Best Public Schools in Zip Code 49935

Zip code 49935, serving the Iron River area in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is home to two public schools within the West Iron County Public Schools district, covering grades PK-12 with a combined enrollment of roughly 760 students.

For parents comparing the two schools, West Iron County Middle High School (grades 6-12) is the clear standout. It boasts a 94.6% graduation rate versus the state's 84.0%, and an extraordinary 0.0% dropout rate compared to Michigan's 7.1%. The school has also improved its state ranking over three years, now sitting in the 73rd percentile. Its 11th graders excel in science (44.6% proficient vs. 35.2% statewide) and social studies (51.8% vs. 43.2%). Meanwhile, Stambaugh Elementary School (grades PK-6) shows early strengths—3rd graders beat state averages in both ELA (46.7% vs. 38.2%) and math (50% vs. 42.9%)—but experiences a notable "4th grade slump," with proficiency dropping sharply in both subjects that year. The elementary school's overall state ranking has declined, while the high school's has risen, suggesting improvement efforts are more effective at the secondary level.

Both schools serve economically challenged populations, with 55.77% of high school and 63.74% of elementary students on free/reduced lunch. Despite this, the high school's strong outcomes are particularly impressive. However, chronic absenteeism is a concern at both schools—29.3% at the high school (above the state's 27.9%) and 26.5% at the elementary—meaning students are missing significant instructional time even if they aren't dropping out. On a positive note, the district allocates resources equitably: per-student spending (~$15,000) and student-teacher ratios (15.9:1 and 15:1) are nearly identical across both schools, so performance gaps likely stem from school-specific programs or leadership rather than funding disparities. Overall, families in 49935 have a high school that excels at retention and science education, paired with an elementary school that needs targeted support in upper elementary grades.