Ionia County Schools & Education
Ionia County, Michigan
School Score
19/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
80.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
80.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,560
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,394
School Score
19/100
Higher = better
State avg 35/100
State School Rank
#73
of 83 counties (1 = best)
Explore Ionia County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Ionia County, Michigan
Education in a Small-Town Setting
Ionia County operates 30 public schools across 9 districts, catering to a total enrollment of 10,295 students. The system is grounded in 15 elementary schools and 11 high schools, providing consistent coverage for local communities.
Competitive Performance on a Lean Budget
Ionia's 80.7% graduation rate approaches the state average of 82.5%, despite a per-pupil expenditure of just $6,560. This spending level is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000, yet the county maintains a respectable 47.7 composite school score.
Focusing on Local Public Districts
The Ionia Public Schools district is the largest provider with 2,812 students across 8 schools. Portland and Belding districts also play major roles, and notably, the county operates without any charter school facilities.
Rural Roots and Mid-Sized Schools
Education here is defined by 16 town schools and 14 rural campuses, creating an intimate average school size of 355 students. While the Link Learning Virtual Program enrolls 2,129 students, traditional campuses like Ionia High School serve roughly 805 students.
Searching for a Community-Focused Education
For families seeking a town or rural atmosphere, Ionia County offers a stable public school system without the presence of charters. Explore homes in Ionia or Portland to find a community where schools serve as central gathering points.
School Overview
Total Schools
30
in Ionia County
Total Enrollment
10,295
students
School Districts
9
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
9 School Districts in Ionia County
Ionia Public Schools
Portland Public Schools
Belding Area School District
Saranac Community Schools
Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools
Ionia ISD
Ionia Township S/D #2
Berlin Township S/D #3
Easton Township S/D #6
30 Public Schools in Ionia County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link Learning Virtual Program | Berrien Springs Public Schools | 9–12 | Alternative | 2,129 |
| Ionia High School | Ionia Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 805 |
| Portland High School | Portland Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 702 |
| Ionia Middle School | Ionia Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 664 |
| Belding High School | Belding Area School District | 9–12 | High | 557 |
| Oakwood Elementary School | Portland Public Schools | PK–2 | Primary | 497 |
| Lakewood Elementary School | Lakewood Public Schools | 1–4 | Primary | 493 |
| Saranac Elementary School | Saranac Community Schools | PK–6 | Primary | 434 |
| Portland Middle School | Portland Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 415 |
| Westwood Elementary School | Portland Public Schools | 3–5 | Primary | 405 |
| Saranac JrSr High School | Saranac Community Schools | 7–12 | High | 405 |
| Ellis Elementary School | Belding Area School District | KG–2 | Primary | 394 |
| Woodview Elementary School | Belding Area School District | 3–5 | Primary | 373 |
| Belding Middle School | Belding Area School District | 6–8 | Middle | 325 |
| AA Rather School | Ionia Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 321 |
| Jefferson School | Ionia Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 315 |
| RB Boyce Elementary School | Ionia Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 264 |
| PewamoWestphalia Elementary School | Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 190 |
| Twin Rivers Elementary School | Ionia Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 188 |
| Emerson School | Ionia Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 172 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,560
State avg $7,394
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Ionia County, Michigan — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Ionia County, Michigan?
Ionia County operates 30 public schools across 9 districts, catering to a total enrollment of 10,295 students. The system is grounded in 15 elementary schools and 11 high schools, providing consistent coverage for local communities.
How do schools in Ionia County perform academically?
Ionia's 80.7% graduation rate approaches the state average of 82.5%, despite a per-pupil expenditure of just $6,560. This spending level is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000, yet the county maintains a respectable 47.7 composite school score.
What are the major school districts in Ionia County, Michigan?
The Ionia Public Schools district is the largest provider with 2,812 students across 8 schools. Portland and Belding districts also play major roles, and notably, the county operates without any charter school facilities.
What is the school experience like in Ionia County?
Education here is defined by 16 town schools and 14 rural campuses, creating an intimate average school size of 355 students. While the Link Learning Virtual Program enrolls 2,129 students, traditional campuses like Ionia High School serve roughly 805 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Ionia County, Michigan?
For families seeking a town or rural atmosphere, Ionia County offers a stable public school system without the presence of charters. Explore homes in Ionia or Portland to find a community where schools serve as central gathering points.
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.