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#2411 of 3,192 schools in MI

Vanderbilt Area School

School · Vanderbilt Area Schools

947 DONOVAN ST, Vanderbilt, MI 49795

Enrollment

112

Student-Teacher

28:1

Score

5.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#2,411 of 3,192

Equity

7.3 / 10

Very Good

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Vanderbilt Area School

5.2/10

School in Vanderbilt · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg

7.2/10

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

North Ohio Elementary School

6.2/10

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

About Vanderbilt Area School

Vanderbilt Area School is a public school in Vanderbilt, MI, part of Vanderbilt Area Schools. Vanderbilt Area School serves approximately 112 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 28:1 student-teacher ratio. Vanderbilt Area School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,411 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Vanderbilt Area School show 23% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.0 pts below MI schools
  • This school 5.2 · Average
  • MI avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 112 students, Vanderbilt Area School 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.

Vanderbilt Area School runs 28:1 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.

Vanderbilt Area School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.7Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.39 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics7.1Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency34.1% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-16.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7.8 pts
Overall Proficiency30% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)17% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+12.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile58th
College Readiness4.1Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate<50%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio28:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,714
Chronic Absenteeism44.6%

Vanderbilt Area School — Students at Vanderbilt Area School score 30% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 17%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

92.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 22.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
35.4% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 35.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
45.5% (2022 EdFacts)

Based on 38 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
67%
ELA
62%
2010
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
12%
ELA
42%
2012
Math
5%
ELA
42%
2013
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2014
Math
15%
ELA
24.5%
2015
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2016
Math
15%
ELA
24.5%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2018
Math
15%
ELA
34.5%
2019
Math
15%
ELA
34.5%
2020*
Math
15%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
15%
ELA
24.5%
2022
Math
25%
ELA
34.8%

* 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: 6.7/10.

How Vanderbilt Area School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.2/10
25th percentile in MI
Academic
7.1/10
Very Good
Growth
6.7/10
Average
Environment
2.4/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
93%
Teaching Staff
28:1 student-teacher ratio
4 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
44.6%

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

947 DONOVAN ST, Vanderbilt, MI 49795

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Vanderbilt Area School may also want to explore other schools in the area. Boyne Falls Public School (rated 8.1/10, 14.1 miles away, in nearby Boyne Falls), which scores notably higher. Another option is COP ESD Programs (rated 7.5/10, 22.0 miles away, in nearby Indian River), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Alanson Public School (rated 7.4/10, 21.7 miles away, in nearby Alanson), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Vanderbilt, see our Vanderbilt schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 17.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Gaylord High SchoolVoc Bldg Gaylord 6.8 mi 7.2
North Ohio Elementary School Gaylord 7.4 mi 6.2
ST MARY CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Gaylord 7.9 mi 5.7
OTSEGO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gaylord 8.4 mi 3.8
Gaylord Intermediate School Gaylord 8.4 mi 6.6
South Maple Elementary School Gaylord 8.5 mi 7.4
Gaylord Middle School Gaylord 8.6 mi 6.5
Wolverine Elementary School Wolverine 9.0 mi 4.9
Wolverine MiddleHigh School Wolverine 9.1 mi 5.8
Inland Lakes Elementary School Indian River 17.6 mi 4.1
Inland Lakes Secondary School Indian River 17.6 mi 7.2
JohannesburgLewiston High School Johannesburg 14.8 mi 8.1
JohannesburgLewiston ElementaryMiddle School Johannesburg 14.8 mi 5.2
Boyne Falls Public School Boyne Falls 14.1 mi 8.1
NORTHERN MICHIGAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Burt Lake 20.3 mi 4.9
Concord Academy Boyne Boyne City 15.7 mi 6.8
COP ESD Programs Indian River 22.0 mi 7.5
Alanson Public School Alanson 21.7 mi 7.4
Concord Academy Petoskey Petoskey 19.7 mi 6.7
Boyne City Elementary School Boyne City 17.3 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49795 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$57,367

Median Home Value

$162,700

Median Rent

$918/mo

Population

1,918

College Educated

13.4%

Homeownership

78.3%

Avg Commute

21.5 min

Poverty Rate

20.2%

Median Age

44.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST ACADEMY Carson City, MI 5.2
Seiter Education Center Greenville, MI 5.2
SKEELS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gladwin, MI 5.0
Hillside Learning Center Allegan, MI 5.5
NORTHERN MICHIGAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Burt Lake, MI 4.9
Pine Grove Learning Center Wyoming, MI 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Vanderbilt Area School

What grades does Vanderbilt Area School serve?

Vanderbilt Area School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Vanderbilt Area School?

Vanderbilt Area School has an enrollment of approximately 112 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Vanderbilt Area School?

The student-teacher ratio at Vanderbilt Area School is 28:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Vanderbilt Area School rank in MI?

Vanderbilt Area School ranks #2,411 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Vanderbilt Area School's MySchoolScout rating?

Vanderbilt Area School 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 Vanderbilt Area School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Vanderbilt Area School has 23% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Vanderbilt Area School a charter school?

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

Is Vanderbilt Area School a Title I school?

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

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

92.9% of students at Vanderbilt Area 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
14 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
43 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
112
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
Teachers (FTE)
4
Free/Reduced Lunch
92.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Otsego County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
44.6%
4-Year Graduation
<50%

District

Vanderbilt Area Schools
District Enrollment
112
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,714
District Rank
#1 of 1

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