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AA Rather School

Q: Is AA Rather School a good school?

AA Rather School ranks 672 nd of 1492 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-5

672^nd

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,492 Michigan Elementary Schools

Better than 55% of Michigan elementary schools

Summary

AA Rather School is an elementary school in Ionia, MI, serving 308 students in grades PK-5 within the Ionia Public Schools district, and it stands out as a consistent academic leader among its local peers.

For parents, the most important takeaway is that AA Rather consistently outperforms the other elementary schools in its own district. In the most recent school year, its 4th-grade ELA proficiency was 42.9% compared to the district average of 35.6%, and its 5th-grade ELA proficiency hit 47.3% versus the district's 33%. The school also shines in science and social studies, with 5th-grade proficiency rates of 43.6% and 29.1% respectively—dramatically higher than district averages. This strong performance extends beyond just test scores: AA Rather has a chronic absenteeism rate of just 16.8%, far lower than the district's 27.1% and much better than nearby Emerson School (29.7%) or Jefferson School (22.5%). Interestingly, AA Rather achieves these results while spending less per student ($12,569) than many of its peers, including Saranac Elementary School ($15,451), making it an efficient and effective choice.

However, there are areas that need attention. Fifth-grade math has been a persistent weakness, with proficiency rates of just 23.6% in the most recent year—well below the state average and a stark contrast to its strong 4th-grade math performance (51.8%). Additionally, the school's support for students from low-income backgrounds has shown recent volatility, with its ranking for that subgroup dropping from the 70th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 39th percentile in 2025-2026. Despite these challenges, AA Rather remains a "bright spot" within its district, with a state ranking (672) far better than its immediate competitors like Twin Rivers Elementary School (1110) or RB Boyce Elementary School (917). For parents weighing options in the Ionia area, AA Rather offers a strong academic foundation, though it's worth asking about the 5th-grade math curriculum and support for all learners.

308

Students ?

20.1

Student/teacher ratio ?

$12,569

Per pupil spending ?

51.0%

Free/reduced lunch eligible (2024-25) ?

All students in Michigan receive free school meals.

94.1%

Kindergartners complete for all required vaccines (2025-26)

Exemptions: 2% (any vaccine)

380 E Tuttle Rd
Ionia, MI 48846-8615

(616) 527-1720

District: Ionia Public Schools

Students who attend AA Rather School usually attend:

Middle:	Ionia Middle School
High:	Ionia High School

Racial breakdown:

White:

84.7%

Hispanic:

10.4%

Two or more races:

4.2%

See top rated Michigan elementary schools

Compare AA Rather School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Rebounding — 36th percentile in 2021 → 55th in 2026

Strengths

✓Ranking is rebounding — up to 55th (2026) from a 36th-percentile low (2021)

✓Among the top-ranked schools in Ionia Public Schools

✓Above the Michigan median (55th percentile)

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school39%

District avg31%

Michigan avg38%

672^nd of 1,492

Michigan public elementary schools ?

Top 45%▼ down 29 pts since 2016

From top 16% (2016) to top 45% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Michigan Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

