Best Public Schools in Bellaire, MI

Bellaire Public Schools serves approximately 259 students in the small, rural city of Bellaire, Michigan, across two schools: Bellaire MiddleHigh School (grades 6-12) and John R Rodger Elementary School (grades PK-5). The district ranks in the 68th percentile statewide with a 3-star rating, and both schools serve a significant economically disadvantaged population (roughly 51-52% free/reduced lunch). Per-student spending is well above state norms at $22,000-$24,500, and the student-teacher ratio is a favorable 12.2:1.

Bellaire MiddleHigh School is the standout performer, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 74th percentile (208th of 800) for 2025-2026 after a dip the prior year. Its graduation rate of 95.8% far exceeds the state's 84.0%, and the school excels in ELA—9th grade PSAT proficiency is an extraordinary 82.6% (22 points above state) and SAT reading/writing hits 70.6%. Science is also a strength, with 11th graders at 52.9% proficiency versus 35.2% statewide. However, math is a clear weakness: 7th grade proficiency (21.1%) and PSAT math scores (20-26.1%) all trail state averages. In contrast, John R Rodger Elementary School is more modest, holding a 3-star rating in the 43rd-55th percentile. Its ELA scores hover near state averages, but math proficiency in grades 3-5 (27.8-38.1%) lags by 4-6 points. A bright spot is 5th grade science at 50% proficiency, 10 points above the state.

Chronic absenteeism is a hidden challenge, affecting 30.0% of elementary students (above the 27.9% district/state average) and 26.1% of middle/high students. Year-to-year score swings at the secondary level—like 6th grade math jumping from 22.2% to 52.6%—likely reflect very small cohorts (15-20 students per grade) rather than systemic shifts. The district's high spending produces mixed results: impressive high school ELA and science, but lagging elementary math. For parents, Bellaire MiddleHigh School offers strong college-prep outcomes in reading and science with excellent graduation rates, while John R Rodger Elementary School provides a solid foundation with room for improvement in math and attendance.