Summary
New Buffalo Elementary School in New Buffalo, MI, serves 211 students from Pre-K through 5th grade and is part of the highly-rated New Buffalo Area Schools district, which ranks in the 99th percentile statewide.
This school is a true standout. In the most recent school year, New Buffalo Elementary ranked 40th out of 1,492 Michigan elementary schools, placing it in the top 3% statewide. What makes this even more impressive is the journey: just a decade ago, the school ranked in the 67th percentile. Since 2020, it has consistently ranked in the 97th-98th percentile, showing this excellence is no fluke. Academically, proficiency rates are nearly double the state average in reading, math, and science. For example, 5th grade math proficiency is 80% compared to the state average of 32%. The school also excels at supporting all students—it ranks in the 98th percentile specifically for its effectiveness with students from low-income backgrounds, a remarkable achievement. Chronic absenteeism is also very low at just 10.2%, compared to 27.9% statewide, meaning kids are in class and ready to learn.
Compared to nearby schools, the difference is clear. Bridgman Elementary School, about 15 miles away, is also a good school (ranking 89th), but New Buffalo outperforms it in every subject. For instance, 3rd grade reading proficiency is 80.6% at New Buffalo versus 62.5% at Bridgman. The gap is even larger when compared to River Valley Elementary School, just 8 miles away, which ranks 506th. New Buffalo's success is likely supported by significant investment—it spends $33,211 per student, nearly 73% more than Bridgman—and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 11.1:1. For parents, this school offers a proven, equitable, and consistently high-quality education.
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