Schools in Zip Code 49887

Zip code 49887, serving the Stephenson, Michigan area, is home to two alternative schools—Uplift Michigan Academy and Stephenson Area Public School—that together cover grades K-12 but offer vastly different educational experiences and outcomes.

For parents, the standout choice is Stephenson Area Public School, which posts a remarkable 96.3% graduation rate with zero dropouts—well above the state average of 84%. Its elementary program is exceptional, with 3rd grade math proficiency at 78.1% and ELA at 62.5%, both far exceeding state norms. The school also spends more per student ($17,085 vs. $13,107) and maintains a better student-teacher ratio (13.4:1 vs. 17.3:1) than its neighbor. However, Stephenson shows a troubling middle school slump, with 7th grade ELA and math proficiency dropping to just 20%, suggesting a transition challenge that parents should monitor. In contrast, Uplift Michigan Academy serves a much higher-need population (74.96% free/reduced lunch vs. 35.79% at Stephenson) and struggles academically, with an 68.6% graduation rate and a 10.4% dropout rate. Its SAT math proficiency is a stark 5.8%, and M-Step ELA scores range from 7-13%, indicating severe achievement gaps.

Despite these challenges, Uplift Michigan Academy shows pockets of promise—its 10th grade PSAT ELA proficiency reaches 54%, close to the state's 58%, and 8th grade science improved to 20.4%. Meanwhile, Stephenson Area Public School excels in social studies, with 8th grade proficiency at 68.8% versus the state's 50.3%. Both schools operate under separate districts—Uplift Michigan Academy and Stephenson Area Public Schools—and the resource disparity between them is clear. Ultimately, Stephenson offers stronger academics and outcomes, while Uplift Michigan faces uphill battles tied to funding and class sizes, making the choice between these two schools a significant one for local families.