Photo: Cityofhoughton1 · CC BY-SA 4.0Houghton’s public schools outscore 96% of Michigan districts
On the state math tests, 63% of Houghton’s students scored proficient, above the Michigan average (34%). The grade covers the public school district serving Houghton, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Michigan, not nationally.
From Michigan state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Houghton’s schools, in brief
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 68% and math 63% in spring 2022, against 45% and 34% statewide; 95–100% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 82%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,225 per student, against $16,528 across Michigan (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Houghton Middle School, then Houghton Central High School. Enrollment is up 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Houghton’s grade
A+: better than 96% of Michigan school districts, #14 of 699 Michigan towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Michigan average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Houghton, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Houghton
Houghton Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 618 students · 17:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Houghton
Houghton Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 618 students · 17:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Houghton
Houghton Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 618 students · 17:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Houghton
Houghton Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 618 students · 17:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Houghton
Houghton Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 618 students · 17:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Houghton
Houghton Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 618 students · 17:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Houghton
Houghton Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 359 students · 16:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Houghton
Houghton Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 359 students · 16:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Houghton
Houghton Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 359 students · 16:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Houghton
Houghton Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 481 students · 15:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Houghton
Houghton Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 481 students · 15:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Houghton
Houghton Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 481 students · 15:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Houghton
Houghton Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 481 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Houghton’s public schools are run by Houghton-Portage Township Schools, which also serves Portage. Parts of Houghton (6% of its land) are served by Adams Township instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Houghton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Michigan towns that share Houghton’s borders.
Every school in Houghton
3 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Michigan’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Houghton’s schools
Are Houghton’s schools good?
By Michigan’s own tests, yes: the public schools Houghton children attend outscore 96% of Michigan’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A+ Schools grade, #14 of 699 Michigan towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 100%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Houghton in?
Houghton-Portage Township Schools, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 1,458 students in 3 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Houghton are served by Adams Township.
Where do Houghton kids go to high school?
Houghton Central High School, with 481 students; its own test results earn an A+.
What is Houghton’s graduation rate?
95–100% of the class of 2023 in Houghton-Portage Township Schools graduated in four years, against 82% across Michigan.
How much does Houghton spend per student?
$13,225 in Houghton-Portage Township Schools (FY2024), against $16,528 across Michigan. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Houghton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Houghton → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Michigan. Stars are from neighbors.