Serving 308 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Aa Rather School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is approximately equal to the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 308 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: A.A. Rather School serves the southern part of Ionia, MI, covering an area of approximately 27.9 square miles. Most students live within a 10-12 minute drive, with an average distance of 3.5 miles to the school and a maximum of 5.2 miles to the furthest edge of the attendance zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Aa Rather School's student population of 308 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 15 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
308 students
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Aa Rather School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Aa Rather School is 0.27, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1259 out of 3025 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
10%
9%
Black
1%
18%
White
85%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)20.8%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aa Rather School's ranking?
Aa Rather School is ranked #1259 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Aa Rather School often compared to?
Aa Rather Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rb Boyce Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Aa Rather School?
308 students attend Aa Rather School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Aa Rather School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Aa Rather School?
Aa Rather School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Aa Rather School offer ?
Aa Rather School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Aa Rather School part of?
Aa Rather School is part of Ionia School District.
School Reviews
Review Aa Rather School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.
