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Pathfinders Alternative Education

501 N Paul St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
8/
10
Top 30%
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 35%). 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 Facts (2025)

  • School Type: Alternative school
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 50 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 34%
  • : ≤10% (Btm 50% in MI)
  • : <50% (Top 20%)
  • : <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:

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.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
50 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve

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.
This School
State Level (MI)
<50%
35%
(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
0.53
≤10%
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
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

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 35% 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 10%, 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 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is Pathfinders Alternative Education part of?
Pathfinders Alternative Education is part of Dowagiac Union School District.

School Reviews

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Quick Facts (2025)

  • School Type: Alternative school
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 50 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 34%
  • : ≤10% (Btm 50%)
  • : <50% (Top 20%)
  • : <50% (Top 1%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

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