Summary:
Escanaba, Michigan (zip code 49829) is served by 7 schools—3 elementary, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative program—that together enroll about 2,233 students, with the majority belonging to the Escanaba Area Public Schools district, which ranks in the 62nd percentile statewide.
For parents, the clear academic standout is Escanaba Junior/Senior High School, which serves grades 6-12 and has earned 4-star ratings for three consecutive years. Its 93.6% graduation rate far exceeds the state average of 84%, and its 11th graders post remarkable proficiency rates in science (62.3% vs. 35.2% statewide) and social studies (63.1% vs. 43.2%). The school also outperforms the state in 8th grade PSAT reading (73.1% vs. 64.8%). Among elementary options, Escanaba Upper Elementary (grades 3-5) leads in 5th grade math (45.1% vs. 32.9% state) and science (53.5% vs. 40.3% state), though it shows a concerning 13-point drop in 4th grade ELA proficiency. Webster Kindergarten Center spends the most per student ($17,808) and has the lowest student-teacher ratio (12.2:1), but its 26.4% chronic absenteeism rate suggests early attendance challenges. Lemmer Elementary School serves grades K-2 with similar spending levels.
Alternative programs serve distinct purposes. Escanaba Student Success Center (104 students) has improved from the 6th to 24th percentile statewide, though its 74.2:1 student-teacher ratio indicates heavy reliance on independent learning. Learning Center reports a 0% dropout rate but also 0% graduation, suggesting a focus on credit recovery rather than diplomas. Bay Pines Center, a state-run facility for youth in custody, faces extreme challenges with a 50% dropout rate and 21.4% graduation rate. Despite nearly half of district students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, the district outperforms state averages in most subjects—a notable achievement given the economic hurdles.
Thank you for your feedback!