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Average

#1222 of 3,192 schools in MI

Top 38% in state

Tawas Area High School

High School · Tawas Area Schools

255 WEST M 55, Tawas City, MI 48763

Enrollment

348

Student-Teacher

20.5:1

Score

6.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#1,222 of 3,192

In Tawas City

#3 of 5

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

Tawas Area Schools

Academic growth

8.1 / 10

Excellent

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Tawas Area High School

6.8/10

High School in Tawas City · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Tawas Area Middle School

5.5/10

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

Clara B Bolen Elementary School

7.1/10

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

About Tawas Area High School

Tawas Area High School is a public high school in Tawas City, MI, part of Tawas Area Schools. Tawas Area High School serves approximately 348 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Tawas Area High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,222 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Tawas Area High School show 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

How it comparesOn par with MI schools
  • This school 6.8 · Average
  • MI avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Tawas Area High School runs 20.5:1 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.

36% of students at Tawas Area High School 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.58 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics7.3Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency37% (2021 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency52% (2021 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency45% (2021 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)45% (model expectation from 2021 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-0.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile60th
College Readiness7.4Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation11.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,159
Chronic Absenteeism35.6%

Tawas Area High School — Students at Tawas Area High School score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 36.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 59.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A

Based on 26 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
58%
ELA
75%
2010
Math
64%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
24%
ELA
59%
2012
Math
23%
ELA
57%
2013
Math
32%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
33%
ELA
71%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
2.5%
ELA
2.5%
2018
Math
42%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
42%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
37%
ELA
52%

* 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: 8.1/10.

How Tawas Area High School Compares

See how Tawas Area High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.8/10
62th percentile in MI
Academic
7.3/10
Very Good
Growth
8.1/10
Excellent
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.5
Sports
14
7 boys' · 7 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
47%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
11.5% participation·State avg: 2.5 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics14sports offered
7 boys'·7 girls'·18 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 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

255 WEST M 55, Tawas City, MI 48763

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Tawas Area High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Oscoda Area High School (rated 8.0/10, 12.6 miles away, in nearby Oscoda), which scores notably higher. Another option is Alcona Community High School (rated 7.6/10, 26.9 miles away, in nearby Harrisville), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Au GresSims High School (rated 7.1/10, 18.0 miles away, in nearby Au Gres), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Tawas City, see our Tawas City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 32.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Tawas Area Middle School Tawas City 0.0 mi 5.5
Clara B Bolen Elementary School Tawas City 0.2 mi 7.1
Alternative Educational Academy of Iosco County Tawas City 0.7 mi 5.2
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL East Tawas 1.9 mi 5.8
Iosco RESA Special Education Tawas City 2.5 mi 7.8
Richardson Elementary School Oscoda 12.5 mi 8.0
Oscoda Area High School Oscoda 12.6 mi 8.0
PINECREST SCHOOL Hale 13.5 mi
Au GresSims Elementary School Au Gres 18.0 mi 8.3
Au GresSims High School Au Gres 18.0 mi 7.1
Au GresSims Middle School Au Gres 18.0 mi 7.0
Hale Area School Hale 15.2 mi 9.0
WhittemorePrescott Area Elementary Whittemore 17.4 mi 3.6
WhittemorePrescott JrSr High School Whittemore 17.6 mi 7.1
Alcona Community High School Harrisville 26.9 mi 7.6
Alcona Elementary School Harrisville 27.1 mi 4.0
Caseville School K12 Caseville 26.7 mi 6.9
StandishSterling Central JrSr High School Standish 27.7 mi 7.1
StandishSterling Central Elementary School Standish 28.1 mi 6.2
ST JOHN'S EV. LUTHERAN SCHOOL Pigeon 32.7 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 48763 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,160

Median Home Value

$154,100

Median Rent

$851/mo

Population

4,837

College Educated

21.7%

Homeownership

88.4%

Avg Commute

22.3 min

Poverty Rate

10.5%

Median Age

51.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Arbor Preparatory High School Ypsilanti, MI 6.8
Bark RiverHarris JrSr High School Harris, MI 6.8
Breckenridge High School Breckenridge, MI 6.8
Chippewa Hills High School Remus, MI 6.8
Grass Lake High School Grass Lake, MI 6.8
Jackson Preparatory Early College Jackson, MI 6.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tawas Area High School

What grades does Tawas Area High School serve?

Tawas Area High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Tawas Area High School?

Tawas Area High School has an enrollment of approximately 348 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Tawas Area High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Tawas Area High School is 20.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Tawas Area High School rank in MI?

Tawas Area High School ranks #1,222 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Tawas Area High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Tawas Area High School 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 Tawas Area High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Tawas Area High School has 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

Is Tawas Area High School a charter school?

No, Tawas Area High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Tawas Area High School a Title I school?

No, Tawas Area High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Tawas Area High School?

46.6% of students at Tawas Area 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

Walk Score
18 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
35 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
348
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Iosco County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.6%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Tawas Area Schools
District Enrollment
1,138
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,159
District Rank
#2 of 3

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