ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø

Van Buren Independent School District

490 South Paw Paw St
Lawrence, MI 49064-9328
9/
10
Top 20%

Top Rankings

Van Buren Independent School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Michigan for:

Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 20%)
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)
Student Attention
Lowest student:teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 104 students in Van Buren Independent School District. This district's average middle testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public middle schools in Michigan.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Middle Schools in Van Buren Independent School District have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Michigan public middle school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 44% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public middle school average of 42% (majority Black).

Overview

This School District
This State (MI)
# Schools
4 Schools
1,349 Schools
# Students
149 Students
537,315 Students
# Teachers
73 Teachers
31,652 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
4:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Van Buren Independent School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 851 school districts in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 20% has decreased from 50% over five school years.
This School District
State Average (MI)
#153 out of 866 school districts
(Top 20%)
40-49%
34%
50-59%
45%
40-59%
38%
≤20%
81%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.52
0.60
% American Indian
1%
1%
% Asian
n/a
4%
% Hispanic
16%
9%
% Black
9%
23%
% White
67%
58%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $387,973 is higher than the state median of $18,510. The school district revenue/student has grown by 19% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $372,034 is higher than the state median of $17,693. The school district spending/student has grown by 19% over four school years.
This School District
This State (MI)
Total Revenue
$58 MM
$25,476 MM
Spending
$55 MM
$24,351 MM
Revenue / Student
$387,973
$18,510
Spending / Student
$372,034
$17,693

Best Van Buren Independent School District ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Middle Schools (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Bert Goens Learning Center
Special Education School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
701 S Paw Paw St
Lawrence, MI 49064
(269) 539-5032
Grades: PK-12
| 72 students
Rank: #22.
Maple Creek Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
30 S Walnut St
Bangor, MI 49013
(269) 427-7961
Grades: K-12
| 32 students

Recent Articles

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools?
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • District size: 4 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 149 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 4:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 33%
  • : ≤20% (Btm 50% in MI)
  • : Top 20%
  • : 40-49% (Top 20%)
  • : 50-59% (Top 20%)
  • : 40-59% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

Quick Links