For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,332 students in Plainwell, MI.
The top-ranked public schools in Plainwell, MI are Gilkey Elementary School, Plainwell High School and Renaissance High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Plainwell, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Plainwell have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Plainwell, MI (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gilkey Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
707 S Woodhams St
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-2424
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-2424
Gr: PK-5 | 439 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Plainwell High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
684 102nd Ave
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-9554
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-9554
Gr: 9-12 | 828 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Renaissance High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
798 E Bridge St
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-8911
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-8911
Gr: 9-12 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Plainwell Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
720 Brigham St
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5813
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5813
Gr: 6-8 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
Starr Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
601 School Dr
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5835
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5835
Gr: PK-5 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Plainwell, Michigan Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Michigan Career And Technical Institute High School (Closed 2010)
Vocational School
11611 Pine Lake Rd
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 664-4461
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 664-4461
Gr: 9-12
Plainwell Young Adult Program (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
101 1/2 S. Main Street
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-2095
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-2095
Gr: Inquire with school | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Plainwell, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Plainwell, MI include Gilkey Elementary School, Plainwell High School and Renaissance High School.
How many public schools are located in Plainwell?
5 public schools are located in Plainwell.
What is the racial composition of students in Plainwell?
Plainwell public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.