For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 509 students in Forest Area Community Schools. This district's average testing ranking is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
Public Schools in Forest Area Community Schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 46% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Overview
This School District
This State (MI)
# Schools
3 Schools
3,508 Schools
# Students
509 Students
1,376,286 Students
# Teachers
35 Teachers
82,375 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Forest Area Community Schools, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 846 school districts in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 75% has decreased from 80-89% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#645 out of 862 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
38%
Graduation Rate
75%
81%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.30
0.56
% American Indian
8%
1%
% Asian
n/a
4%
% Hispanic
2%
9%
% Black
3%
18%
% White
83%
63%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $14,273 in this school district is less than the state median of $18,510. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $13,633 is less than the state median of $17,693. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$7 MM
$25,476 MM
Spending
$7 MM
$24,351 MM
Revenue / Student
$14,273
$18,510
Spending / Student
$13,633
$17,693
Best Forest Area Community Schools Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Forest Area High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
7661 Shippy Rd Sw
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Gr: 9-12 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Fife Lake Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
108 Pierce St
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 879-3362
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 879-3362
Gr: PK-3 | 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Forest Area Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7661 Shippy Rd Sw
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Gr: 4-8 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Forest Area Community Schools?
Forest Area Community Schools manages 3 public schools serving 509 students.
What is the rank of Forest Area Community Schools?
Forest Area Community Schools is ranked #646 out of 846 school districts in Michigan (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year.
What is the racial composition of students in Forest Area Community Schools?
83% of Forest Area Community Schools students are White, 8% of students are American Indian, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Forest Area Community Schools?
Forest Area Community Schools has a student/teacher ratio of 15:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What is Forest Area Community Schools's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $13,633 is less than the state median of $17,693. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Recent Articles

Bullying, Name-Calling & Put-Downs: Parent Guide 2025
Practical tips for parents to address bullying, name-calling, and put-downs—with 2025 data, policies, and expert strategies.

What Is a Magnet School? (2025 Guide)
Explore what a magnet school is, how it works, and its benefits in 2025. Clear explanation for parents, students, and educators.

Cooperative Learning in 2025: Evidence, Best Practices & Challenges
Explore cooperative learning in 2025—new data, updated practices, expert insights for educators and families.