Original Research by School Decision on Clinton-massie High School
Clinton-Massie High School sits in a rural village setting in west-central Clinton County, about half a square mile of residential countryside dotted with mini-farms and horse properties. The school itself is part of a consolidated 74-acre campus outside the village core, serving grades nine through twelve. The community is small and stable, with no meaningful population growth, and everyday life centers on local shopping with larger errands requiring a drive to Wilmington or Lebanon. Route access to Interstate 71 has drawn modest residential development to the surrounding area in recent years.
The school's academic profile shows mixed results across subjects. In the most recent year, students performed strongest in science and social studies, where proficiency reached solid ground. Performance in English language arts landed at a mid-range level. Mathematics proficiency, however, was lower and represents a soft spot; a parent considering this school may want to look into how the school is addressing math instruction and support. Only a single year of state data was available, so longer-term trends could not be assessed.
The student body is small and predominantly white, with minimal ethnic diversity and a handful of Hispanic and multiracial students. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a share consistent with many rural districts in the region. The enrollment is fairly evenly distributed across the freshman and sophomore years, with smaller cohorts as students progress to junior and senior year.
The district has weathered a period of financial strain. After levy defeats in 2024, the district cut staff and raised fees, then proceeded with further reductions in academic offerings for the current school year. In May 2025, voters approved an earned income tax that will begin generating revenue in April 2026, which the district intends to use to restore some electives and specials and address deferred facility maintenance such as roof repair, track work, and lighting. However, those cuts remain in effect through the current year, so a student's course options may be narrower than they would be in a better-funded district.
Housing in the area is moderately priced relative to national benchmarks and rents are manageable for the region. The school's rural-distant locale means a car-dependent environment with no public transit and limited walkable street life. The setting is quiet and family-oriented, with local parks and access to Cowan Lake State Park for outdoor recreation.
State testing data on graduation rates and chronic absenteeism for this school was not available. The school's website did not reveal detailed information on AP offerings, dual-credit pathways, or other advanced course options beyond the core curriculum.
See more original research from School Decision →