Average
#1168 of 3,192 schools in MI
Top 37% in state
Pathfinders Alternative Ed
High School · Dowagiac Union School District
243 SOUTH FRONT ST, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Enrollment
50
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
6.8
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
50
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
6.8
Grades
6th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#1,168 of 3,192
In Dowagiac
#2 of 8
public schools
In district
#1 of 7
Dowagiac Union School District
Academic growth
9.5 / 10
Excellent
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Pathfinders Alternative Ed
High School in Dowagiac · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Union High School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Patrick Hamilton Elementary
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Pathfinders Alternative Ed
Pathfinders Alternative Ed is a public high school in Dowagiac, MI, part of Dowagiac Union School District. Pathfinders Alternative Ed serves approximately 50 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Pathfinders Alternative Ed has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,168 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Pathfinders Alternative Ed show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2017) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2017).
- This school 6.8 · Average
- District avg 6.8
- MI avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 50 students, Pathfinders Alternative Ed 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Pathfinders Alternative Ed — Students at Pathfinders Alternative Ed score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 27%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
76%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2016-17)
Based on 10 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.5/10.
How Pathfinders Alternative Ed Compares
See how Pathfinders Alternative Ed 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
243 SOUTH FRONT ST, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pathfinders Alternative Ed may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Union High School (rated 6.7/10), with a very similar rating. Another option is Cassopolis High School (rated 6.6/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Cassopolis), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Decatur Jr Sr High School (rated 5.5/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Decatur), a more accessible option. For more schools in Dowagiac, see our Dowagiac schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Union High School Dowagiac | 0.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Patrick Hamilton Elementary Dowagiac | 0.3 mi | 4.0 |
| North Pointe Center Dowagiac | 0.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Justus Gage Elementary School Dowagiac | 0.9 mi | 5.1 |
| Dowagiac Middle School Dowagiac | 1.8 mi | 4.4 |
| CALVARY BIBLE ACADEMY Dowagiac | 1.6 mi | — |
| Kincheloe Elementary School Dowagiac | 4.1 mi | 4.9 |
| Brookside Learning Center Cassopolis | 6.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Sister Lakes Elementary School Dowagiac | 7.9 mi | 5.3 |
| Sam Adams Elementary School Cassopolis | 8.0 mi | 3.5 |
| Cassopolis Middle School Cassopolis | 8.0 mi | 7.1 |
| HowardEllis Elementary School Niles | 10.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Cassopolis Alternative Ed Cassopolis | 8.9 mi | — |
| Cassopolis High School Cassopolis | 8.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Volinia Outcome Base School Marcellus | 8.6 mi | 5.4 |
| WAY Eau Claire Eau Claire | 9.5 mi | — |
| Decatur Jr Sr High School Decatur | 11.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Lybrook Elementary School Eau Claire | 9.6 mi | 3.9 |
| Davis Elementary School Decatur | 11.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Berrien County Juvenile Center Saint Joseph | 9.8 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49047 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,469
Median Home Value
$182,000
Median Rent
$750/mo
Population
14,506
College Educated
21.2%
Homeownership
72.4%
Avg Commute
22.6 min
Poverty Rate
19.4%
Median Age
42.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Comstock Park Flex Academy Comstock Park, MI | 6.8 |
| John M Schultz Educational Campus Rochester Hills, MI | 6.8 |
| Chesaning Union Schools Alternative Education Chesaning, MI | 6.7 |
| Gull Lake Gateway Academy Richland, MI | 6.7 |
| Horizon Alternative School Hillsdale, MI | 6.9 |
| MESIVTA OF WEST BLOOMFIELD West Bloomfield, MI | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pathfinders Alternative Ed
What grades does Pathfinders Alternative Ed serve?
Pathfinders Alternative Ed serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Pathfinders Alternative Ed?
Pathfinders Alternative Ed has an enrollment of approximately 50 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pathfinders Alternative Ed?
The student-teacher ratio at Pathfinders Alternative Ed is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pathfinders Alternative Ed rank in MI?
Pathfinders Alternative Ed ranks #1,168 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Pathfinders Alternative Ed's MySchoolScout rating?
Pathfinders Alternative Ed has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 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 Pathfinders Alternative Ed?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Pathfinders Alternative Ed has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2017) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2017).
Is Pathfinders Alternative Ed a charter school?
No, Pathfinders Alternative Ed is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pathfinders Alternative Ed a Title I school?
No, Pathfinders Alternative Ed is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pathfinders Alternative Ed?
76.0% of students at Pathfinders Alternative Ed 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
- 50
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 3
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 76.0%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- Cass County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 8.0%
- Phone
- (269) 782-4471
- 4-Year Graduation
- 30.0%
Resources & Links
District
Dowagiac Union School District- District Enrollment
- 1,860
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,432
- District Rank
- #1 of 7
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