For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,272 students in Kalkaska County, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Kalkaska County, MI are Kalkaska Elementary School, Crawford School and Fife Lake Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kalkaska 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 31% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Kalkaska 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 American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Kalkaska County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Kalkaska Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
309 N Birch St
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-8629
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-8629
Gr: PK-5 | 517 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Crawford School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5521 M 72 E
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-2934
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-2934
Gr: K-8 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #33.
Fife Lake Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
108 Pierce St
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 879-3362
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 879-3362
Gr: PK-3 | 144 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #44.
Kalkaska Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1700 W Kalkaska Rd
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-4040
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-4040
Gr: 6-8 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #55.
Rapid City Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5258 River Rd
Rapid City, MI 49676
(231) 331-6121
Rapid City, MI 49676
(231) 331-6121
Gr: PK-5 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #66.
Forest Area Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7661 Shippy Rd Sw
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Gr: 4-8 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Kalkaska County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
315 S Cherry St
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-9146
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-9146
Gr: 4-5 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Kalkaska Alternative Program Elementary School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
109 N Birch Street
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-5140
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-5140
Gr: 9-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
South Boardman Elementary School (Closed 2016)
Special Education School
5210 Boardman Rd Sw
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2841
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2841
Gr: PK-1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Kalkaska County, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Kalkaska County, MI include Kalkaska Elementary School, Crawford School and Fife Lake Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Kalkaska County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Kalkaska County.
What is the racial composition of students in Kalkaska County?
Kalkaska County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Kalkaska County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Kalkaska County include: Kalkaska Elementary School vs. Fife Lake Elementary School, Crawford School vs. Fife Lake Elementary School, Fife Lake Elementary School vs. Kalkaska Elementary School
Recent Articles
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.