For the 2026 school year, there are 30 public schools serving 10,972 students in Ionia County, MI (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,090 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Ionia County, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Ionia County, MI are Pewamowestphalia Elementary School, Coon School and North Levalley Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ionia County, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Ionia County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Ionia County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pewamowestphalia Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
430 W Jefferson St
Pewamo, MI 48873
(989) 593-3488
Pewamo, MI 48873
(989) 593-3488
Gr: PK-5 | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Coon School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6679 S State Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-4900
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-4900
Gr: K-6 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #33.
North Levalley Elementary School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2120 N State Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-4900
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-4900
Gr: K-5 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #44.
Haynor School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1779 Haynor Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-4900
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-4900
Gr: K-6 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Rank: #55.
Saranac Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
250 Pleasant St
Saranac, MI 48881
(616) 642-1200
Saranac, MI 48881
(616) 642-1200
Gr: PK-6 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Westwood Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
883 Cross St
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2989
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2989
Gr: 3-5 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #77.
Saranac Jrsr High School
Magnet School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
150 Pleasant St
Saranac, MI 48881
(616) 642-1100
Saranac, MI 48881
(616) 642-1100
Gr: 7-12 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #88.
Portland High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1100 Ionia Rd
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2981
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2981
Gr: 9-12 | 665 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #99.
Lakewood High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
7223 Velte Rd
Lake Odessa, MI 48849
(616) 374-8868
Lake Odessa, MI 48849
(616) 374-8868
Gr: 8-12 | 473 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1010.
Freedom Acres School
Special Education School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2191 Harwood Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-2921
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-2921
Gr: PK-12 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #1111.
Aa Rather School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
380 E Tuttle Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-1720
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-1720
Gr: PK-5 | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1212.
Douglas R Welch High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
250 E Tuttle Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-3530
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-3530
Gr: 9-12 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 37:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #1313.
Ionia High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
250 E Tuttle Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0600
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0600
Gr: 9-12 | 774 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #1414.
Rb Boyce Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3550 N State Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0571
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0571
Gr: PK-5 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #1515.
Woodview Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
450 Orchard St
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4750
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4750
Gr: 3-5 | 372 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1616.
Ionia Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
438 Union St
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0040
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0040
Gr: 6-8 | 629 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #1717.
Emerson School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
645 Hackett St
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-8018
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-8018
Gr: PK-5 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #1818.
Portland Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
745 Storz St
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2985
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2985
Gr: 6-8 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1919.
Belding Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
410 Ionia St
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4400
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4400
Gr: 6-8 | 363 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #2020.
Lakewood Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
812 Washington Blvd
Lake Odessa, MI 48849
(616) 374-8842
Lake Odessa, MI 48849
(616) 374-8842
Gr: 1-4 | 461 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #2121.
Jefferson School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
420 N Jefferson St
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-2740
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-2740
Gr: PK-5 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22 - 2322. - 23.
Belding High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
850 Hall St
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4900
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4900
Gr: 9-12 | 511 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22 - 2322. - 23.
Twin Rivers Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
435 Lou Lemke Ln
Muir, MI 48860
(616) 522-0005
Muir, MI 48860
(616) 522-0005
Gr: PK-5 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility
Alternative School
1727 W Bluewater Hwy
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-2510
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-2510
Gr: 9-12 | 9 students Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: n/an/a
100 W Ellis Ave
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4100
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4100
Gr: PK-2 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
Handlon Correctional Facility
Alternative School
1728 W Bluewater Hwy
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-3100
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-3100
Gr: 9-12 | 2 students
Rank: n/an/a
Ionia County Career Center
Vocational School
250 E Tuttle Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 489-2152
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 489-2152
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Ionia Maximum Correctional Facility
Alternative School
1576 W Bluewater Hwy
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-6331
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-6331
Gr: 9-12 | 3 students
Rank: n/an/a
Link Learning Virtual Program
Alternative School
9057 W Belding Rd, Ste 4
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 244-3553
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 244-3553
Gr: 9-12 | 2,526 students Student-teacher ratio: 90:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
500 Oak St
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2991
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2991
Gr: PK-2 | 473 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Ionia County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
850 Hall Street
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4646
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4646
Gr: AE
220 1st St
Clarksville, MI 48815
(616) 693-2175
Clarksville, MI 48815
(616) 693-2175
Gr: K-5 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Deerfield Correctional Facility Elementary School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
1755 Harwood Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-6320
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-6320
Gr: 9-12
234 Vosper St
Saranac, MI 48881
(616) 642-1300
Saranac, MI 48881
(616) 642-1300
Gr: 6-8 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Heartlands Institute Of Technology High School (Closed 2012)
Vocational School
250 East Tuttle Rd
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-6540
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-6540
Gr: 9-12
305 Russell Street
Hubbardston, MI 48845
(989) 981-6660
Hubbardston, MI 48845
(989) 981-6660
Gr: PK-5 | 88 students Minority enrollment: 6%
Independent Living Center (Closed 2014)
Special Education School
201 East Main St
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0542
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0542
Gr: Inquire with school | 4 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
Michigan Reformatory (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1342 W Main St
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-2500
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-2500
Gr: 9-12 | 1 student
1975 Orchard Street
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4700
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4700
Gr: K-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Portland Community Education (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
1100 Ionia Road
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2987
Portland, MI 48875
(517) 647-2987
Gr: Inquire with school | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Riverside Correctional Facility Elementary School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
777 West Riverside Dr
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0110
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-0110
Gr: 9-12
Saranac Community Education (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
150 S. Pleasant Street
Saranac, MI 48881
(616) 642-1100
Saranac, MI 48881
(616) 642-1100
Gr: Inquire with school | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Success - Ionia High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
322 W Main St
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 232-3322
Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 232-3322
Gr: 9-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
5827 Orleans Rd
Orleans, MI 48865
(616) 761-2296
Orleans, MI 48865
(616) 761-2296
Gr: K-5 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
315 W. Washington Street
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4600
Belding, MI 48809
(616) 794-4600
Gr: PK | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Ionia County, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Ionia County, MI include Pewamowestphalia Elementary School, Coon School and North Levalley Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Ionia County?
31 public schools are located in Ionia County.
What percentage of students in Ionia County go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Ionia County are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ionia County?
Ionia County public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Ionia County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Ionia County include: Aa Rather School vs. Rb Boyce Elementary School, Portland High School vs. Ionia High School, Belding High School vs. Ionia High School
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