Serving 50 students in grades 6-12, Pathfinders Alternative Education ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 43%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 50 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Graduation Rate: ≤20% (Btm 50% in MI)
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pathfinders Alternative Education ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Pathfinders Alternative Education's student population of 50 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 3 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
50 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
The diversity score of Pathfinders Alternative Education is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(17-18)<50%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(17-18)<50%
43%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
16%
9%
Black
6%
18%
White
66%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≤20%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MI state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Pathfinders Alternative Education?
The graduation rate of Pathfinders Alternative Education is 20%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Pathfinders Alternative Education?
50 students attend Pathfinders Alternative Education.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Pathfinders Alternative Education students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Black, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Pathfinders Alternative Education?
Pathfinders Alternative Education has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Pathfinders Alternative Education offer ?
Pathfinders Alternative Education offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Pathfinders Alternative Education part of?
Pathfinders Alternative Education is part of Dowagiac Union School District.
School Reviews
Review Pathfinders Alternative Education. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.
Demystifying IEPs
Unlock the power of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in this comprehensive guide. Discover how IEPs support students with diverse needs, including behavioral challenges. This article is a must-read for parents navigating the education system and aspiring teachers seeking to make a positive impact.
December 16, 2024
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st CenturyExplore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.