Best Public Schools in Zip Code 49868

Zip code 49868 contains just one school, Newberry Area School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade under the Tahquamenon Area Schools district in Michigan's rural Upper Peninsula.

Newberry Area School is a small, comprehensive institution with 496 students and a favorable 12.2:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The school spends a substantial $15,392 per student annually, yet academic outcomes lag state averages in nearly every subject and grade level. The most notable bright spot is 3rd grade mathematics, where 54.5% of students are proficient—more than 11 points above the Michigan average. However, this strength disappears by 4th grade, when math proficiency drops to just 17.4%. Across upper grades, math performance is particularly concerning, with proficiency rates ranging from 10.8% in 5th grade to 16.7% in 7th grade, and SAT math proficiency at only 10.3%. English Language Arts performance is comparatively stronger but still trails state benchmarks by 10-20 points in most grades. For example, 4th grade ELA proficiency is 17.4% versus the state's 41.3%, while 7th grade ELA sits at 19.0% compared to 38.4% statewide.

Beyond test scores, the school faces significant challenges with student engagement and retention. The chronic absenteeism rate of 36.6% is well above the state's 27.9%, and the graduation rate of 71.7% falls far short of Michigan's 84.0% average. The dropout rate of 12.8% is nearly double the state figure. With 64% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, poverty-related barriers likely play a substantial role in these outcomes. Given the small cohort sizes—roughly 30-40 students per grade—year-to-year proficiency swings can be dramatic, as seen in 8th grade science improving from 12.2% to 25.5% between school years. Parents considering this school should be aware that while resources are adequate and class sizes are manageable, the school struggles to prepare students for college-level mathematics, and attendance and graduation rates indicate systemic challenges that go beyond classroom instruction.