Alpena County Schools & Education
Alpena County, Michigan
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
21/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
83.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
83.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,471
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,394
School Score
21/100
Higher = better
State avg 35/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#72
of 83 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Alpena County
School Verdict
Alpena County faces educational challenges with a school score of 21/100 and a graduation rate of 83.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,471 per pupil, Alpena County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Alpena County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 39% below the Michigan average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 0.5 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 12% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Alpena County, Michigan
Centralized Education in Northern Michigan
Alpena County services 3,710 students through 10 public schools, almost entirely managed by a single large district. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools and Alpena High School, one of the region's largest facilities.
Solid Performance Above State Standards
The county maintains an 83% graduation rate, which edges out the Michigan state average of 82.5%. While the per-pupil spending of $6,471 is lower than the state average, the county continues to support a large student population effectively.
The Dominance of Alpena Public Schools
Alpena Public Schools is the primary educational driver, enrolling 3,672 of the county's 3,710 total students. There are no charter schools in the county, as the community centers its resources on the traditional public school model.
Large Campus Feel in a Regional Hub
Alpena High School is a major regional center with 1,101 students, creating a more diverse environment than typical rural schools. The county splits its schools evenly between town and rural locales, with an average school size of 371 students.
Living Near a Regional Education Hub
Families looking for the resources of a large high school within a close-knit town setting should explore Alpena County. Consider homes near Thunder Bay Junior High or Alpena High to stay close to the county's academic core.
School Overview
Total Schools
10
in Alpena County
Total Enrollment
3,710
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Alpena County
Alpena Public Schools
Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona ESD
10 Public Schools in Alpena County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpena High School | Alpena Public Schools | 8–12 | High | 1,101 |
| Thunder Bay Junior High School | Alpena Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 844 |
| Ella M White Elementary | Alpena Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 472 |
| Besser Elementary School | Alpena Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 456 |
| Wilson Elementary | Alpena Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 260 |
| Sanborn Elementary | Alpena Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 195 |
| Hinks Elementary | Alpena Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 137 |
| Lincoln Elementary | Alpena Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 137 |
| ACES Academy | Alpena Public Schools | 7–12 | Alternative | 70 |
| Pied Piper School | Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona ESD | PK–12 | Special Education | 38 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,471
State avg $7,394
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Alpena County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Alpena County?
How much does Alpena County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Alpena County, Michigan — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Alpena County, Michigan?
Alpena County services 3,710 students through 10 public schools, almost entirely managed by a single large district. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools and Alpena High School, one of the region's largest facilities.
How do schools in Alpena County perform academically?
The county maintains an 83% graduation rate, which edges out the Michigan state average of 82.5%. While the per-pupil spending of $6,471 is lower than the state average, the county continues to support a large student population effectively.
What are the major school districts in Alpena County, Michigan?
Alpena Public Schools is the primary educational driver, enrolling 3,672 of the county's 3,710 total students. There are no charter schools in the county, as the community centers its resources on the traditional public school model.
What is the school experience like in Alpena County?
Alpena High School is a major regional center with 1,101 students, creating a more diverse environment than typical rural schools. The county splits its schools evenly between town and rural locales, with an average school size of 371 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Alpena County, Michigan?
Families looking for the resources of a large high school within a close-knit town setting should explore Alpena County. Consider homes near Thunder Bay Junior High or Alpena High to stay close to the county's academic core.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.