1^st of 5Elementary Schools in the Ionia Public Schools

415^th of 625Ionia Public Schools among Michigan districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	51.7	672 of 1492	55.0%	★★★☆☆
2025	57.1	607 of 1488	59.2%	★★★☆☆
2024	55.9	620 of 1486	58.3%	★★★☆☆
2023	41.7	823 of 1470	44.0%	★★☆☆☆
2022	41.8	734 of 1344	45.4%	★★☆☆☆
2021	35.6	733 of 1153	36.4%	★★☆☆☆
2019	49.9	665 of 1408	52.8%	★★★☆☆
2018	70.6	428 of 1448	70.4%	★★★★☆
2017	68.2	378 of 1466	74.2%	★★★★☆
2016	80.4	246 of 1548	84.1%	★★★★☆
2015	76.5	331 of 1580	79.1%	★★★★☆
2014	75.8	325 of 1533	78.8%	★★★★☆
2013	64.2	550 of 1563	64.8%	★★★☆☆
2012	60.3	619 of 1566	60.5%	★★★☆☆
2011	62.4	707 of 1552	54.4%	★★★☆☆
2010	64.2	717 of 1552	53.8%	★★★☆☆
2009	63.0	723 of 1589	54.5%	★★★☆☆
2008	77.4	278 of 1577	82.4%	★★★★☆
2007	73.5	344 of 1565	78.0%	★★★★☆
2006	64.7	587 of 1545	62.0%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	38.6	777 of 1343	42.1%	★★☆☆☆
2025	50.0	617 of 1338	53.9%	★★★☆☆
2024	46.9	666 of 1342	50.4%	★★★☆☆
2023	31.1	892 of 1321	32.5%	★★☆☆☆
2022	43.3	601 of 1106	45.7%	★★☆☆☆
2021	44.7	472 of 902	47.7%	★★☆☆☆
2019	56.8	475 of 1171	59.4%	★★★☆☆
2018	74.6	340 of 1443	76.4%	★★★★☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	52.4	84 of 225	62.7%	★★★☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	37.7	824 of 1352	39.1%	★★☆☆☆
2025	50.3	633 of 1346	53.0%	★★★☆☆
2024	62.9	415 of 1381	69.9%	★★★★☆
2023	38.9	820 of 1350	39.3%	★★☆☆☆
2022	56.8	416 of 1099	62.1%	★★★☆☆
2019	65.5	303 of 1134	73.3%	★★★★☆
2018	77.9	201 of 1397	85.6%	★★★★☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	53.6	596 of 1372	56.6%	★★★☆☆
2025	55.2	587 of 1366	57.0%	★★★☆☆
2024	54.4	573 of 1347	57.5%	★★★☆☆
2023	47.8	660 of 1334	50.5%	★★★☆☆
2022	42.5	632 of 1139	44.5%	★★☆☆☆
2021	34.0	623 of 915	31.9%	★★☆☆☆
2019	38.3	749 of 1196	37.4%	★★☆☆☆
2018	63.9	501 of 1446	65.4%	★★★☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	43.4	668 of 1199	44.3%	★★☆☆☆
2025	44.3	679 of 1206	43.7%	★★☆☆☆
2024	42.9	686 of 1204	43.0%	★★☆☆☆
2023	31.8	838 of 1198	30.1%	★★☆☆☆
2022	32.6	748 of 1102	32.1%	★★☆☆☆
2021	26.3	778 of 1005	22.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	37.6	720 of 1128	36.2%	★★☆☆☆
2018	63.6	429 of 1253	65.8%	★★★☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Hispanic (2026)63rd percentile+8 vs school

Male (2026)57th percentile~ school

White (2026)44th percentile-11 vs school

Female (2026)42nd percentile-13 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)39th percentile-16 vs school

By subject vs Michigan (2025-2026) ?

