Average
#2144 of 3,190 schools in MI
Big Rapids High School
High School · Big Rapids Public Schools
21175 15 MILE RD, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Enrollment
747
Student-Teacher
22:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
747
Student-Teacher
22:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Big Rapids
#7 of 8
public schools
Michigan high schools
#492 of 812
In district
#5 of 5
Big Rapids Public Schools
Academic growth
8.2 / 10
Very strong
About Big Rapids High School
Big Rapids High School serves grades 9 through 12 in a rural area near the town of Big Rapids in Mecosta County. The school enrolls 747 students with a student-teacher ratio of 22:1, supported by 34 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, Big Rapids High School holds a MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10, ranking in the 71st percentile among Michigan's 3,204 schools.
The school's academic score of 7.6 out of 10 reflects mixed performance across subject areas. In English language arts and reading, 60% of students score at proficient levels or above, indicating solid performance in literacy. Mathematics presents an area with room for growth, with 40% of students achieving proficiency or above.
The school's performance data suggests it's focused on strengthening student development across all academic areas, particularly in math skill-building. As a regular public high school, Big Rapids serves the broader educational needs of its rural community and surrounding region.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Big Rapids High School is 22:1, 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, Big Rapids 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
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Big Rapids High School — Students at Big Rapids High School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
41.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 8.2/10.
How Big Rapids High School Compares
See how Big Rapids High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 37% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 57% (2019) to 62% (2021).
Location
21175 15 MILE RD, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Big Rapids High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Morley Stanwood High School (rated 6.5/10, 10.7 miles away, in nearby Morley), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Crossroads Charter Academy 612 (rated 6.3/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Reed City High School (rated 4.3/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Reed City), a more accessible option. For more schools in Big Rapids, see our Big Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 16.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Big Rapids Virtual School Big Rapids | 0.4 mi | 7.1 |
| Brookside Elementary School Big Rapids | 1.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Crossroads Charter Academy 612 Big Rapids | 1.6 mi | 6.3 |
| ST PETERS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Big Rapids | 1.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Crossroads Charter Academy K5 Big Rapids | 1.7 mi | 3.8 |
| Big Rapids Middle School Big Rapids | 2.0 mi | 6.5 |
| ST MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Big Rapids | 2.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Riverview Elementary School Big Rapids | 1.9 mi | 8.7 |
| MecostaOsceola Education Center Big Rapids | 2.4 mi | 8.8 |
| Morley Stanwood Elementary School Morley | 10.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Morley Stanwood Middle School Morley | 10.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Morley Stanwood High School Morley | 10.7 mi | 6.5 |
| Reed City Middle School Reed City | 12.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Reed City High School Reed City | 12.8 mi | 4.3 |
| GT Norman Elementary School Reed City | 13.1 mi | 7.5 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Reed City | 13.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Big Jackson Public School Paris | 10.5 mi | — |
| Lighthouse Academy Eagle Village Hersey | 14.3 mi | 8.1 |
| Mecosta Elementary School Mecosta | 14.3 mi | 8.5 |
| White Cloud Elementary School White Cloud | 16.5 mi | 7.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49307 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$54,803
Median Home Value
$179,600
Median Rent
$877/mo
Population
18,063
College Educated
30.8%
Homeownership
62.8%
Avg Commute
18 min
Poverty Rate
23.4%
Median Age
31.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Big Rapids High School has a median household income of $54,803. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $179,600, with a median rent of $877/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.4%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ACTech High School Ypsilanti, MI | 5.6 |
| Center Line High School Center Line, MI | 5.6 |
| Hamilton High School Hamilton, MI | 5.6 |
| Huron High School New Boston, MI | 5.6 |
| Kalkaska High School Kalkaska, MI | 5.6 |
| Kearsley High School Flint, MI | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Big Rapids High School
What grades does Big Rapids High School serve?
Big Rapids High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Big Rapids High School?
Big Rapids High School has an enrollment of approximately 747 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Big Rapids High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Big Rapids High School is 22:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Big Rapids High School rank in MI?
Big Rapids High School is ranked #2144 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Big Rapids High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Big Rapids High School has a composite rating of 5.6 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 Big Rapids High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Big Rapids High School has 39.5% math proficiency and 59.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Big Rapids High School a charter school?
No, Big Rapids High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Big Rapids High School a Title I school?
No, Big Rapids High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Big Rapids High School?
41.8% of students at Big Rapids 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (1,832/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Big Rapids). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 747
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 34
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 41.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Mecosta County
- Phone
- (231) 796-7651
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Big Rapids Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 2,383
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,664
- District Rank
- #5 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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