For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,954 students in Otsego County, MI.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Otsego County, MI are South Maple Elementary School, Gaylord Intermediate School and North Ohio Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Otsego County, MI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Otsego County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% 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 Otsego County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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 elementary schools in Otsego County, MI?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Otsego County, MI include South Maple Elementary School, Gaylord Intermediate School and North Ohio Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Otsego County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Otsego County.
What is the racial composition of students in Otsego County?
Otsego County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 10% 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 Otsego County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Otsego County include: South Maple Elementary School vs. North Ohio Elementary School, North Ohio Elementary School vs. South Maple Elementary School, Vanderbilt Area School vs. South Maple Elementary School
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.