Best Public Schools in Zip Code 49916

Zip code 49916 is home to a single educational institution, Chassell K12 School, a small Pre-K through 12th grade school in Michigan's Upper Peninsula serving 192 students within the Chassell Township School District.

For parents, this school offers a unique continuity that is rare in education: your child can attend the same campus from their first day of Pre-K through high school graduation. With a favorable 11.7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, class sizes are inherently small, allowing for personalized attention. The school's standout achievement is its perfect 100% graduation rate and 0% dropout rate, far exceeding state averages. Students also show strong engagement, with a chronic absenteeism rate of just 13.4% compared to the state's 27.9%. Academically, the school excels in several areas, particularly in upper grades—11th graders scored 80% proficiency in social studies and 66.67% in science, both dramatically above state averages. Early elementary math is also a strength, with 4th graders hitting 69.23% proficiency. However, parents should be aware of a noticeable "middle school dip" in grades 5-7, where ELA and math scores fall below state averages (e.g., 5th grade ELA at 23.8% vs. 43.8% state). This pattern reverses by 8th grade, with strong PSAT ELA performance (76.2%) suggesting students recover well.

Given the small cohort sizes (likely 10-20 students per grade), year-to-year test scores can fluctuate dramatically, so a single year's data may not reflect the full picture. Notably, 11th grade science and social studies scores jumped by over 30 percentage points in one year, indicating either a particularly strong cohort or effective instructional changes. Despite 46.35% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, the school achieves exceptional outcomes, suggesting strong support systems. At $16,129 per pupil, the school spends above many districts—a common reality for small schools with fixed costs—but the 100% graduation rate and low absenteeism suggest this investment yields meaningful results for families seeking a tight-knit, comprehensive educational experience.