Serving 470 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Besser Elementary 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 36% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 470 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 11%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 36% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Besser Elementary School serves the northeast part of Alpena, MI, covering an area of approximately 27.3 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 8.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Besser Elementary School's student population of 470 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
470 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Besser Elementary 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 Besser Elementary School is 0.20, 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
#1483 out of 3025 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
35%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
16:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
4%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
4%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
89%
63%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.6%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Besser Elementary School's ranking?
Besser Elementary School is ranked #1483 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Besser Elementary School often compared to?
Besser Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ella M White Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Wilson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
36% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Besser Elementary School?
470 students attend Besser Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Besser Elementary School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Besser Elementary School?
Besser Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Besser Elementary School offer ?
Besser Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Besser Elementary School part of?
Besser Elementary School is part of Alpena School District.
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