Best East Lansing Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 4,773 students in East Lansing, MI (there are 4 private schools, serving 637 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in East Lansing, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in East Lansing, MI are Whitehills Elementary School, Glencairn School and Robert L Green Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
East Lansing, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in East Lansing have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in East Lansing, MI (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Whitehills Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
621 Pebblebrook Ln
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 333-7900
Gr: PK-5 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #22.
Glencairn School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
939 N Harrison Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 333-7930
Gr: PK-5 | 298 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
Robert L Green Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1811 Pinecrest Dr
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 333-7870
Gr: PK-5 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #44.
East Lansing High School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
509 Burcham Dr
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 333-7500
Gr: 9-12 | 1,231 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #55.
Marble School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
729 N Hagadorn Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 333-7860
Gr: PK-5 | 306 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #66.
Macdonald Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1601 Burcham Dr
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 333-7600
Gr: 6-8 | 857 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #77.
Red Cedar School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1110 Narcissus Dr
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 333-5060
Gr: PK-5 | 189 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #88.
Cole Academy East
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2921 E Coleman Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 580-3470
Gr: K-5 | 148 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #99.
Donley Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2961 E Lake Lansing Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 333-7370
Gr: PK-5 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #1010.
Great Lakes Learning Academy Mshs
Charter School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2875 Eyde Pkwy
East Lansing, MI 48823
(810) 471-4989
Gr: 6-12 | 760 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #1111.
Great Lakes Learning Academy Alternative High School
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2875 Eyde Pkwy
East Lansing, MI 48823
(810) 471-4989
Gr: 9-12 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 33:1 Minority enrollment: 50%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in East Lansing, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in East Lansing, MI include Whitehills Elementary School, Glencairn School and Robert L Green Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in East Lansing?
11 public schools are located in East Lansing.
What percentage of students in East Lansing go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in East Lansing are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in East Lansing?
East Lansing public schools minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in East Lansing are often viewed compared to one another?

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