Summary:
Adrian, Michigan (zip code 49221) is served by 14 schools spanning elementary through high school, including alternative education programs, across four districts: Adrian Public Schools, Madison School District (Lenawee), Tecumseh Public Schools, and Lenawee Independent School District (Isd), with total enrollment around 4,389 students.
For parents, the standout academic option is JCLISD Academy A Regional Middle College, a small high school ranking in the 94th percentile statewide with 5-star ratings and roughly 77% proficiency in both ELA and math for 9th graders. Among traditional public schools, Madison High School leads with a 93.2% graduation rate and strong math scores, while Madison Middle School excels in social studies and keeps chronic absenteeism below the state average. In contrast, Michener Elementary School and Prairie Elementary School struggle significantly, with low test scores and chronic absenteeism rates of 37% and 48.7%, respectively. The alternative schools, Milton C Porter Educational Center and Maurice Spear Campus, report very low graduation rates but serve students with intensive needs at extremely low student-teacher ratios.
A clear divide exists between the two main districts: Madison School District (Lenawee) consistently outperforms Adrian Public Schools across test scores, graduation rates, and absenteeism, despite serving similar communities. Notably, higher spending does not guarantee better results—Michener Elementary School spends the most per student yet posts some of the lowest scores, while Madison High School achieves strong outcomes with below-average spending. Chronic absenteeism is a critical issue, especially in Adrian Community High School at 57.1%, and year-to-year swings in elementary test scores suggest volatility that makes single-year rankings less reliable. Overall, families seeking consistent, high-quality education should prioritize the Madison schools, while JCLISD Academy A Regional Middle College offers an exceptional college-preparatory path for a select group of students.
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