Manistee County Schools & Education
Manistee County, Michigan
School Score
4/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
58.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
58.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,655
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,394
School Score
4/100
Higher = better
State avg 35/100
State School Rank
#83
of 83 counties (1 = best)
Explore Manistee County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Manistee County, Michigan
A Diverse Mix of Local and Virtual Schools
Manistee County hosts 14 public schools serving 5,994 students through seven distinct districts. The landscape includes five elementary schools and five high schools, supported by a mix of traditional and charter options. The presence of a large virtual academy significantly expands the county's educational reach beyond its physical borders.
Addressing Challenges in Graduation and Funding
The county faces academic headwinds with a graduation rate of 58.9%, which falls below the state average of 82.5%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,655, trailing the Michigan average by nearly $1,800. These metrics contribute to a composite school score of 34.3, indicating a need for targeted educational investment.
Virtual Academy Shapes the District Landscape
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy is the largest entity, enrolling 3,389 students through its charter program. Among traditional brick-and-mortar options, Manistee Area Public Schools leads with 1,225 students across three schools. Two other charter schools operate in the county, providing alternative choices for 14.3% of the total school population.
Rural Roots with Large Virtual Classrooms
Physical schools in Manistee are split between rural settings (8) and town locales (6), providing a classic small-town feel. While the average school size is 461, this is skewed by the virtual academy; traditional schools like KND Elementary are much more intimate. Students often find themselves in close-knit environments where the school serves as a central community hub.
Discover Homes in Quiet School Communities
Manistee County offers a unique choice between traditional small-town schools and flexible virtual learning options. Families looking for a slower pace of life will appreciate the rural and town-based districts near Lake Michigan. Consider local school proximity as you explore the charming residential real estate available across the county.
School Overview
Total Schools
14
in Manistee County
Total Enrollment
5,994
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
2
14% of total
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in Manistee County
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy
Manistee Area Public Schools
Kaleva Norman Dickson School District
Onekama Consolidated Schools
Bear Lake Schools
Casman Alternative Academy
Manistee ISD
14 Public Schools in Manistee County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy | Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy | PK–12 | Charter | 3,389 |
| Manistee Middle High School | Manistee Area Public Schools | 6–12 | High | 687 |
| Onekama Consolidated Schools | Onekama Consolidated Schools | KG–12 | Other | 304 |
| KND Elementary | Kaleva Norman Dickson School District | KG–6 | Primary | 289 |
| John F Kennedy Elem School | Manistee Area Public Schools | 3–5 | Primary | 279 |
| Thomas Jefferson Elem School | Manistee Area Public Schools | KG–2 | Primary | 259 |
| Brethren High School | Kaleva Norman Dickson School District | 9–12 | High | 177 |
| Bear Lake Elementary School | Bear Lake Schools | PK–6 | Primary | 163 |
| Betsie Valley School | Benzie County Central Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 136 |
| Bear Lake High School | Bear Lake Schools | 7–12 | High | 127 |
| Brethren Middle School | Kaleva Norman Dickson School District | 7–8 | Middle | 73 |
| Casman Alternative Academy | Casman Alternative Academy | 7–12 | Charter | 63 |
| Manistee ISD Center Programs | Manistee ISD | PK–12 | Special Education | 48 |
| Oaks Correctional Facility | Michigan Department of Corrections | 9–12 | Alternative | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,655
State avg $7,394
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Manistee County, Michigan — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Manistee County, Michigan?
Manistee County hosts 14 public schools serving 5,994 students through seven distinct districts. The landscape includes five elementary schools and five high schools, supported by a mix of traditional and charter options. The presence of a large virtual academy significantly expands the county's educational reach beyond its physical borders.
How do schools in Manistee County perform academically?
The county faces academic headwinds with a graduation rate of 58.9%, which falls below the state average of 82.5%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,655, trailing the Michigan average by nearly $1,800. These metrics contribute to a composite school score of 34.3, indicating a need for targeted educational investment.
What are the major school districts in Manistee County, Michigan?
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy is the largest entity, enrolling 3,389 students through its charter program. Among traditional brick-and-mortar options, Manistee Area Public Schools leads with 1,225 students across three schools. Two other charter schools operate in the county, providing alternative choices for 14.3% of the total school population.
What is the school experience like in Manistee County?
Physical schools in Manistee are split between rural settings (8) and town locales (6), providing a classic small-town feel. While the average school size is 461, this is skewed by the virtual academy; traditional schools like KND Elementary are much more intimate. Students often find themselves in close-knit environments where the school serves as a central community hub.
How can I find homes near good schools in Manistee County, Michigan?
Manistee County offers a unique choice between traditional small-town schools and flexible virtual learning options. Families looking for a slower pace of life will appreciate the rural and town-based districts near Lake Michigan. Consider local school proximity as you explore the charming residential real estate available across the county.
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.