Best Alpena County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,499 students in Alpena County, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Alpena County, MI are Sanborn Elementary School, Pied Piper School and Besser Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Alpena County, MI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Alpena County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Alpena County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sanborn Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
12170 Us Highway 23 S
Ossineke, MI 49766
(989) 358-5800
Gr: K-5 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Pied Piper School
Special Education School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
444 Wilson St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-1414
Gr: PK-12 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Besser Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
375 Wilson St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5100
Gr: K-5 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Ella M White Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
201 N Ripley Blvd
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5950
Gr: K-5 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Hinks Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
7667 Us Highway 23 N
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5560
Gr: K-5 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #66.
Wilson Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4999 S Herron Rd
Herron, MI 49744
(989) 358-5700
Gr: K-5 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #77.
Thunder Bay Junior High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3500 S Third Ave
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5400
Gr: 6-8 | 796 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #88.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
309 W Lake St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5900
Gr: K-5 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Alpena County, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Alpena County, MI include Sanborn Elementary School, Pied Piper School and Besser Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Alpena County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Alpena County.
What is the racial composition of students in Alpena County?
Alpena County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Alpena County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.

Quick Links