Average
#2370 of 3,192 schools in MI
Columbia Alternative Education
High School · Columbia School District
4460 NORTH LAKE RD, Clarklake, MI 49234
Enrollment
85
Student-Teacher
28.3:1
Score
5.2
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
85
Student-Teacher
28.3:1
Score
5.2
Grades
6th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#2,370 of 3,192
In district
#3 of 4
Columbia School District
Academic growth
9.4 / 10
Excellent
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Columbia Alternative Education
High School in Clarklake · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Columbia Central High School
3.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Jackson Preparatory Early College
4.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Columbia Alternative Education
Columbia Alternative Education is a public high school in Clarklake, MI, part of Columbia School District. Columbia Alternative Education serves approximately 85 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 28.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Columbia Alternative Education has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,370 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Columbia Alternative Education show 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).
- This school 5.2 · Average
- District avg 6.0
- MI avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 85 students, Columbia Alternative Education 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.
Test scores at Columbia Alternative Education sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.
Columbia Alternative Education runs 28.3:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Columbia Alternative Education — Students at Columbia Alternative Education score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
63.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 20 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: 9.4/10.
How Columbia Alternative Education Compares
See how Columbia Alternative Education performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
4460 NORTH LAKE RD, Clarklake, MI 49234
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Columbia Alternative Education may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Jackson Preparatory Early College (rated 6.8/10, 4.4 miles away, in nearby Jackson), which scores notably higher. Another option is Columbia Central High School (rated 6.7/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Brooklyn), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Napoleon High School (rated 6.1/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Napoleon), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Clarklake, see our Clarklake schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Central High School Brooklyn | 3.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Jackson Preparatory Early College Jackson | 4.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Townsend Elementary School Jackson | 5.1 mi | 4.3 |
| Vandercook Lake High School Jackson | 5.9 mi | 5.4 |
| Vandercook Lake Virtual Academy Jackson | 5.9 mi | 3.6 |
| Ackerson High School Napoleon | 5.1 mi | 4.9 |
| Columbia Elementary School Brooklyn | 4.9 mi | 5.0 |
| Napoleon Middle School Napoleon | 5.2 mi | 5.5 |
| Columbia Upper Elementary School Brooklyn | 5.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Ezra Eby Elementary School Napoleon | 5.3 mi | 5.4 |
| Napoleon High School Napoleon | 5.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Michigan Center JrSr High School Michigan Center | 6.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Keicher Elementary School Michigan Center | 7.2 mi | 4.8 |
| John R Lewis Elementary Jackson | 7.2 mi | 3.8 |
| Arnold Elementary School Michigan Center | 7.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Sharp Park Academy Jackson | 7.4 mi | 7.8 |
| Middle School at Parkside Jackson | 7.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Fourth Street Learning Center Jackson | 7.9 mi | 8.7 |
| East Jackson Secondary School Jackson | 9.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Addison High School Addison | 9.5 mi | 5.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49234 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$113,333
Median Home Value
$280,800
Median Rent
$1,166/mo
Population
2,480
College Educated
35%
Homeownership
91.5%
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Median Age
53.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Brandywine Innovation Academy Niles, MI | 5.2 |
| FAPSGEAR UP ACADEMY Fenton, MI | 5.2 |
| Lake Huron Virtual Hybrid High School New Haven, MI | 5.2 |
| Marshall Opportunity High School Albion, MI | 5.2 |
| ACES Academy Alpena, MI | 5.3 |
| New Beginnings Alternative High School Cedar Springs, MI | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbia Alternative Education
What grades does Columbia Alternative Education serve?
Columbia Alternative Education serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Columbia Alternative Education?
Columbia Alternative Education has an enrollment of approximately 85 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbia Alternative Education?
The student-teacher ratio at Columbia Alternative Education is 28.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Columbia Alternative Education rank in MI?
Columbia Alternative Education ranks #2,370 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Columbia Alternative Education's MySchoolScout rating?
Columbia Alternative Education has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 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 Columbia Alternative Education?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Columbia Alternative Education has 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).
Is Columbia Alternative Education a charter school?
No, Columbia Alternative Education is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Columbia Alternative Education a Title I school?
No, Columbia Alternative Education is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Columbia Alternative Education?
63.5% of students at Columbia Alternative Education qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 85
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 28.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 3
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 63.5%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Jackson County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 45.9%
- Phone
- (517) 529-9400
- 4-Year Graduation
- 30.0%
Resources & Links
District
Columbia School District- District Enrollment
- 1,431
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,987
- District Rank
- #3 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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