Serving 166 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Emerson School ranks in the bottom 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 30-34% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 166 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Emerson School serves the southwest part of Ionia, MI, within an attendance zone that covers approximately 1.4 square miles. Families in this area typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of about 0.7 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 1.1 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Emerson School's student population of 166 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 12 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
166 students
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Emerson School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Emerson School is 0.44, 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
#1738 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
21%
9%
Black
n/a
18%
White
72%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.2%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emerson School's ranking?
Emerson School is ranked #1738 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
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 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Emerson School?
166 students attend Emerson School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Emerson School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Emerson School?
Emerson School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Emerson School offer ?
Emerson School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Emerson School part of?
Emerson School is part of Ionia School District.
School Reviews
Review Emerson 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
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.
