For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,123 students in Saint Joseph, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Saint Joseph, MI are Brown School, Upton Middle School and Lincoln School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Saint Joseph, MI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Saint Joseph have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Saint Joseph, MI (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Brown School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2027 Brown School Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3500
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3500
Gr: PK-5 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Upton Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
800 Maiden Ln
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3400
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3400
Gr: 6-8 | 690 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Lincoln School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1102 Orchard Ave
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3700
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3700
Gr: PK-5 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Berrien County Juvenile Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6414 Deans Hill Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 471-7725
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 471-7725
Gr: 6-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #55.
Clarke School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
515 E Glenlord Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3600
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3600
Gr: K-5 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #66.
Lighthouse Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
379 W Glenlord Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 429-2351
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 429-2351
Gr: K-12 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Saint Joseph, Michigan Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2214 S. State Street
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3151
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3151
Gr: PK-K | 244 students Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Saint Joseph, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Saint Joseph, MI include Brown School, Upton Middle School and Lincoln School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Saint Joseph?
6 public elementary schools are located in Saint Joseph.
What is the racial composition of students in Saint Joseph?
Saint Joseph public elementary schools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Saint Joseph are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Saint Joseph include: Lincoln School vs. Brown School, Brown School vs. Lincoln School, Clarke School vs. Lincoln School
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
