For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 1,418 students in Plainwell, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Plainwell, MI are Gilkey Elementary School, Plainwell Middle School and Starr Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Plainwell, MI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Plainwell have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Plainwell, MI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gilkey Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
707 S Woodhams St
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-2424
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-2424
Gr: PK-5 | 439 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Plainwell Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
720 Brigham St
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5813
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5813
Gr: 6-8 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Starr Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
601 School Dr
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5835
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5835
Gr: PK-5 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Plainwell, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Plainwell, MI include Gilkey Elementary School, Plainwell Middle School and Starr Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Plainwell?
3 public elementary schools are located in Plainwell.
What is the racial composition of students in Plainwell?
Plainwell public elementary schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
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.