Average
#1285 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 40% in state
Union High School
High School · Dowagiac Union School District
243 SOUTH FRONT ST, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Enrollment
530
Student-Teacher
19.6:1
Score
6.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
530
Student-Teacher
19.6:1
Score
6.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Dowagiac
#7 of 8
public schools
Michigan high schools
#250 of 812
In district
#6 of 7
Dowagiac Union School District
Academic growth
9.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Union High School
Union High School is a regular public high school in Dowagiac, Michigan, serving students from ninth through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 530 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 19.6:1, the school aims to provide personalized attention to each student. Located at 243 South Front Street, Union High School sits in a town on the edge of an urban area, offering both rural charm and easy access to nearby cities.
The academic performance of Union High is reflective of its ongoing efforts for improvement; it has a MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10 and ranks at #1569 among Michigan’s 3204 schools, placing it around the 51st percentile statewide. Students show proficiency rates of 42% in English Language Arts and Reading, while Math proficiency stands at 14%. Despite these figures, Union High continues to focus on student development and academic growth.
Union High School is situated in a community that blends small-town feel with proximity to urban amenities, making it an interesting blend for students looking to balance rural tranquility with city conveniences.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Union High School — Students at Union High School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
66%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.0/10.
How Union High School Compares
See how Union High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 17% (2019) to 12% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 47% (2021).
Location
243 SOUTH FRONT ST, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Union High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Pathfinders Alternative Ed (rated 6.9/10), with a very similar rating. Another option is Cassopolis High School (rated 6.6/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Cassopolis), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Volinia Outcome Base School (rated 6.1/10, 8.6 miles away, in nearby Marcellus), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Dowagiac, see our Dowagiac schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Pathfinders Alternative Ed Dowagiac | 0.0 mi | 6.9 |
| Patrick Hamilton Elementary Dowagiac | 0.2 mi | 7.6 |
| North Pointe Center Dowagiac | 0.6 mi | 8.3 |
| Justus Gage Elementary School Dowagiac | 0.8 mi | 6.7 |
| Dowagiac Middle School Dowagiac | 1.8 mi | 6.3 |
| CALVARY BIBLE ACADEMY Dowagiac | 1.6 mi | — |
| Kincheloe Elementary School Dowagiac | 4.1 mi | 8.1 |
| Brookside Learning Center Cassopolis | 6.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Sister Lakes Elementary School Dowagiac | 8.0 mi | 8.2 |
| Sam Adams Elementary School Cassopolis | 8.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Cassopolis Middle School Cassopolis | 8.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Cassopolis Alternative Ed Cassopolis | 8.8 mi | — |
| Cassopolis High School Cassopolis | 8.8 mi | 6.6 |
| HowardEllis Elementary School Niles | 10.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Volinia Outcome Base School Marcellus | 8.6 mi | 6.1 |
| WAY Eau Claire Eau Claire | 9.5 mi | — |
| Decatur Jr Sr High School Decatur | 11.1 mi | 4.8 |
| Lybrook Elementary School Eau Claire | 9.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Davis Elementary School Decatur | 11.2 mi | 7.6 |
| 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Union High School has a median household income of $55,469. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $182,000, with a median rent of $750/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.4%. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| Alma Senior High School Alma, MI | 6.7 |
| Benton Harbor High School Benton Harbor, MI | 6.7 |
| Central High School Detroit, MI | 6.7 |
| Clinton High School Clinton, MI | 6.7 |
| Millington High School Millington, MI | 6.7 |
| Washtenaw Alliance for Virtual Education Ann Arbor, MI | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Union High School
What grades does Union High School serve?
Union High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Union High School?
Union High School has an enrollment of approximately 530 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Union High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Union High School is 19.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Union High School rank in MI?
Union High School is ranked #1285 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Union High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Union High School has a composite rating of 6.7 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 Union High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Union High School has 14.5% math proficiency and 42.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Union High School a charter school?
No, Union High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Union High School a Title I school?
No, Union High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Union High School?
66.0% of students at Union 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 (4,170/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Dowagiac). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 530
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 66.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- Cass County
- Phone
- (269) 782-4420
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Dowagiac Union School District- District Enrollment
- 1,860
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,432
- District Rank
- #6 of 7
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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.