For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,527 students in Otsego County, MI (there are 4 private schools, serving 740 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in Otsego County, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Otsego County, MI are Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg, Gaylord Middle School and South Maple Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Otsego County, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Otsego County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Otsego County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
90 Livingston Blvd
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0969
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0969
Gr: 9-12 | 933 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Gaylord Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
600 E 5th St
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0848
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0848
Gr: 7-8 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
South Maple Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
650 E 5th St
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0648
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0648
Gr: PK-3 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Gaylord Intermediate School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
240 E 4th St
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0856
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0856
Gr: 4-6 | 618 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
North Ohio Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
912 N Ohio Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-2648
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-2648
Gr: PK-3 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #66.
Johannesburglewiston Elementarymiddle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10854 M 32 E
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-2040
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-2040
Gr: K-8 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #77.
Johannesburglewiston High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10854 M 32 E
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-4420
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-4420
Gr: 9-12 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #88.
Vanderbilt Area School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
947 Donovan St
Vanderbilt, MI 49795
(989) 983-2561
Vanderbilt, MI 49795
(989) 983-2561
Gr: K-12 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #99.
Alba School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5935 Elm St
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 584-2000
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 584-2000
Gr: PK-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Otsego County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2473 Ray Street
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 546-3311
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 546-3311
Gr: PK-3 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Gaylord Academic Support Center (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
615 South Elm Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3018
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3018
Gr: 7-12
Gaylord Virtual Instruction Program (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
615 S Elm Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3080
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3080
Gr: 6-12 | 5 students
Vanderbilt Area School Alternative Ed. (Closed 2016)
Alternative School
947 Donovan Street
Vanderbilt, MI 49795
(989) 983-2561
Vanderbilt, MI 49795
(989) 983-2561
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Otsego County, MI?
The top ranked public schools in Otsego County, MI include Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg, Gaylord Middle School and South Maple Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Otsego County?
9 public schools are located in Otsego County.
What percentage of students in Otsego County go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in Otsego County are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Otsego County?
Otsego County public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Otsego County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Otsego County include: North Ohio Elementary School vs. South Maple Elementary School, South Maple Elementary School vs. North Ohio Elementary School, Johannesburglewiston High School vs. Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg
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