Best Public Schools in Zip Code 49769

Zip code 49769, encompassing the Pellston area in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, is served by two public schools within the Pellston Public Schools district, which together educate roughly 478 students across grades PK-12. Pellston Elementary School (PK-5) is the clear standout, ranking in the top 20% of Michigan elementary schools with a 4-star rating, while Pellston Middle/High School (6-12) holds a 2-star rating and sits near the middle of the state pack.

At the elementary level, academic performance is consistently strong. In 2025-2026, math proficiency ranged from 50% to 62.2% across grades 3-5, outpacing state averages by as much as 30 points in 5th grade, while ELA proficiency (45.9%-55.9%) also exceeded state benchmarks. Science and social studies scores in 5th grade were similarly impressive. The secondary school tells a different story: 6th graders perform above state averages in both ELA (46.7% vs. 37.5%) and math (43.3% vs. 31.9%), but 7th grade shows a sharp decline, with proficiency dropping to 26.5% in both subjects. Social studies is a systemic weakness at the secondary level, with 8th and 11th grade proficiency rates roughly 18-20 points below state averages. The most pressing concern is the graduation rate of just 64.8%, nearly 20 points below the state average, compounded by a 30.2% chronic absenteeism rate.

The district spends generously—$17,809 to $18,426 per student—and maintains favorable student-teacher ratios around 11:1, yet outcomes diverge sharply between school levels. This suggests a possible breakdown in instructional continuity or engagement as students transition to middle school. Notably, elementary chronic absenteeism (22.6%) is better than the state average, while secondary absenteeism is worse, hinting that engagement issues emerge with age. Year-to-year scores fluctuate considerably, likely due to small cohort sizes, so single-year data should be interpreted cautiously. For parents, this district offers an excellent elementary foundation but reveals significant challenges at the secondary level, particularly around 7th grade performance, social studies instruction, and high school completion.