Kingsford High School, located at 431 Hamilton Avenue in Kingsford, Michigan, is a public secondary institution under the Breitung Township School District. With a proud legacy of academic discipline and athletic excellence, it serves as a central hub for education in Dickinson County.
Founded in the mid-20th century, Kingsford High School is known for its strong community involvement, consistent graduation rates, and evolving educational programs tailored to today’s learners.
Location and District Profile
Situated in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Kingsford High School draws students from Kingsford, Iron Mountain, and nearby townships. The school is part of the Breitung Township School District, one of the most recognized in the region for small-town public education.
The surrounding area provides a safe, tight-knit community atmosphere, and the school plays a vital role in local civic life. Its central location makes it easily accessible to students throughout Dickinson County.
Administration and Faculty Strength
The school is led by a principal backed by a team of assistant principals, counselors, and department heads. According to local education board reports, the leadership emphasizes transparency, inclusion, and 21st-century learning practices.
Kingsford High School employs approximately 27 full-time equivalent teachers and maintains a student body of about 600. This results in a student-to-teacher ratio of roughly 22:1—ideal for maintaining individual attention while supporting diverse course offerings.
As noted in a regional education review by Niche, Kingsford’s faculty has earned praise for being “engaging, experienced, and responsive to student needs.”
Academic Performance and Curriculum
Kingsford High School offers a balanced academic environment focused on college readiness and life skills. It consistently performs well across state testing metrics and has received a B+ overall grade from school rating platforms.
| Academic Metric | Score/Status |
|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 95% |
| Reading Proficiency | ~77% |
| Math Proficiency | ~42% |
| SAT Average Score | ~1150 |
| ACT Average Score | ~26 |
| AP Enrollment Rate | ~16% of students |
The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses across subjects like English, History, Calculus, and the Sciences. Guidance counselors help students plan academic tracks suited to their college or career goals. Students also benefit from partnerships with nearby institutions for dual-enrollment and vocational training programs.
Campus Facilities and Upgrades
Kingsford High School’s facilities are continuously being upgraded to match evolving educational needs. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the campus has undergone recent improvements funded by district bonds and community-approved sinking funds.
Key facilities include:
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A modern auditorium and music wing
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Fully equipped science laboratories
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State-of-the-art computer labs and SMART classrooms
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An athletic stadium (“Flivver Field”), gyms, and fitness rooms
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A student café and common lounges for collaborative learning
In a report published by the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, Kingsford High School was cited as a key asset in the local education infrastructure thanks to these enhancements.
Extracurricular Activities and Athletics
Kingsford offers a wide range of student organizations, including:
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Student Council
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National Honor Society
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Key Club
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French Club
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Yearbook Committee
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4-H and SADD chapters
Athletically, the school competes in the Great Northern Upper Peninsula Conference, with teams in:
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Football
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Hockey
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Basketball
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Wrestling
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Track & Field
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Tennis
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Golf
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Baseball
In 2023, Kingsford earned district titles in wrestling and made strong playoff appearances in basketball. Their football program, played at Flivver Field, enjoys strong community support and draws large local crowds during the fall season.
School Culture and Student Life
Kingsford’s student culture is defined by its values of academic discipline, school pride, and mutual respect. A recent student feedback survey indicated that:
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88% of students feel safe at school
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74% report active engagement in learning
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81% participate in at least one extracurricular activity
The school also promotes mental health through counseling services and peer mentoring programs, while events like homecoming, spirit week, and spring showcase nights foster a strong sense of unity.
Notable Alumni and Achievements
One of Kingsford’s most celebrated alumni is Dr. Steve Short (Class of 2005), a prominent sports medicine specialist who served as VP of Sports Medicine for a major NBA franchise.
Other alumni have gone on to pursue careers in law, healthcare, business, education, and engineering—often citing Kingsford’s academic support and extracurricular preparation as pivotal to their success.
School newsletters and regional media often spotlight student and alumni achievements in sports, science competitions, and community service.
Future Prospects and District Vision
Kingsford High School’s forward trajectory is backed by a clear district vision:
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Continued investment in AP and STEM curriculum
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Expansion of digital learning tools and 1:1 device programs
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Strengthening ties with local colleges and the Iron Mountain Career Center
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Enhanced professional development for teachers
With district-level leadership emphasizing innovation, and the school board maintaining steady funding through responsible fiscal policies, Kingsford High School is expected to remain a top-tier choice for families in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kingsford High School located?
431 Hamilton Avenue, Kingsford, MI 49802, USA.
What grade levels does it serve?
Grades 9–12.
How is the academic performance?
It has a graduation rate around 95% and strong reading scores (77% proficiency). SAT and ACT averages are above state norms.
Does the school offer AP classes?
Yes, around 16% of students are enrolled in Advanced Placement programs.
What is the school’s student-teacher ratio?
Approximately 22:1.
Are there sports teams and clubs?
Yes, Kingsford High has a wide selection of both, including football, hockey, student council, yearbook, and more.
What are the school’s values?
Respect, academic integrity, citizenship, and community service are core to Kingsford’s philosophy.
Final Thoughts
Kingsford High School combines strong academics, engaged faculty, and a robust extracurricular culture into a welcoming environment. Supported by community partnerships and district funding, it continues to evolve as a leading institution for public education in northern Michigan.
For students and families seeking a school where education goes hand-in-hand with character development, Kingsford High School is a place worth considering.
