Clare County Schools & Education
Clare County, Michigan
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
24/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
78.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
78.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,010
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,394
School Score
24/100
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
#63
of 83 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Clare County
School Verdict
Clare County faces educational challenges with a school score of 24/100 and a graduation rate of 78.8%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $7,010 per pupil, Clare County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Clare County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 32% below the Michigan average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 3.7 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 5% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Clare County, Michigan
Small-Town Districts Support Central Michigan
Clare County operates 13 public schools across four districts, serving a total of 3,922 students. The landscape is evenly distributed among three elementary, three middle, and five high schools. This structure focuses on traditional public education, as there are currently no charter schools operating within the county.
Improving Outcomes Through Focused Local Resources
The county reports a graduation rate of 78.8%, which sits below the state average of 82.5%. Educators work with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,010, trailing both the state average and the $13,000 national benchmark. Despite these challenges, the composite school score of 47.7 reflects a dedicated effort to maintain quality across its rural and town-based campuses.
Clare and Harrison Lead the Way
Clare Public Schools is the largest provider in the area, enrolling 1,605 students across four facilities. Harrison Community Schools follows closely, serving 1,260 students and managing the 606-student Robert M Larson Elementary. Farwell Area Schools rounds out the major districts, providing vital services to over 1,000 students in the region.
A Town-Centric Education Experience
Ten of the county's 13 schools are located in town settings, giving the area a centralized, community-oriented feel. The average school size is 302 students, ensuring that teachers and administrators know their pupils well. Large primary schools like Clare Primary and Robert M Larson Elementary serve as major hubs for the county's youngest learners.
Settle Into a Community-Focused District
Prospective homeowners in Clare County benefit from consolidated town districts that serve as the heart of the local community. Neighborhoods in the Clare Public Schools boundary offer proximity to the county’s largest elementary and high schools. Focus your home search here if you value a traditional, town-based school environment.
School Overview
Total Schools
13
in Clare County
Total Enrollment
3,922
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Clare County
Clare Public Schools
Harrison Community Schools
Farwell Area Schools
Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District
13 Public Schools in Clare County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clare Primary School | Clare Public Schools | KG–4 | Primary | 606 |
| Robert M Larson Elementary School | Harrison Community Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 606 |
| Clare Middle School | Clare Public Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 489 |
| Clare High School | Clare Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 465 |
| Harrison Community High School | Harrison Community Schools | 9–12 | High | 341 |
| Farwell High School | Farwell Area Schools | 8–12 | High | 335 |
| Farwell Elementary School | Farwell Area Schools | PK–3 | Primary | 329 |
| Farwell Middle School | Farwell Area Schools | 4–7 | Middle | 300 |
| Harrison Middle School | Harrison Community Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 282 |
| ClareGladwin Area School | Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District | PK–12 | Special Education | 49 |
| Clare Pioneer High School | Clare Public Schools | 9–12 | Alternative | 45 |
| Farwell Timberland Alternative High School | Farwell Area Schools | 8–12 | Alternative | 44 |
| Harrison Alternative Education | Harrison Community Schools | 8–11 | Alternative | 31 |
Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,010
State avg $7,394
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Clare County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Clare County?
How much does Clare County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clare County, Michigan — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clare County, Michigan?
Clare County operates 13 public schools across four districts, serving a total of 3,922 students. The landscape is evenly distributed among three elementary, three middle, and five high schools. This structure focuses on traditional public education, as there are currently no charter schools operating within the county.
How do schools in Clare County perform academically?
The county reports a graduation rate of 78.8%, which sits below the state average of 82.5%. Educators work with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,010, trailing both the state average and the $13,000 national benchmark. Despite these challenges, the composite school score of 47.7 reflects a dedicated effort to maintain quality across its rural and town-based campuses.
What are the major school districts in Clare County, Michigan?
Clare Public Schools is the largest provider in the area, enrolling 1,605 students across four facilities. Harrison Community Schools follows closely, serving 1,260 students and managing the 606-student Robert M Larson Elementary. Farwell Area Schools rounds out the major districts, providing vital services to over 1,000 students in the region.
What is the school experience like in Clare County?
Ten of the county's 13 schools are located in town settings, giving the area a centralized, community-oriented feel. The average school size is 302 students, ensuring that teachers and administrators know their pupils well. Large primary schools like Clare Primary and Robert M Larson Elementary serve as major hubs for the county's youngest learners.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clare County, Michigan?
Prospective homeowners in Clare County benefit from consolidated town districts that serve as the heart of the local community. Neighborhoods in the Clare Public Schools boundary offer proximity to the county’s largest elementary and high schools. Focus your home search here if you value a traditional, town-based school environment.
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.