Van Dyke Public Schools

The Van Dyke Public Schools district in Michigan serves students from elementary through high school, with a diverse student population across 6 schools. While the district faces challenges with academic performance and chronic absenteeism, a few standout schools shine, including Marjorie Carlson Elementary School and McKinley Elementary School, which outperform their peers on state assessments and have lower chronic absenteeism rates.

The district's virtual high school, Success Academy, stands out with a higher graduation rate and lower dropout rate compared to the traditional Lincoln High School. This suggests that virtual schooling may be a viable option for some students who are struggling in the traditional setting. However, the district as a whole faces significant performance gaps compared to state averages, particularly in math and science, indicating a need to closely examine instructional practices and resource allocation.

Addressing the high rates of chronic absenteeism, which range from 46-65% at the elementary and middle school levels, should be a priority for the district. Equitable distribution of resources across the schools, with per-student spending ranging from $17,580 to $21,710, is also an area that warrants attention. By focusing on these key areas, the Van Dyke Public Schools district can work to improve educational outcomes for all students.