Summary:
Zip code 49117, serving the New Buffalo, MI area, is home to three highly-rated public schools within the New Buffalo Area Schools district, covering grades PK-12 with a total enrollment of roughly 516 students.
This small district is an academic powerhouse, with all three schools earning 5-star ratings and ranking in the 96th percentile or higher statewide. New Buffalo Elementary School (PK-5) is the consistent standout, ranking #40 in Michigan with phenomenal proficiency rates—80.6% in 3rd-grade ELA and 80% in 5th-grade math, both more than double the state averages. New Buffalo Middle School (6-8) is the peak performer, having achieved a #2 state ranking in 2023-2024 and currently posting 80.5% proficiency in 8th-grade PSAT math versus 33.2% statewide. New Buffalo Senior High School (9-12) excels in college readiness, with 71.7% of 11th graders proficient in SAT reading/writing and a remarkable jump to #25 in the state this year. The district invests heavily in success, spending over $33,000 per student with student-teacher ratios under 11:1.
The most interesting finding is the seamless academic pipeline—elementary foundations feed directly into middle school success, which prepares students exceptionally well for high school, with no typical "middle school dip." However, there is a notable disconnect: while academics are elite, chronic absenteeism at the middle (20.4%) and high school (21.0%) is double the elementary rate (10.2%), suggesting many students missing instruction despite the high achievement of those who attend. The district's #8 ranking in Michigan reflects a community that prioritizes education, though the recent high school turnaround—from #76 to #25—shows a focused push to elevate secondary outcomes even further.
Thank you for your feedback!