Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Summary:

Houghton Lake JrSr High School is a public high school serving grades 7-12 in Houghton Lake, Michigan, with a student population of 511. The school faces significant challenges, including consistently underperforming on standardized tests compared to state averages, a fluctuating graduation rate that is generally lower than the state average, and a concerning chronic absenteeism rate that has reached as high as 66%.

When compared to the nearby Roscommon High School, which is in a different district, Houghton Lake JrSr High School performs significantly worse on academic measures. Roscommon High School consistently outperforms Houghton Lake on standardized test scores and has higher graduation rates. Additionally, the school's performance, as measured by its statewide ranking and Houghton Lake Community Schools district's 2-star rating from SchoolDigger, has declined over the years, falling from a ranking of 271 out of 824 Michigan high schools in 2017-2018 to 531 out of 743 in 2023-2024.

The school's challenges are further compounded by its high percentage of students (over 70%) eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a relatively low socioeconomic status of the student population. This factor may contribute to the school's academic and attendance challenges, and the performance is particularly concerning for certain student subgroups, such as White students and low-socioeconomic status students, whose rankings are in the bottom quarter of Michigan high schools. The school's staffing and resource allocation, with an increasing student-teacher ratio and per-student spending below the state average, may also be contributing to these issues.


Detail:

Public 7-12

 4433 W Houghton Lake Dr
       Houghton Lake, MI  48629-9786


(989) 366-2035

District: Houghton Lake Community Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
531st of 743 Michigan High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,294 Help


Feeder schools for Houghton Lake JrSr High School:

Elementary:    Collins Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.9 Help
Number of students:  511

Racial breakdown:

White:
94.5%
Hispanic:
2.3%
African American:
1.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  71.4% Help


 See top rated Michigan high schools

 Compare Houghton Lake JrSr High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Houghton Lake JrSr High School ranks worse than 51.2% of middle schools in Michigan. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 45.45. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details Houghton Lake JrSr High School ranks worse than 71.5% of high schools in Michigan. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 27.23. (See more...)
Help
The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Houghton Lake JrSr High School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (94.5%), Hispanic (2.3%), African American (1.2%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 71.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Houghton Lake JrSr High School is 16.9. (See more...)
Help
Compare Houghton Lake JrSr High School employs 30.1 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Houghton Lake JrSr High School is $13,294.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Houghton Lake JrSr High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Houghton Lake JrSr High School 459th of 897 Michigan public middle schools. (See Houghton Lake JrSr High School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Houghton Lake JrSr High School 531st of 743 Michigan public high schools. (See Houghton Lake JrSr High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Houghton Lake Community Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Houghton Lake Community Schools 410th of 610 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Houghton Lake JrSr High School?

Rank History for Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all middle school students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2007 32.20 672nd 823 18.3%
2008 57.11 479th 839 42.9%
2009 51.61 552nd 847 34.8%
2010 77.73 152nd 851 82.1%
2011 49.11 567th 858 33.9%
2012 42.40 558th 900 38.0%
2013 33.07 656th 919 28.6%
2014 42.36 579th 921 37.1%
2015 36.13 606th 919 34.1%
2016 29.74 635th 894 29.0%
2017 60.87 267th 821 67.5%
2018 45.58 479th 838 42.8%
2019 28.23 574th 792 27.5%
2021 12.96 616th 675 8.7%
2022 29.85 544th 776 29.9%
2023 31.07 599th 883 32.2%
2024 45.45 459th 897 48.8%
See the entire list of Michigan High School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 57.36 317th 815 61.1%
2019 41.47 399th 672 40.6%
2021 19.87 463rd 523 11.5%
2022 43.50 392nd 691 43.3%
2023 38.61 506th 825 38.7%
2024 51.29 350th 836 58.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 35.84 525th 794 33.9%
2019 20.18 545th 658 17.2%
2022 20.09 547th 657 16.7%
2023 28.41 546th 770 29.1%
2024 43.47 404th 771 47.6%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.61 368th 797 53.8%
2019 27.49 480th 639 24.9%
2021 16.70 485th 540 10.2%
2022 32.37 448th 658 31.9%
2023 31.21 536th 776 30.9%
2024 38.67 474th 786 39.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 28.43 516th 678 23.9%
2019 14.43 569th 624 8.8%
2021 7.73 564th 577 2.3%
2022 19.26 538th 638 15.7%
2023 19.25 590th 688 14.2%
2024 34.03 473rd 701 32.5%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Michigan Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all high school students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 51.25 428th 705 39.3%
2007 63.25 334th 767 56.5%
2008 60.67 375th 750 50.0%
2009 67.23 306th 754 59.4%
2010 51.27 468th 765 38.8%
2011 59.85 407th 784 48.1%
2012 52.58 412th 773 46.7%
2013 58.46 340th 805 57.8%
2014 57.81 358th 799 55.2%
2015 52.10 418th 832 49.8%
2016 59.07 334th 852 60.8%
2017 57.27 312th 835 62.6%
2018 65.52 271st 824 67.1%
2019 19.77 542nd 666 18.6%
2021 32.55 389th 561 30.7%
2022 40.52 357th 531 32.8%
2023 36.30 464th 735 36.9%
2024 27.23 531st 743 28.5%
See the entire list of Michigan High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 72.91 153rd 755 79.7%
2019 29.97 404th 532 24.1%
2021 55.35 173rd 417 58.5%
2022 62.60 138th 369 62.6%
2023 37.33 392nd 614 36.2%
2024 20.61 537th 654 17.9%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for high school Female students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 67.62 207th 710 70.8%
2019 12.27 494th 554 10.8%
2021 32.95 325th 462 29.7%
2022 26.45 359th 416 13.7%
2023 42.13 352nd 611 42.4%
2024 26.55 459th 619 25.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.95 347th 707 50.9%
2019 18.69 460th 543 15.3%
2021 34.05 318th 472 32.6%
2022 47.32 243rd 440 44.8%
2023 26.14 457th 611 25.2%
2024 17.22 540th 633 14.7%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school White students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 51.68 342nd 708 51.7%
2019 10.28 535th 582 8.1%
2021 26.05 401st 516 22.3%
2022 30.73 373rd 492 24.2%
2023 24.36 503rd 647 22.3%
2024 14.57 568th 638 11.0%
See the entire list of Best Michigan High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Michigan Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Houghton Lake JrSr High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Michigan Department of Education

