According to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, Dowagiac Union High School received a B grade and a ranking of 155 out of 659 high schools in the state. This ranking places Dowagiac Union High School above other high schools in the area, for the second time in a row. The study was released in late November of 2014.

The 2014 Michigan Public High School Context and Performance (CAP) Report Card compared Michigan high school scores on standardized tests across four years, taking into consideration the socioeconomic factors present in the schools, such as average family income and percent of students receiving free or reduced lunch. It is widely recognized that socioeconomic conditions have a direct effect on test scores. The CAP score is unique from other “report card” scores, because schools are ranked by where they are expected to be, based on their socioeconomic factors. This type of comparison is referred to as “apples to apples” and provides a quality comparison of all Michigan high schools.

We are very happy with this ranking. It shows us that the hard work by students, staff and parents is paying off. This kind of report helps us feel confident that we are on the right path with educating all of our students and preparing them for their futures. We will continue to set the bar high.

Of area schools, Niles followed Dowagiac’s ranking of 155 with a mark of 161 and a B while Buchanan came in at 175. Other area schools trailing Dowagiac Union High in the rankings were Edwardsburg, Decatur, Marcellus, Cass, Brandywine, Eau Claire and Berrien Springs.

Committed to providing reliable studies and quality research on issues relevant to Michigan, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy first conducted the study in 2012. High schools will be studied every other year, and elementary and middle schools will be studied on alternating years from the high school study.

 

Paul Hartsig is the superintendent of Dowagiac Union Schools. He can be reached by email at paulhartsig@dowagiacschools.org, or by phone at (269) 782-4400.