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Average

#2565 of 3,190 schools in MI

Benzie Central SR High School

High School · Benzie County Central Schools

9300 HOMESTEAD RD, Benzonia, MI 49616

Enrollment

322

Student-Teacher

21.5:1

Score

5.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Benzonia

#3 of 4

public schools

Michigan high schools

#619 of 812

In district

#4 of 6

Benzie County Central Schools

Equity

7.8 / 10

Very strong

About Benzie Central SR High School

Benzie Central Sr High School is a regular public high school located in the rural setting near Benzonia, Michigan. The school serves students from ninth through twelfth grade with an enrollment of 322 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 21.5:1, ensuring a relatively personalized learning environment. With 15 full-time equivalent teachers, students receive individual attention to help them succeed academically.

Benzie Central Sr High School has a MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10 and ranks at #1554 among Michigan’s 3204 high schools. The school's academic score is 6.7/10, indicating areas for improvement but also showing potential for growth. In terms of proficiency rates, 62% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 32% are proficient or above in Math.

Set amidst a rural landscape near the town, Benzie Central Sr High School provides a tight-knit community feel where students can connect with their peers and teachers. The school’s setting offers a unique blend of small-town charm and natural beauty, creating an inviting environment for learning and growth.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Benzie Central SR High School is 21.5:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Located in a rural area, Benzie Central SR High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.1Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-2.5 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics7.7Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32%
Reading/ELA Proficiency57%
Overall Proficiency45%
Expected (poverty-adj.)41%
vs. Expected+3.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile65th
College Readiness4.1Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation12.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.1Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,124

Benzie Central SR High School — Students at Benzie Central SR High School score 44% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

53.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 32.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 62.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
32%
ELA
67%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
57%

* 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: 5.1/10.

How Benzie Central SR High School Compares

See how Benzie Central SR High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.0/10
20th percentile in MI
Academic
7.7/10
7.7/10
Growth
5.1/10
Above average
Environment
3.1/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers

Location

9300 HOMESTEAD RD, Benzonia, MI 49616

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Benzie Central SR High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. INTERLOCHEN ARTS ACADEMY (rated 8.7/10, 14.0 miles away, in nearby Interlochen), which scores notably higher. Another option is THE LEELANAU SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 20.7 miles away, in nearby Glen Arbor), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Bear Lake High School (rated 6.2/10, 14.5 miles away, in nearby Bear Lake), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Benzonia, see our Benzonia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Benzie Central Middle School Benzonia 0.1 mi 6.7
Benzie Academy Benzonia 0.1 mi 4.7
Homestead Hills Elementary School Benzonia 2.1 mi 6.0
Betsie Valley School Thompsonville 10.3 mi 4.5
Frankfort High School Frankfort 8.6 mi 6.0
Frankfort Elementary School Frankfort 9.0 mi 8.2
Lake Ann Elementary School Interlochen 10.8 mi 6.8
Bear Lake High School Bear Lake 14.5 mi 6.2
Bear Lake Elementary School Bear Lake 14.5 mi 4.3
Glen Lake Community School Maple City 17.3 mi 5.7
PLEASANTVIEW MENNONITE SCHOOL Kaleva 18.1 mi
INTERLOCHEN ARTS ACADEMY Interlochen 14.0 mi 8.7
Westwoods Elementary School Traverse City 15.1 mi 5.1
Onekama Consolidated Schools Onekama 19.0 mi 7.8
THE LEELANAU SCHOOL Glen Arbor 20.7 mi 8.0
Brethren Middle School Brethren 21.8 mi 8.3
Brethren High School Brethren 21.8 mi 4.2
KND Elementary Brethren 21.8 mi 4.5
Long Lake Elementary School Traverse City 18.4 mi 5.7
Silver Lake Elementary School Traverse City 18.4 mi 5.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49616 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$49,224

Median Home Value

$204,100

Median Rent

$594/mo

Population

2,177

College Educated

26.3%

Homeownership

91.1%

Poverty Rate

24%

Median Age

51.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Benzie Central SR High School has a median household income of $49,224. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $204,100, with a median rent of $594/month. The area has a poverty rate of 24.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Deckerville Community High School Deckerville, MI 5.0
Madison High School Madison Heights, MI 5.0
New Haven High School New Haven, MI 5.0
Springport High School Springport, MI 5.0
Westwood High School Ishpeming, MI 5.0
Beal City High School Mount Pleasant, MI 5.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Benzie Central SR High School

What grades does Benzie Central SR High School serve?

Benzie Central SR High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Benzie Central SR High School?

Benzie Central SR High School has an enrollment of approximately 322 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Benzie Central SR High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Benzie Central SR High School is 21.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Benzie Central SR High School rank in MI?

Benzie Central SR High School is ranked #2565 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Benzie Central SR High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Benzie Central SR High School has a composite rating of 5.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Benzie Central SR High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Benzie Central SR High School has 32.0% math proficiency and 62.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Benzie Central SR High School a charter school?

No, Benzie Central SR High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Benzie Central SR High School a Title I school?

No, Benzie Central SR High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Benzie Central SR High School?

53.1% of students at Benzie Central SR 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

County Safety
Average (539/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
322
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Free/Reduced Lunch
53.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Benzie County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Benzie County Central Schools
District Enrollment
1,183
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,948
District Rank
#4 of 6

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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