Vandercook Lake High School is a high school in Jackson, Michigan, United States. It is the home of the Jayhawk and they compete in the Cascades Conference.
Serving 294 students in grades 7-12, Vandercook Lake High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 294 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 10% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Vandercook Lake High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Vandercook Lake High School's student population of 294 students has declined by 40% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 40% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
294 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Colors
White, Red
School Rankings
Vandercook Lake High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,069 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Vandercook Lake High School is 0.39, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#2574 out of 3069 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
6%
9%
Black
4%
18%
White
77%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
12%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vandercook Lake High School's ranking?
Vandercook Lake High School is ranked #2574 out of 3,069 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Vandercook Lake High School often compared to?
Vandercook Lake High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jackson High School, Western High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% MI state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Vandercook Lake High School?
The graduation rate of Vandercook Lake High School is 95%, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Vandercook Lake High School?
294 students attend Vandercook Lake High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Vandercook Lake High School students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Vandercook Lake High School?
Vandercook Lake High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Vandercook Lake High School offer ?
Vandercook Lake High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Vandercook Lake High School part of?
Vandercook Lake High School is part of Vandercook Lake School District.
In what neighborhood is Vandercook Lake High School located?
Vandercook Lake High School is located in the Vandercook Lake neighborhood of Jackson, MI. There are 2 other public schools located in Vandercook Lake.
School Reviews
1 7/1/2019
This school has gone down hill fast. They do nothing to prepare for college and are zero help. There are only a few good teachers left. The administration needs to be replaced and a focus on in district kids to get more support from the community. I would not be shocked if this school is closed in the next 5 years. It is sad really it use to be one of the best in Jackson county but the arrogant ass running it now has no clue and wouldn't even let him teach gym let alone run a district.
Review Vandercook Lake High School. 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
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
