Northwest Community Schools

The Northwest Community Schools district in Michigan operates 5 schools, including 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools (one of which is an alternative school). The district serves a predominantly white student population, with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating significant socioeconomic challenges.

While Northwest High School has a relatively high 4-year graduation rate of 90.1%, the district's alternative high school, Northwest Connect, struggles with a very low graduation rate of only 49.2% and a high dropout rate of 26.8%. Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue across the district, ranging from 23.3% to 80.6%, which likely contributes to the lower academic performance observed, particularly in standardized test scores.

The data reveals substantial disparities in performance and outcomes between the district's schools, suggesting the need for the district to closely examine the factors contributing to these differences and implement targeted interventions to address the challenges faced by its most vulnerable students. Additionally, the district's overall academic performance, as measured by state assessments, is generally below the state averages, indicating a need for a comprehensive review and improvement plan to ensure all students in the Northwest Community Schools district receive a high-quality education.