Berrien County Schools & Education
Berrien County, Michigan
School Score
18/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
63.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
63.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,912
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,394
School Score
18/100
Higher = better
State avg 35/100
State School Rank
#74
of 83 counties (1 = best)
Explore Berrien County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Berrien County, Michigan
A Large and Diverse School Infrastructure
Berrien County boasts a massive educational footprint with 75 public schools serving over 21,584 students across 20 districts. This infrastructure includes 31 elementary schools and 22 high schools, making it one of the largest school systems in the region.
Meeting Modern Performance Challenges
The county faces performance headwind with a graduation rate of 63.4%, which sits below the Michigan average of 82.5%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,912, roughly $480 less than the state average and well below the $13,000 national benchmark.
A Major Hub for Public and Charter Education
Berrien Springs Public Schools serves 4,351 students, while Niles Community Schools operates 11 schools for 3,275 students. The county also provides variety through five charter schools and 11 alternative education programs to serve diverse student needs.
From Suburbs to Rural Landscapes
The locale mix is highly diverse, with 31 schools in suburban areas and 21 in rural settings. While St. Joseph High School is the largest with 988 students, the county average of 288 students per school suggests many residents enjoy smaller, more personalized learning environments.
Finding Your Place in Berrien
With 20 different districts to choose from, families have a wide range of academic environments and housing styles to explore. Use local school scores as a guide when researching the vibrant neighborhoods of St. Joseph or Niles.
School Overview
Total Schools
75
in Berrien County
Total Enrollment
21,584
students
School Districts
20
districts
Charter Schools
5
7% of total
School Type Breakdown
20 School Districts in Berrien County
Berrien Springs Public Schools
Niles Community Schools
St. Joseph Public Schools
Lakeshore School District (Berrien)
Buchanan Community Schools
Watervliet School District
Benton Harbor Area Schools
Brandywine Community Schools
Coloma Community Schools
Bridgman Public Schools
75 Public Schools in Berrien County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Joseph High School | St. Joseph Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 988 |
| Lakeshore High School | Lakeshore School District (Berrien) | 9–12 | High | 856 |
| Niles Senior High School | Niles Community Schools | 9–12 | High | 834 |
| Upton Middle School | St. Joseph Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 665 |
| Lakeshore Middle School | Lakeshore School District (Berrien) | 6–8 | Middle | 611 |
| Berrien Springs High School | Berrien Springs Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 561 |
| Ring Lardner Middle School | Niles Community Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 554 |
| Ballard Elementary School | Niles Community Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 538 |
| Buchanan High School | Buchanan Community Schools | 8–12 | High | 522 |
| Benton Harbor High School | Benton Harbor Area Schools | 9–12 | High | 495 |
| Clarke School | St. Joseph Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 483 |
| Benton Harbor Charter School Academy | Benton Harbor Charter School Academy | PK–9 | Charter | 442 |
| Eastside Connections School | Niles Community Schools | KG–8 | Primary | 432 |
| Lincoln School | St. Joseph Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 421 |
| Stewart Elementary School | Lakeshore School District (Berrien) | PK–5 | Primary | 414 |
| Berrien Springs Middle School | Berrien Springs Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 408 |
| Countryside Academy Elementary | Countryside Academy | PK–5 | Charter | 406 |
| Roosevelt Elementary School | Lakeshore School District (Berrien) | PK–5 | Primary | 404 |
| Hollywood Elementary School | Lakeshore School District (Berrien) | PK–5 | Primary | 403 |
| Brown School | St. Joseph Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 398 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,912
State avg $7,394
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Berrien County, Michigan — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Berrien County, Michigan?
Berrien County boasts a massive educational footprint with 75 public schools serving over 21,584 students across 20 districts. This infrastructure includes 31 elementary schools and 22 high schools, making it one of the largest school systems in the region.
How do schools in Berrien County perform academically?
The county faces performance headwind with a graduation rate of 63.4%, which sits below the Michigan average of 82.5%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,912, roughly $480 less than the state average and well below the $13,000 national benchmark.
What are the major school districts in Berrien County, Michigan?
Berrien Springs Public Schools serves 4,351 students, while Niles Community Schools operates 11 schools for 3,275 students. The county also provides variety through five charter schools and 11 alternative education programs to serve diverse student needs.
What is the school experience like in Berrien County?
The locale mix is highly diverse, with 31 schools in suburban areas and 21 in rural settings. While St. Joseph High School is the largest with 988 students, the county average of 288 students per school suggests many residents enjoy smaller, more personalized learning environments.
How can I find homes near good schools in Berrien County, Michigan?
With 20 different districts to choose from, families have a wide range of academic environments and housing styles to explore. Use local school scores as a guide when researching the vibrant neighborhoods of St. Joseph or Niles.
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.