For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,499 students in Alpena County, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Alpena County, MI are Sanborn Elementary School, Pied Piper School and Besser Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Alpena 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 37% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Alpena 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 Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Alpena County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sanborn Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
12170 Us Highway 23 S
Ossineke, MI 49766
(989) 358-5800
Ossineke, MI 49766
(989) 358-5800
Gr: K-5 | 199 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Pied Piper School
Special Education School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
444 Wilson St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-1414
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-1414
Gr: PK-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Besser Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
375 Wilson St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5100
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5100
Gr: K-5 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Ella M White Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
201 N Ripley Blvd
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5950
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5950
Gr: K-5 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Hinks Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
7667 Us Highway 23 N
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5560
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5560
Gr: K-5 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #66.
Wilson Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4999 S Herron Rd
Herron, MI 49744
(989) 358-5700
Herron, MI 49744
(989) 358-5700
Gr: K-5 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #77.
Thunder Bay Junior High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3500 S Third Ave
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5400
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5400
Gr: 6-8 | 803 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #88.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
309 W Lake St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5900
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5900
Gr: K-5 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Alpena County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
211 North First Ave
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-3101
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-3101
Gr: PK
555 S Fifth St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-2500
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-2500
Gr: PK-5 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Esd Sp Ed Programs In Lea Facilities Elementary School (Closed 2010)
Special Education School
2118 Us Hwy 23 South
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-3101
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-3101
Gr: PK | 7 students
6891 Nicholson Hill Road
Hubbard Lake, MI 49747
(989) 358-5880
Hubbard Lake, MI 49747
(989) 358-5880
Gr: K-6 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
12595 Long Rapids Rd
Lachine, MI 49753
(989) 358-5730
Lachine, MI 49753
(989) 358-5730
Gr: K-6
7065 Dietz Road
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5760
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5760
Gr: PK-6 | 134 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Alpena County, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Alpena County, MI include Sanborn Elementary School, Pied Piper School and Besser Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Alpena County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Alpena County.
What is the racial composition of students in Alpena County?
Alpena County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 9% 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 Alpena County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Alpena County include: Ella M White Elementary School vs. Besser Elementary School, Besser Elementary School vs. Ella M White Elementary School, Sanborn Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.
