For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 1,910 students in Kalkaska County, MI.
The top-ranked public schools in Kalkaska County, MI are Kalkaska Elementary School, Kalkaska High School and Forest Area High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kalkaska County, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Kalkaska County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Kalkaska County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Kalkaska Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
309 N Birch St
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-8629
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-8629
Gr: PK-5 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Kalkaska High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
109 N Birch St
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-9167
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-9167
Gr: 9-12 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Forest Area High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
7661 Shippy Rd Sw
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Gr: 9-12 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Crawford School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5521 M 72 E
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-2934
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-2934
Gr: K-8 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Rank: #55.
Fife Lake Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
108 Pierce St
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 879-3362
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 879-3362
Gr: PK-3 | 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #66.
Kalkaska Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1700 W Kalkaska Rd
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-4040
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-4040
Gr: 6-8 | 309 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #77.
Rapid City Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5258 River Rd
Rapid City, MI 49676
(231) 331-6121
Rapid City, MI 49676
(231) 331-6121
Gr: PK-5 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #88.
Forest Area Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7661 Shippy Rd Sw
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2884
Gr: 4-8 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Kalkaska County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
315 S Cherry St
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-9146
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-9146
Gr: 4-5 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Kalkaska Alternative Program Elementary School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
109 N Birch Street
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-5140
Kalkaska, MI 49646
(231) 258-5140
Gr: 9-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
South Boardman Elementary School (Closed 2016)
Special Education School
5210 Boardman Rd Sw
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2841
Fife Lake, MI 49633
(231) 369-2841
Gr: PK-1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Kalkaska County, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Kalkaska County, MI include Kalkaska Elementary School, Kalkaska High School and Forest Area High School.
How many public schools are located in Kalkaska County?
8 public schools are located in Kalkaska County.
What is the racial composition of students in Kalkaska County?
Kalkaska County public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Kalkaska County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Kalkaska County include: Forest Area High School vs. Kalkaska High School, Kalkaska High School vs. Forest Area High School, Kalkaska Elementary School vs. Fife Lake Elementary School
Recent Articles
What It Takes to Run a Public School Day-to-Day
Explore what it takes to run a public school daily, from leadership and staffing to budgeting, safety, and student support systems.
Restorative Justice in Schools: What the Data Shows
Explore restorative justice in schools, including discipline data, outcomes, and implementation insights for educators and families.
Year-Round School Calendars: Pros, Cons, Research
Explore year-round school calendars, including benefits, drawbacks, and what academic research says about student outcomes.