Serving 38 students in grades 9-12, Pathfinders Alternative Education ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 43%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 36% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Alternative school / Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 38 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- Graduation Rate: ≤20% (Btm 50% in MI)
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pathfinders Alternative Education ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Pathfinders Alternative Education's student population of 38 students has declined by 43% over five school years.
The teacher population of 2 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
38 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
The diversity score of Pathfinders Alternative Education is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.55. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(17-18)<50%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(17-18)<50%
43%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
21%
9%
Black
24%
18%
White
42%
64%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≤20%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MI state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Pathfinders Alternative Education?
The graduation rate of Pathfinders Alternative Education is 20%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Pathfinders Alternative Education?
38 students attend Pathfinders Alternative Education.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Pathfinders Alternative Education students are White, 24% of students are Black, 21% of students are Hispanic, and 13% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Pathfinders Alternative Education?
Pathfinders Alternative Education has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Pathfinders Alternative Education offer ?
Pathfinders Alternative Education offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Pathfinders Alternative Education part of?
Pathfinders Alternative Education is part of Dowagiac Union School District.
School Reviews
Review Pathfinders Alternative Education. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
College Application Requirement for High School Graduation? DC Weighs Possibility
The article discusses a proposal in Washington D.C. to make college applications a requirement for high school graduation. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy, including its impact on graduation rates and college attendance. The piece also considers similar initiatives in other states and the debate surrounding this approach
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.