For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 2,746 students in Big Rapids, MI (there are 2 private schools, serving 280 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Big Rapids, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Big Rapids, MI are Riverview Elementary School, Mecostaosceola Education Center and Big Rapids High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Big Rapids, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Big Rapids have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Big Rapids, MI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riverview Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
509 Willow Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-2550
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-2550
Gr: K-4 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Mecostaosceola Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
15700 190th Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Gr: PK-12 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Big Rapids High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
21175 15 Mile Rd
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-7651
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-7651
Gr: 9-12 | 755 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Brookside Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
210 Escott St
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-8323
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-8323
Gr: PK-4 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
Big Rapids Middle School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 N Warren Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9965
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9965
Gr: 5-8 | 644 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #66.
Crossroads Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
215 Spruce St W
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9041
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9041
Gr: K-12 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #77.
Crossroads Charter Academy K5
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
215 N State St
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-6589
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-6589
Gr: K-5 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #88.
Big Rapids Virtual School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
14980 215th Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3489
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3489
Gr: K-12 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 115:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
Earlyon
Special Education School
15760 190th Ave, Board Of Educ
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Gr: PK
Rank: n/an/a
410 N 3rd Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 598-9700
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 598-9700
Gr: PK-K | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: n/an/a
Mecostaosceola Career Center
Vocational School
15830 190th Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Gr: 11-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Big Rapids, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Big Rapids, MI include Riverview Elementary School, Mecostaosceola Education Center and Big Rapids High School.
How many public schools are located in Big Rapids?
11 public schools are located in Big Rapids.
What percentage of students in Big Rapids go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Big Rapids are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Big Rapids?
Big Rapids public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Big Rapids are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Big Rapids include: Riverview Elementary School vs. Brookside Elementary School, Mecostaosceola Education Center vs. Crossroads Charter Academy, Brookside Elementary School vs. Riverview Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
