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Excellent

#257 of 3,192 schools in MI

Top 8% in state

Harrison Alternative Education

School · Harrison Community Schools

PO Box 529, Harrison, MI 48625

Enrollment

37

Student-Teacher

12.3:1

Score

8.2

Grades

8th – 11th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#257 of 3,192

In Harrison

#1 of 4

public schools

In district

#1 of 4

Harrison Community Schools

Academic growth

9.5 / 10

Excellent

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Harrison Alternative Education

8.2/10

School in Harrison · grades 8th – 11th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Robert M Larson Elementary School

6.1/10

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

Harrison Middle School

6.0/10

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

About Harrison Alternative Education

Harrison Alternative Education is a public school in Harrison, MI, part of Harrison Community Schools. Harrison Alternative Education serves approximately 37 students, and covers grades 8th-11th, and has a 12.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Harrison Alternative Education has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 out of 10 and ranks #257 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Harrison Alternative Education show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

How it compares1.3 pts above district
  • This school 8.2 · Excellent
  • District avg 6.9
  • MI avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 37 students, Harrison 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.

41% of students at Harrison Alternative Education were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/3 metrics
Student Progress9.5Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data8
Annual Change+0.02 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2021
TrendStable
Academics6.1Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25% (2021 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25% (2021 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency25% (2021 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)21% (model expectation from 2021 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+4.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile45th
College Readiness8.6Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate50%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,375
Chronic Absenteeism40.5%

Harrison Alternative Education — Students at Harrison Alternative Education score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 21%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

86.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 24.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 24.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A

Based on 16 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2010
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2011
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2012
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2013
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%

* 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: 9.5/10.

How Harrison Alternative Education Compares

See how Harrison Alternative Education performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.2/10
92th percentile in MI
Academic
6.1/10
Average
Growth
9.5/10
Excellent
Environment
8.8/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
87%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
3 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
40.5%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses3 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

PO Box 529, Harrison, MI 48625

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Harrison Alternative Education may also want to explore other schools in the area. Clare High School (rated 8.4/10, 13.5 miles away, in nearby Clare), with a very similar rating. Another option is ClareGladwin Area School (rated 8.0/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Clare), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Farwell High School (rated 8.0/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Farwell), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Harrison, see our Harrison schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 19.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Robert M Larson Elementary School Harrison 0.1 mi 6.1
Harrison Middle School Harrison 0.4 mi 6.0
Harrison Community High School Harrison 0.5 mi 7.5
ClareGladwin Area School Clare 4.3 mi 8.0
EAST DOVER SCHOOL Clare 10.0 mi 2.1
Farwell Timberland Alternative High School Farwell 12.1 mi 5.7
Farwell Middle School Farwell 12.8 mi 5.5
Farwell High School Farwell 12.8 mi 8.0
Farwell Elementary School Farwell 12.8 mi 6.1
Clare Pioneer High School Clare 13.2 mi 5.5
GREAT LAKES MENNONITE SCHOOL Clare 13.2 mi 4.7
Clare High School Clare 13.5 mi 8.4
Clare Primary School Clare 13.5 mi 4.3
Clare Middle School Clare 13.6 mi 6.0
SHADY LAWN AMISH PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Clare 13.5 mi
SKEELS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gladwin 11.9 mi 5.0
MEADOW BROOK Gladwin 13.8 mi
Gladwin Community Alternative HS Gladwin 14.3 mi
Houghton Lake JrSr High School Houghton Lake 19.6 mi 5.6
Collins Elementary School Houghton Lake 19.7 mi 4.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 48625 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$45,156

Median Home Value

$95,900

Median Rent

$615/mo

Population

12,939

College Educated

8.9%

Homeownership

88.4%

Avg Commute

33.7 min

Poverty Rate

23.2%

Median Age

51

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Harrison Alternative Education

What grades does Harrison Alternative Education serve?

Harrison Alternative Education serves students in grades 8th through 11th.

How many students attend Harrison Alternative Education?

Harrison Alternative Education has an enrollment of approximately 37 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Harrison Alternative Education?

The student-teacher ratio at Harrison Alternative Education is 12.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Harrison Alternative Education rank in MI?

Harrison Alternative Education ranks #257 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Harrison Alternative Education's MySchoolScout rating?

Harrison Alternative Education has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 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 Harrison Alternative Education?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Harrison Alternative Education has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

Is Harrison Alternative Education a charter school?

No, Harrison Alternative Education is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Harrison Alternative Education a Title I school?

No, Harrison Alternative Education is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Harrison Alternative Education?

86.5% of students at Harrison 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
43 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
8th – 11th
Enrollment
37
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
3
Free/Reduced Lunch
86.5%
Type
alternative
Setting
Distant Town
County
Clare County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
40.5%
4-Year Graduation
50%+

District

Harrison Community Schools
District Enrollment
1,251
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,375
District Rank
#1 of 4

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