We're sorry, but no reviews have been submitted for Houghton Lake JrSr High School.

If you have first-hand knowledge about Houghton Lake JrSr High School, submit a rating!


Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 532 2 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 536
1989 525 4 0 1 0 n/a n/a -1 529
1990 486 3 0 2 0 n/a n/a 0 491
1991 527 4 0 3 4 n/a n/a 0 538
1992 579 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 579
1993 587 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 587
1994 590 0 4 1 1 n/a n/a 0 596
1995 626 0 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 627
1996 626 0 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 627
1997 662 0 1 4 0 n/a n/a 0 667
1998 689 0 3 8 0 n/a n/a 0 700
1999 689 1 2 6 0 n/a n/a 0 698
2000 685 2 1 5 1 n/a n/a 0 694
2001 665 1 4 3 0 n/a n/a 0 673
2002 648 6 0 2 1 n/a n/a 0 657
2003 648 6 0 2 1 n/a n/a 0 657
2004 639 3 2 5 3 n/a n/a 2 654
2005 622 5 3 3 4 n/a n/a 1 638
2006 639 3 3 5 4 n/a n/a 1 655
2007 759 7 2 4 6 n/a n/a 0 778
2008 715 10 4 4 6 n/a n/a 0 739
2009 671 12 5 3 5 n/a n/a 0 696
2010 647 12 5 2 7 n/a n/a 0 673
2011 681 12 9 5 5 2 0 0 714
2012 662 7 6 6 9 1 0 0 691
2013 623 6 8 4 7 1 0 0 649
2014 600 10 11 1 5 3 0 0 630
2015 565 10 8 5 5 2 0 0 595
2016 467 8 5 5 6 1 0 0 492
2017 412 9 6 4 6 1 0 0 438
2018 401 7 2 6 5 1 1 0 423
2019 434 5 0 7 4 0 4 0 454
2020 525 6 1 4 3 0 7 0 546
2021 507 6 4 10 2 0 3 0 532
2022 525 6 3 13 1 0 3 0 551
2023 483 6 3 12 1 0 6 0 511