Science44%+4 vs state

English Language Arts43%~ state avg

Math36%~ state avg

Social Studies29%~ state avg

★

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Schools Near AA Rather School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Vaccination Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				M-Step English Language Arts (2026)				M-Step Math (2026)				M-Step Science (2026)	M-Step Social Studies (2026)	Vaccination (2025-26)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/reduced lunch (2024-25)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	M-Step English Language Arts 3rd Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 4th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 5th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 6th Grade	M-Step Math 3rd Grade	M-Step Math 4th Grade	M-Step Math 5th Grade	M-Step Math 6th Grade	M-Step Science 5th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 5th Grade	Vaccination: Kindergartners complete for all required vaccines	Vaccination: Exemption rate	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
AA Rather School	Public	PK, KG-5	380 E Tuttle Rd	Ionia	48846	Ionia County	Ionia Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(616) 527-1720	308	15	20.1	51.0%	261 (84.7%)	2 (0.6%)	32 (10.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (4.2%)	51.7	672^nd of 1492 public elementary schools	55.0%		57.1	607^th of 1488 public elementary schools	59.2%	65	37.8	42.9	47.3		31.1	51.8	23.6		43.6	29.1	94.1%	2%	$12,569	$1,632	$10,937
Emerson School	Public	PK, KG-5	645 Hackett St	Ionia	48846	Ionia County	Ionia Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(616) 527-8018	166	12	14.0	78.3%	119 (71.7%)	1 (0.6%)	35 (21.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (6.0%)	31.5	979^th of 1492 public elementary schools	34.4%		41.1	846^th of 1488 public elementary schools	43.1%	133	25.0	36.0	36.0		16.7	12.0	24.0		48.0	20.0			$17,009	$1,557	$15,452
Jefferson School	Public	PK, KG-5	420 N Jefferson St	Ionia	48846	Ionia County	Ionia Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(616) 527-2740	272	15	18.1	68.4%	206 (75.7%)	1 (0.4%)	51 (18.8%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (4.8%)	28	1038^th of 1492 public elementary schools	30.4%		32	980^th of 1488 public elementary schools	34.1%	58	41.7	30.2	22.5		27.8	32.6	15.0		25.0	17.5	93.5%	0%	$14,955	$1,673	$13,282
Coon School	Public	K-6	6679 S State Rd	Ionia	48846	Ionia County	Berlin Township S/D #3	No	No	No	Yes	(616) 527-4900	15	1	13.0	66.7%	15 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)													$11,487	$2,640	$8,847
North LeValley Elementary School	Public	K-5	2120 N State Rd	Ionia	48846	Ionia County	Ionia Township S/D #2	No	No	No	Yes	(616) 527-4900	10	1	9.5	40.0%	10 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)													$27,526	$9,774	$17,752
Haynor School	Public	K-6	1779 Haynor Rd	Ionia	48846	Ionia County	Easton Township S/D #6	No	No	No	Yes	(616) 527-4900	10	2	6.4	30.0%	10 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)													$21,492	$3,930	$17,561
RB Boyce Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3550 N State Rd	Ionia	48846	Ionia County	Ionia Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(616) 527-0571	254	13	19.6	55.9%	229 (90.2%)	1 (0.4%)	21 (8.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.2%)	35.8	917^th of 1492 public elementary schools	38.5%		31.2	992^nd of 1488 public elementary schools	33.3%	75	37.8	36.7	24.5		43.5	46.9	17.0		24.5	18.9	88.6%	2.9%	$12,432	$1,768	$10,663
Saranac Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-6	250 Pleasant St	Saranac	48881	Ionia County	Saranac Community Schools	No	Yes	No	Yes	(616) 642-1200	433	28	15.4	44.1%	394 (91.0%)	5 (1.2%)	24 (5.5%)	2 (0.5%)	4 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (0.9%)	56.4	605^th of 1492 public elementary schools	59.5%		58.6	582^nd of 1488 public elementary schools	60.9%	23	35.6	42.6	41.5	44.1	39.7	42.6	38.5	30.5	44.6	37.5	92.1%	7.9%	$15,451	$814	$14,637
Twin Rivers Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	435 Lou Lemke Ln	Muir	48860	Ionia County	Ionia Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(616) 522-0005	183	10	19.0	65.0%	154 (84.2%)	3 (1.6%)	17 (9.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (4.4%)	23.6	1110^th of 1492 public elementary schools	25.6%		29.7	1019^th of 1488 public elementary schools	31.5%	91	27.0	23.8	33.3		27.0	19.1	21.2		24.2	15.2	93.1%	6.9%	$14,029	$1,783	$12,246
Westwood Elementary School	Public	3-5	883 Cross St	Portland	48875	Ionia County	Portland Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(517) 647-2989	423	25	16.7	37.6%	379 (89.6%)	6 (1.4%)	17 (4.0%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	19 (4.5%)	37.6	892^nd of 1492 public elementary schools	40.2%		47.9	753^rd of 1488 public elementary schools	49.4%	139	26.1	30.9	36.7		35.1	44.6	31.3		36.7	13.6			$12,860	$1,072	$11,788

Frequently Asked Questions about AA Rather School

How many students attend AA Rather School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 308 students attended AA Rather School.

Is AA Rather School a good school?

AA Rather School ranks 672^nd of 1492 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What schools do graduates of AA Rather School attend?

Students who attend AA Rather School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Ionia Middle School
High : Ionia High School

What district is AA Rather School in?

Ionia Public Schools

What is the racial makeup of AA Rather School?

Students at AA Rather School are 85% White, 10% Hispanic, 4% Two or more races.

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Latest Michigan data All new data »

2021–22 through 2025–26 immunization rates (updated)NewOct 19, 2026

2025–26 M-Step, PSAT & SAT test scoresSep 4, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.