Summary:
Schools in zip code 49091, serving the Sturgis, Michigan area, include seven public schools spanning Pre-K through 12th grade across two districts: the larger Sturgis Public Schools and the smaller, independent Nottawa Community School.
For parents, the most striking contrast is between the two districts. Nottawa Community School, a small PK-8 school, posts impressive results in upper grades despite a modest overall state ranking. In 7th grade math, 40% of its students are proficient versus the 33.3% state average, and in 8th grade science and social studies, proficiency rates reach 47.6% and 57.1%, respectively—both above state averages. This suggests a strong focus on preparing students for high school. In contrast, Sturgis Middle School struggles, with only 13.5% of 7th graders proficient in math (state: 33.3%) and a chronic absenteeism rate of 28.2%, above the state average. The transition to middle school is clearly a weak point, as 5th-grade math proficiency at Eastwood School is 20.1%, dropping to 14.8% in 6th grade. However, Sturgis High School shows recovery, with a graduation rate of 86.9% (above the state’s 84.0%) and 9th and 10th-grade PSAT ELA scores near or above state averages.
Early elementary schools are a bright spot for attendance. Congress School and Wenzel School have chronic absenteeism rates of just 12.5% and 12.4%, respectively—less than half the state average. Wall School spends the most per student ($15,274) but has no test data since it serves K-2. Poverty is high across the area, with free/reduced lunch eligibility ranging from 49.74% at Nottawa to 85.81% at Wenzel, yet Nottawa’s success in 8th grade shows that economic challenges do not preclude academic achievement. Overall, parents should expect strong early attendance, a difficult middle school period, and a high school that helps students finish strong.
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