiard—have no current test data, leaving 35% of students unassessed. Overall, while Beal City proves high achievement is possible, most area schools face systemic challenges, particularly in upper-grade performance and math instruction.
Thank you for your feedback!