For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 2,745 students in 49203, MI (there are 5 private schools, serving 1,188 private students). 70% of all K-12 students in 49203, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in 49203, MI are Sharp Park Academy, Dibble Elementary School and Vandercook Lake Virtual Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 49203 have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in 49203, MI have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best 49203, MI Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sharp Park Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
766 Park Rd
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2860
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2860
Gr: K-5 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #22.
Dibble Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3450 Kibby Rd
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3970
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3970
Gr: K-5 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Vandercook Lake Virtual Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 E Golf Ave
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-9044
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-9044
Gr: 1-12 | 44 students Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Woodville Community Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3950 Catherine St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-8770
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-8770
Gr: 9-12 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Townsend Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1005 Floyd Ave
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-9044
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-9044
Gr: PK-6 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #66.
Middle School At Parkside
(Math: 12% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2400 4th St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2300
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2300
Gr: 6-8 | 759 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #77.
Vandercook Lake High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1000 E Golf Ave
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-8167
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-8167
Gr: 7-12 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #88.
Fourth Street Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2400 4th St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2300
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2300
Gr: 6-8 | 36 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #99.
Cascades Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1200 S Wisner St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3900
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3900
Gr: K-5 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #1010.
John R Lewis Elementary School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
154 W Clark St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2600
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2600
Gr: K-5 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: n/an/a
Local Based Special Education Early Childhood Programs
Special Education School
1226 S Wisner St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 990-3624
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 990-3624
Gr: PK-K
49203, Michigan Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Francis Street Primary School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
1320 Francis St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 879-1380
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 879-1380
Gr: K-5 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
500 Griswold St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 796-0080
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 796-0080
Gr: K-7 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Lincoln Headstart Elementary School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
154 West Clark St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 788-6010
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 788-6010
Gr: PK-K
216 East Biddle St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3940
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3940
Gr: K-2 | 65 students Student-teacher ratio: 65:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Mcdevitt School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
800 E. Mcdevitt
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-0342
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-0342
Gr: Inquire with school
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 49203, MI?
The top ranked public schools in 49203, MI include Sharp Park Academy, Dibble Elementary School and Vandercook Lake Virtual Academy.
How many public schools are located in 49203?
11 public schools are located in 49203.
What percentage of students in 49203 go to public school?
70% of all K-12 students in 49203 are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 49203?
49203 public schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
