Summary:
Zip code 49831, encompassing the Felch, Michigan area, is served by a single educational institution: North Dickinson School, a K-12 school within the North Dickinson County Schools district, which educates approximately 250 students in a rural, community-focused setting.
For parents, the standout feature of North Dickinson School is its exceptional student engagement and completion metrics. The school boasts a perfect 100% graduation rate and a 0% dropout rate, far surpassing state averages. Chronic absenteeism is remarkably low at just 10%, compared to the state's 27.9%, indicating a highly connected and motivated student body. Academically, the school shows notable strengths in specific areas and grade levels. For instance, 5th-grade social studies proficiency (60.9%) is more than double the state average, and 4th-grade math (64.7%) exceeds the state by 25 points. Furthermore, college readiness in math is a clear advantage, with 8th-grade PSAT math scores (60.9%) and 10th-grade scores (52.4%) dramatically outpacing state averages. The school also outperforms state averages in 12 of 21 subject/grade combinations, challenging any assumptions tied to its "alternative" designation.
However, the data reveals a significant challenge: a pronounced "middle school dip." While 5th grade is a peak year, proficiency in English Language Arts plummets from 65.2% in 5th grade to just 25% in 6th grade, a 40-point drop that suggests a difficult transition. Math proficiency also declines in middle school. With a small student population, year-to-year scores are volatile, making it hard to discern long-term trends. The school serves a relatively economically stable community, with only 26% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch. While early grades show strong foundational skills and high school students are well-prepared for college-level math, the middle school years appear to be a critical area for improvement and parental attention.
Thank you for your feedback!