Delta County Schools & Education

Delta County, Michigan

NCES + U.S. Census Bureau

School Score

27/100

Higher = better

Rating

Below Average

Graduation Rate

84.8%

National avg 87.5%

Education Statistics

Graduation Rate

84.8%

National avg 87.5%

State avg 82.5%

Per-Pupil Spending

$6,745

National avg $13,239

State avg $7,394

School Score

27/100

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

#54

of 83 counties (1 = best)

Education Advisory: Delta County

School Verdict

Delta County faces educational challenges with a school score of 27/100 and a graduation rate of 84.8%, falling below typical benchmarks.

Funding Context

At $6,745 per pupil, Delta County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.

Attainment Context

Educational attainment data for Delta County is not available.

Neighbor Context

Its school score is 22% below the Michigan average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 2.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 9% lower than the state norm.

Education Overview

About Schools in Delta County, Michigan

A Strong Educational Foundation in the U.P.

Delta County operates 15 public schools across six districts, supporting a total enrollment of 4,368 students. The system is well-balanced with five elementary schools and five high schools, ensuring students have clear pathways from early childhood through graduation. The infrastructure is entirely traditional public schools, with no charter options currently present.

Outperforming State Averages in Graduation

Delta County excels in student outcomes, boasting an 84.8% graduation rate that significantly beats the Michigan average of 82.5%. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,745, highlighting a high level of efficiency. The county's school score of 50.2 mirrors the state average, indicating a reliable quality of education.

Escanaba and Gladstone Anchor the County

Escanaba Area Public Schools is the largest district, serving 2,129 students across five schools. Gladstone Area Schools also plays a major role, managing four schools and 1,490 students. Together, these two districts provide the vast majority of educational services for the county's coastal communities.

Town-Based Learning with a Personal Touch

With ten schools located in town settings, Delta County offers a structured, accessible educational experience. The average school size is 312 students, though Escanaba JuniorSenior High stands out as a major regional hub with 1,100 students. This mix allows for both intimate elementary settings and a robust, high-activity secondary experience.

Relocate to a Top-Graduating District

If graduation rates are your top priority, Delta County’s performance makes it a standout choice in the Upper Peninsula. Homes in Escanaba and Gladstone offer families proximity to high-performing schools and a strong sense of community. Research local properties to find your place in this high-achieving educational landscape.

School Overview

Total Schools

15

in Delta County

Total Enrollment

4,368

students

School Districts

6

districts

Charter Schools

0

0% of total

Student-Teacher Ratio

county average

Free Lunch (Median)

of students countywide

School Type Breakdown

Elementary5
Middle1
High5
Other4

6 School Districts in Delta County

Escanaba Area Public Schools

5 schools
2,129 students

Gladstone Area Schools

4 schools
1,490 students

Rapid River Public Schools

1 school
278 students

Mid Peninsula School District

1 school
191 students

Big Bay De Noc School District

1 school
176 students

Delta-Schoolcraft ISD

2 schools
77 students

15 Public Schools in Delta County

Escanaba JuniorSenior High School

Escanaba Area Public Schools

6–12High1,100 students
Escanaba Upper Elementary

Escanaba Area Public Schools

3–5Primary436 students
Gladstone Area High School

Gladstone Area Schools

9–12High430 students
Cameron Elementary School

Gladstone Area Schools

KG–2Primary378 students
James T Jones Elementary School

Gladstone Area Schools

3–5Primary343 students
Gladstone Area Middle School

Gladstone Area Schools

6–8Middle339 students
Lemmer Elementary School

Escanaba Area Public Schools

1–2Primary283 students
TriTownship School

Rapid River Public Schools

KG–12Other278 students
Webster Kindergarten Center

Escanaba Area Public Schools

KGPrimary224 students
Mid Peninsula School

Mid Peninsula School District

KG–12Other191 students
Big Bay De Noc School

Big Bay De Noc School District

PK–12Other176 students
Escanaba Student Success Center

Escanaba Area Public Schools

8–12Alternative86 students
Learning Center

Delta-Schoolcraft ISD

PK–12Special Education77 students
Bay Pines Center

Michigan Department of Human Services

6–12Special Education27 students
DeltaSchoolcraft Area Center

Delta-Schoolcraft ISD

10–12Vocational0 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$6,745

State avg $7,394

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do schools in Delta County rate?
Delta County has a school score of 27/100, which is considered below average. This score is calculated from graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and educational attainment data from NCES and the U.S. Census Bureau.
What is the graduation rate in Delta County?
The high school graduation rate in Delta County is 84.8%, which is below the national average of 87.5%. This figure is based on NCES district-level data for public high schools in the county.
How much does Delta County spend per student?
Delta County spends $6,745 per pupil annually on public education, based on NCES district finance data. This includes instructional costs, support services, and capital expenditures allocated across the student population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schools in Delta County, Michigan — FAQ

What does the school system look like in Delta County, Michigan?

Delta County operates 15 public schools across six districts, supporting a total enrollment of 4,368 students. The system is well-balanced with five elementary schools and five high schools, ensuring students have clear pathways from early childhood through graduation. The infrastructure is entirely traditional public schools, with no charter options currently present.

How do schools in Delta County perform academically?

Delta County excels in student outcomes, boasting an 84.8% graduation rate that significantly beats the Michigan average of 82.5%. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,745, highlighting a high level of efficiency. The county's school score of 50.2 mirrors the state average, indicating a reliable quality of education.

What are the major school districts in Delta County, Michigan?

Escanaba Area Public Schools is the largest district, serving 2,129 students across five schools. Gladstone Area Schools also plays a major role, managing four schools and 1,490 students. Together, these two districts provide the vast majority of educational services for the county's coastal communities.

What is the school experience like in Delta County?

With ten schools located in town settings, Delta County offers a structured, accessible educational experience. The average school size is 312 students, though Escanaba JuniorSenior High stands out as a major regional hub with 1,100 students. This mix allows for both intimate elementary settings and a robust, high-activity secondary experience.

How can I find homes near good schools in Delta County, Michigan?

If graduation rates are your top priority, Delta County’s performance makes it a standout choice in the Upper Peninsula. Homes in Escanaba and Gladstone offer families proximity to high-performing schools and a strong sense of community. Research local properties to find your place in this high-achieving educational landscape.

Counties with Similar School Profile

By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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.