We’re proud to share some incredible news! All three of our elementary schools have earned A ratings on the Michigan Context and Performance (CAP) Report Card, issued by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
The CAP Report Card is a tool that looks beyond test scores. Instead of ranking schools only by how well students score on state exams, it also considers each school's student poverty rate — the strongest predictor of test performance in Michigan.
By comparing schools with similar poverty levels, the CAP Report shows which schools are helping students grow and succeed above expectations. In other words, it highlights schools that are doing an exceptional job helping all students learn — regardless of the challenges they may face outside the classroom.
A “C” rating means a school is performing about as expected based on its poverty level. An “A” rating means it’s far exceeding expectations — something very few schools across the state achieve.
Among the 2,188 elementary and middle schools in Michigan evaluated in this year’s study, Chippewa Hills schools were standouts:
Weidman Elementary earned an incredible 14th place overall
Mecosta Elementary ranked 103rd, and was also honored as one of Michigan’s Top 100 Most Improved Schools
Barryton Elementary earned the 149th spot
Each received an A rating, placing them in the top 7% of elementary and middle schools statewide — an extraordinary achievement and a reflection of the hard work happening every day in our schools.
Mecosta Elementary’s designation as a Top 100 Most Improved School highlights its strong upward momentum over time. This metric compares CAP scores from 2019 to 2025, excluding the disrupted 2020–21 COVID years. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Mecosta students and staff demonstrated remarkable growth, proving that focused, intentional effort leads to meaningful progress.
Our district’s success continues beyond the elementary level: Chippewa Hills Middle School earned a B rating, ranking 505th out of 2,188 schools, placing it in the top 23% statewide. This shows that our commitment to academic excellence and student support continues to grow alongside our learners.
Our overall success on the CAP Report is unmatched locally. When comparing results across our geographical area, Chippewa Hills emerged as the highest-performing district in the region! No other district in our area saw all of their elementary schools rated this highly — let alone all place in the top 150 statewide. This distinction makes us especially proud of the commitment and excellence happening right here at home.
These results are something our whole Warrior community can be proud of — not just because of the high scores, but because of what they show: our schools are helping students succeed, no matter their circumstances. It’s a reflection of the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the strong support of our families.
Congratulations, Warriors — this success belongs to all of us!