Arenac County Schools & Education
Arenac County, Michigan
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
87.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,734
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,394
School Score
34/100
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
#38
of 83 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Arenac County
School Verdict
Arenac County faces educational challenges with a school score of 34/100 and a graduation rate of 87.6%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,734 per pupil, Arenac County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Arenac County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 2% below the Michigan average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 5.1 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 9% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Arenac County, Michigan
Focused Schooling in East Michigan
Arenac County operates six public schools that serve 1,921 students across two main districts. The county maintains three elementary schools and two high schools to support its student population.
Exceeding State and National Benchmarks
The county's graduation rate of 87.6% beats both the Michigan average and the national benchmark. This success is maintained despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,734, demonstrating high efficiency in local educational spending.
Standish-Sterling and Au Gres-Sims
Standish-Sterling Community Schools is the largest district, educating 1,505 students across three schools. Au Gres-Sims School District serves the remaining students, with no charter schools operating within the county.
A Purely Rural Educational Experience
Every school in Arenac County is located in a rural setting, fostering a tight-knit community feel. Standish-Sterling Central Jr/Sr High is the largest facility with 694 students, while Au Gres-Sims High remains small and intimate with just 141 students.
Rural Roots and Academic Success
With strong graduation rates and a focused, rural school environment, Arenac County is ideal for families seeking stability. Look for properties in the Standish area to join a community that values high-quality, local education.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Arenac County
Total Enrollment
1,921
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 Arenac County
Standish-Sterling Community Schools
Au Gres-Sims School District
6 Public Schools in Arenac County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StandishSterling Central JrSr High School | Standish-Sterling Community Schools | 7–12 | High | 694 |
| StandishSterling Central Elementary School | Standish-Sterling Community Schools | PK–6 | Primary | 636 |
| Au GresSims Elementary School | Au Gres-Sims School District | PK–5 | Primary | 180 |
| Sterling Elementary School | Standish-Sterling Community Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 175 |
| Au GresSims High School | Au Gres-Sims School District | 9–12 | High | 141 |
| Au GresSims Middle School | Au Gres-Sims School District | 6–8 | Middle | 95 |
Standish-Sterling Community Schools
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,734
State avg $7,394
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Arenac County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Arenac County?
How much does Arenac County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Arenac County, Michigan — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Arenac County, Michigan?
Arenac County operates six public schools that serve 1,921 students across two main districts. The county maintains three elementary schools and two high schools to support its student population.
How do schools in Arenac County perform academically?
The county's graduation rate of 87.6% beats both the Michigan average and the national benchmark. This success is maintained despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,734, demonstrating high efficiency in local educational spending.
What are the major school districts in Arenac County, Michigan?
Standish-Sterling Community Schools is the largest district, educating 1,505 students across three schools. Au Gres-Sims School District serves the remaining students, with no charter schools operating within the county.
What is the school experience like in Arenac County?
Every school in Arenac County is located in a rural setting, fostering a tight-knit community feel. Standish-Sterling Central Jr/Sr High is the largest facility with 694 students, while Au Gres-Sims High remains small and intimate with just 141 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Arenac County, Michigan?
With strong graduation rates and a focused, rural school environment, Arenac County is ideal for families seeking stability. Look for properties in the Standish area to join a community that values high-quality, local education.
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.