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 536 n/a n/a n/a
1989 529 n/a n/a 15.3
1990 491 34.0 14.4 11.4
1991 538 n/a n/a n/a
1992 579 n/a n/a 15.4
1993 587 n/a 0.0 17
1994 596 38.5 15.5 11.1
1995 627 32.4 19.4 20.6
1996 627 32.4 19.4 20.6
1997 667 35.0 19.1 22.3
1998 700 36.0 19.4 23.1
1999 698 38.0 18.4 22.9
2000 694 35.8 19.4 36.9
2001 673 35.8 18.8 36.3
2002 657 14.0 46.9 33.6
2003 657 14.0 46.9 33.6
2004 654 39.0 16.8 40.2
2005 638 39.0 16.4 44.6
2006 655 38.0 17.2 44.2
2007 778 30.0 25.9 47.8
2008 739 29.5 25.1 49.7
2009 696 34.5 20.2 51.7
2010 673 34.5 19.5 59.4
2011 714 35.5 20.1 57.4
2012 691 29.6 23.3 66.1
2013 649 29.2 22.1 65.5
2014 630 30.4 20.7 66.7
2015 595 32.0 18.5 67.1
2016 492 29.0 16.9 69.1
2017 438 27.3 16.0 67.1
2018 423 26.1 16.1 66.9
2019 454 25.0 18.1 72.5
2020 546 28.1 19.3 69.6
2021 532 24.4 21.7 68.6
2022 551 27.4 20.1 71.3
2023 511 30.1 16.9 71.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 536 n/a n/a n/a
1989 529 n/a n/a 15.3
1990 491 34.0 14.4 11.4
1991 538 n/a n/a n/a
1992 579 n/a n/a 15.4
1993 587 n/a 0.0 17
1994 596 38.5 15.5 11.1
1995 627 32.4 19.4 20.6
1996 627 32.4 19.4 20.6
1997 667 35.0 19.1 22.3
1998 700 36.0 19.4 23.1
1999 698 38.0 18.4 22.9
2000 694 35.8 19.4 36.9
2001 673 35.8 18.8 36.3
2002 657 14.0 46.9 33.6
2003 657 14.0 46.9 33.6
2004 654 39.0 16.8 40.2
2005 638 39.0 16.4 44.6
2006 655 38.0 17.2 44.2
2007 778 30.0 25.9 47.8
2008 739 29.5 25.1 49.7
2009 696 34.5 20.2 51.7
2010 673 34.5 19.5 59.4
2011 714 35.5 20.1 57.4
2012 691 29.6 23.3 66.1
2013 649 29.2 22.1 65.5
2014 630 30.4 20.7 66.7
2015 595 32.0 18.5 67.1
2016 492 29.0 16.9 69.1
2017 438 27.3 16.0 67.1
2018 423 26.1 16.1 66.9
2019 454 25.0 18.1 72.5
2020 546 28.1 19.3 69.6
2021 532 24.4 21.7 68.6
2022 551 27.4 20.1 71.3
2023 511 30.1 16.9 71.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Houghton Lake JrSr High School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,098 (9.9%) $10,000 (90.1%) $11,098
2020 $1,272 (11.2%) $10,044 (88.8%) $11,316
2021 $2,448 (20.9%) $9,278 (79.1%) $11,725
2022 $2,376 (20.7%) $9,115 (79.3%) $11,492
2023 $2,458 (18.5%) $10,835 (81.5%) $13,294

Data source: Michigan Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Houghton Lake JrSr High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 574th of 792 Middle schoolsRanks 599th of 883 Middle schools
 4.6%
Ranks 542nd of 666 High schoolsRanks 464th of 735 High schools
 18.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
8th Grade Social Studies (Houghton Lake JrSr High School)22.310.6
 11.7%
   8th Grade Social Studies (Houghton Lake Community Schools)22.310.6
 11.7%
   8th Grade Social Studies (Michigan)2826.7
 1.3%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Houghton Lake JrSr High School)46.647.2
 0.6%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Houghton Lake Community Schools)46.647.2
 0.6%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)61.959.7
 2.2%
8th Grade Mathematics (Houghton Lake JrSr High School)27.227
 0.2%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Houghton Lake Community Schools)27.227
 0.2%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Michigan)41.436.3
 5.1%
11th Grade Social Studies (Houghton Lake JrSr High School)30.332.4
 2.1%
   11th Grade Social Studies (Houghton Lake Community Schools)26.733.3
 6.6%
   11th Grade Social Studies (Michigan)46.636.1
 10.5%
11th Grade Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (Houghton Lake JrSr High School)40.950.7
 9.8%
   11th Grade Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (Houghton Lake Community Schools)38.749.3
 10.6%
   11th Grade Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (Michigan)55.352.2
 3.1%
11th Grade Mathematics (Houghton Lake JrSr High School)13.616.9
 3.3%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Houghton Lake Community Schools)1216
 4%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Michigan)36.329.9
 6.4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students454511
 12.6%
African American56
 20%
American Indian41
 75%
Asian03
Hispanic712
 71.4%
Pacific Islander00
White434483
 11.3%
Two or More Races46
 50%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients72.5%71.4%
 1%


Schools Near Houghton Lake JrSr High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Houghton Lake JrSr High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 511 students attended Houghton Lake JrSr High School.

Students at Houghton Lake JrSr High School are 95% White, 2% Hispanic, 1% African American, 1% Two or more races.

Houghton Lake JrSr High School ranks 531st of 743 Michigan high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

Houghton Lake JrSr High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Collins Elementary School


Rate Houghton Lake JrSr High School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Houghton Lake JrSr High School!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 640 milliseconds.