Best Public Schools in Ashley, MI

The city of Ashley, Michigan is home to three schools - Ashley Middle School, Ashley Elementary School, and Ashley High School - serving students from elementary through high school. While the middle school stands out as a high-performing institution, the elementary and high schools face challenges that require attention.

Ashley Middle School is the standout, ranking 251 out of 897 Michigan middle schools and earning a 4-star rating. The school outperforms the state average in several M-Step assessments, including 5th grade ELA, 7th grade ELA, 5th grade Science, and 8th grade Science. Additionally, the school boasts impressive PSAT proficiency rates in 8th grade ELA and Math. In contrast, Ashley Elementary School has seen a significant drop in its statewide ranking, from 435 out of 1,153 schools in 2020-2021 to 1,056 out of 1,486 schools in 2023-2024, with lower proficiency rates on M-Step assessments compared to the state averages.

Ashley High School also faces challenges, with a concerning 4-year graduation rate of 67.8% and a dropout rate of 17.8%, both significantly worse than the state averages. However, the high school stands out in its SAT performance, with 68.8% of 11th graders proficient in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing compared to the state average of 52.2%. Across all three schools, chronic absenteeism is a concern, especially at the high school (67.5%) and middle school (28.8%), suggesting a need to address underlying issues that may be contributing to this problem. The Ashley Community Schools district must work to address these disparities and ensure all students receive a high-quality education.