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Very Good

#649 of 3,192 schools in MI

Top 20% in state

Bear Lake High School

High School · Bear Lake Schools

7748 CODY ST, Bear Lake, MI 49614

Enrollment

118

Student-Teacher

19.7:1

Score

7.5

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#649 of 3,192

In Bear Lake

#1 of 2

public schools

In district

#1 of 2

Bear Lake Schools

Equity

7.4 / 10

Very Good

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Bear Lake High School

7.5/10

High School in Bear Lake · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Bear Lake Elementary School

5.4/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Pleasantview Mennonite School

Nearby

3.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Bear Lake High School

Bear Lake High School is a public high school in Bear Lake, MI, part of Bear Lake Schools. Bear Lake High School serves approximately 118 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 19.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Bear Lake High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #649 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Bear Lake High School show 32% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.0 pts above MI schools
  • This school 7.5 · Very Good
  • MI avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 118 students, Bear Lake High School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Bear Lake High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.8Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.36 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics7.3Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency50.7% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-0.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+12.4 pts
Overall Proficiency40% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)37% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+2.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile60th
College Readiness9.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.4Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,914
Chronic Absenteeism24.6%

Bear Lake High School — Students at Bear Lake High School score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

59.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 31.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
33.7% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 50.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
49.2% (2022 EdFacts)

Based on 32 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
27%
ELA
62%
2013
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
47%
2017
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
34.5%
ELA
54.5%
2019
Math
34.5%
ELA
54.5%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
34.5%
2021*
Math
24.5%
ELA
34.5%
2022
Math
30%
ELA
50.1%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.8/10.

How Bear Lake High School Compares

See how Bear Lake High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.5/10
80th percentile in MI
Academic
7.3/10
Very Good
Growth
6.8/10
Average
Environment
5.4/10
Average
Sports
8
3 boys' · 5 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
59%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
6 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
24.6%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics8sports offered
3 boys'·5 girls'·8 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

7748 CODY ST, Bear Lake, MI 49614

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Bear Lake High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Frankfort High School (rated 8.3/10, 15.5 miles away, in nearby Frankfort), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Benzie Central Sr High School (rated 6.5/10, 14.5 miles away, in nearby Benzonia), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Manistee Middle High School (rated 6.4/10, 15.8 miles away, in nearby Manistee), a more accessible option. For more schools in Bear Lake, see our Bear Lake schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 23.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Bear Lake Elementary School Bear Lake 0.0 mi 5.4
PLEASANTVIEW MENNONITE SCHOOL Kaleva 3.8 mi
Onekama Consolidated Schools Onekama 4.7 mi 8.2
Brethren Middle School Brethren 10.1 mi 6.7
Brethren High School Brethren 10.1 mi 5.8
KND Elementary Brethren 10.1 mi 3.3
Manistee ISD Center Programs Manistee 12.4 mi 5.8
Homestead Hills Elementary School Benzonia 14.1 mi 3.6
Benzie Academy Benzonia 14.4 mi 5.1
Betsie Valley School Thompsonville 11.4 mi 4.6
Benzie Central Sr High School Benzonia 14.5 mi 6.5
Benzie Central Middle School Benzonia 14.5 mi 5.2
Frankfort High School Frankfort 15.5 mi 8.3
Frankfort Elementary School Frankfort 15.5 mi 7.6
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy Manistee 14.6 mi 6.3
Casman Alternative Academy Manistee 15.0 mi 6.0
John F Kennedy Elem School Manistee 15.9 mi 5.5
Thomas Jefferson Elem School Manistee 15.3 mi 3.5
Manistee Middle High School Manistee 15.8 mi 6.4
Lake Ann Elementary School Interlochen 23.1 mi 6.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49614 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$71,389

Median Home Value

$203,900

Median Rent

$963/mo

Population

2,903

College Educated

29.4%

Homeownership

95.4%

Avg Commute

26.4 min

Poverty Rate

7.8%

Median Age

53.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Baldwin Senior High School Baldwin, MI 7.5
Crossroads Charter Academy 612 Big Rapids, MI 7.5
Neil E Reid High School Clinton Township, MI 7.5
Gateway To Success Academy Scottville, MI 7.4
Redford Union Virtual Learning Redford, MI 7.4
ST PHILIP CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Battle Creek, MI 7.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bear Lake High School

What grades does Bear Lake High School serve?

Bear Lake High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Bear Lake High School?

Bear Lake High School has an enrollment of approximately 118 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Bear Lake High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Bear Lake High School is 19.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Bear Lake High School rank in MI?

Bear Lake High School ranks #649 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Bear Lake High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Bear Lake High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Bear Lake High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Bear Lake High School has 32% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Bear Lake High School a charter school?

No, Bear Lake High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Bear Lake High School a Title I school?

No, Bear Lake High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bear Lake High School?

59.3% of students at Bear Lake High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
30 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
118
Student-Teacher Ratio
19.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
6
Free/Reduced Lunch
59.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Manistee County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
24.6%
4-Year Graduation
80%+

District

Bear Lake Schools
District Enrollment
284
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,914
District Rank
#1 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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