Schools in Zip Code 49441

Zip code 49441, covering Muskegon and Norton Shores in western Michigan, is served by 11 schools spanning elementary through high school grades across four districts, including Mona Shores Public School District, Muskegon Public Schools of the City of, Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change, and Lighthouse Academy, with a total enrollment of about 5,335 students.

The standout school in this area is Churchill Elementary School, which ranks in the 68th percentile statewide and boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the zip code at just 5.2%—far below the state average of 27.9%. Its 4th grade ELA proficiency reached 74.3% in 2024-2025, nearly 32 points above the state average. Mona Shores High School is the top high school, with a 95.1% graduation rate and a 67th percentile ranking, though it shows a slight downward trend in recent years. Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change is a bright spot despite serving 80.5% free/reduced lunch students, exceeding state averages in 6th grade ELA and 5th grade science. On the other end, Bunker Elementary and Glenside Elementary rank in the bottom 11% and 4% statewide, respectively, with chronic absenteeism above 40%.

The most striking finding is the stark divide between neighboring districts: Mona Shores Public School District ranks in the 55th percentile statewide while Muskegon Public Schools of the City of ranks in the 4th percentile. Muskegon Public Schools actually spends more per student (around $18,600 vs. $14,800) yet achieves dramatically lower scores, highlighting that poverty and absenteeism—not just funding—drive outcomes. Chronic absenteeism above 40% at Bunker, Glenside, and Muskegon High School correlates with scores 15-30 points below state averages. Even top schools struggle with math, as Mona Shores High School falls below the state average in SAT math. Lighthouse AcademyMuskegon Community Building serves the most at-risk population with only 19 students and a 65.7% absenteeism rate, while Mona Shores Middle School shows a notable drop in ELA proficiency compared to its elementary feeders, suggesting a transition-year challenge.