For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 5,438 students in Manistee County, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Manistee County, MI are Manistee Isd Center Programs, Manistee Middle High School and Onekama Consolidated Schools. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Manistee County, MI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Manistee County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Manistee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Manistee Isd Center Programs
Special Education School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
772 E Parkdale Ave
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-6205
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-6205
Gr: PK-12 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Manistee Middle High School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
525 12th St
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-2547
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-2547
Gr: 6-12 | 685 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Onekama Consolidated Schools
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5016 Main St
Onekama, MI 49675
(231) 889-5521
Onekama, MI 49675
(231) 889-5521
Gr: K-12 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
John F Kennedy Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1309 Madison Rd
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-3271
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-3271
Gr: 3-5 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Bear Lake Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7748 Cody St
Bear Lake, MI 49614
(231) 864-3133
Bear Lake, MI 49614
(231) 864-3133
Gr: PK-6 | 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #66.
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
515 Bryant Ave
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-9285
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-9285
Gr: K-2 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #77.
Knd Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4400 Highbridge Rd
Brethren, MI 49619
(231) 477-5353
Brethren, MI 49619
(231) 477-5353
Gr: K-6 | 289 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #88.
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy
Charter School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1309 Madison Rd
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 794-5999
Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 794-5999
Gr: PK-12 | 3,934 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Manistee County, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Manistee County, MI include Manistee Isd Center Programs, Manistee Middle High School and Onekama Consolidated Schools.
How many public elementary schools are located in Manistee County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Manistee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Manistee County?
Manistee County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Manistee County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Manistee County include: Manistee Middle High School vs. Onekama Consolidated Schools, Bear Lake Elementary School vs. Onekama Consolidated Schools, Knd Elementary School vs. Onekama Consolidated Schools
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.