Grand Traverse County Schools & Education
Grand Traverse County, Michigan
School Score
43/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
89.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,962
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,394
School Score
43/100
Higher = better
State avg 35/100
State School Rank
#21
of 83 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Robust Infrastructure in Traverse City
Grand Traverse County features a well-developed system of 31 public schools serving 12,234 students across 7 districts. The landscape is diverse, including 16 elementary schools and 8 high schools to support a growing population.
Exceptional Graduation and School Scores
The county excels with an 89.9% graduation rate, nearly 3 percentage points higher than the national average. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,962, the composite school score of 53.4 is one of the highest in the region.
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) dominates the region, managing 16 schools and 8,689 students. Charter schools also play a significant role, with 5 campuses like Grand Traverse Academy making up 16.1% of all schools.
Large Town Schools Meet Rural Options
The county is split between 16 town-based and 15 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 408 students. West Senior High is the largest facility with 1,509 students, offering a comprehensive high school experience.
Home Buying in a Top-Tier District
Grand Traverse County is a premier destination for families prioritizing school performance and high graduation rates. Researching homes within the TCAPS or Kingsley Area boundaries can provide long-term value for your household.
School Overview
Total Schools
31
in Grand Traverse County
Total Enrollment
12,234
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
5
16% of total
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in Grand Traverse County
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Kingsley Area Schools
Grand Traverse Academy
Northwest Education Services
The Greenspire School
Woodland School
Old Mission Peninsula School
31 Public Schools in Grand Traverse County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Senior High | Traverse City Area Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,509 |
| Central High School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | 8–12 | High | 1,387 |
| West Middle School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,081 |
| Grand Traverse Academy | Grand Traverse Academy | PK–12 | Charter | 787 |
| East Middle School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 786 |
| Kingsley Area Elementary School | Kingsley Area Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 571 |
| Central Grade School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–6 | Primary | 516 |
| Kingsley Area High School | Kingsley Area Schools | 9–12 | High | 457 |
| Kingsley Area Middle School | Kingsley Area Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 457 |
| Eastern Elementary School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 454 |
| Willow Hill Elementary School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 421 |
| Westwoods Elementary School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 368 |
| Cherry Knoll Elementary School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 357 |
| Long Lake Elementary School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 352 |
| TCAPS Montessori School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 307 |
| Silver Lake Elementary School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 306 |
| Traverse Heights Elem School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 257 |
| Mill Creek Elementary School | Elk Rapids Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 249 |
| Courtade Elementary School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 218 |
| Blair Elementary School | Traverse City Area Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 212 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,962
State avg $7,394
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Grand Traverse County, Michigan — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
Grand Traverse County features a well-developed system of 31 public schools serving 12,234 students across 7 districts. The landscape is diverse, including 16 elementary schools and 8 high schools to support a growing population.
How do schools in Grand Traverse County perform academically?
The county excels with an 89.9% graduation rate, nearly 3 percentage points higher than the national average. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,962, the composite school score of 53.4 is one of the highest in the region.
What are the major school districts in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) dominates the region, managing 16 schools and 8,689 students. Charter schools also play a significant role, with 5 campuses like Grand Traverse Academy making up 16.1% of all schools.
What is the school experience like in Grand Traverse County?
The county is split between 16 town-based and 15 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 408 students. West Senior High is the largest facility with 1,509 students, offering a comprehensive high school experience.
How can I find homes near good schools in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
Grand Traverse County is a premier destination for families prioritizing school performance and high graduation rates. Researching homes within the TCAPS or Kingsley Area boundaries can provide long-term value for your household.
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.