For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,527 students in Otsego County, MI (there are 4 private schools, serving 740 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in Otsego County, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Otsego County, MI are South Maple Elementary School, Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg and Gaylord Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Otsego County, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Michigan public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Otsego County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Otsego County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
South Maple Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
650 E 5th St
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0648
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0648
Grades: PK-3
| 404 students
Rank: #22.
Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
90 Livingston Blvd
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0969
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0969
Grades: 9-12
| 933 students
Rank: #33.
Gaylord Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
600 E 5th St
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0848
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0848
Grades: 7-8
| 426 students
Rank: #44.
North Ohio Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
912 N Ohio Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-2648
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-2648
Grades: PK-3
| 395 students
Rank: #55.
Gaylord Intermediate School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
240 E 4th St
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0856
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0856
Grades: 4-6
| 618 students
Rank: #66.
Johannesburglewiston Elementarymiddle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10854 M 32 E
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-2040
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-2040
Grades: K-8
| 324 students
Rank: #77.
Johannesburglewiston High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10854 M 32 E
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-4420
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-4420
Grades: 9-12
| 214 students
Rank: #88.
Vanderbilt Area School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
947 Donovan St
Vanderbilt, MI 49795
(989) 983-2561
Vanderbilt, MI 49795
(989) 983-2561
Grades: K-12
| 112 students
Rank: #99.
Alba School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5935 Elm St
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 584-2000
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 584-2000
Grades: PK-12
| 101 students
Otsego County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
2473 Ray Street
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 546-3311
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 546-3311
Grades: PK-3
| 56 students
Gaylord Academic Support Center (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
615 South Elm Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3018
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3018
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
Gaylord Virtual Instruction Program (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
615 S Elm Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3080
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3080
Grades: 6-12
| 5 students
Vanderbilt Area School Alternative Ed. (Closed 2016)
Alternative School
947 Donovan Street
Vanderbilt, MI 49795
(989) 983-2561
Vanderbilt, MI 49795
(989) 983-2561
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Otsego County, MI?
The top ranked public schools in Otsego County, MI include South Maple Elementary School, Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg and Gaylord Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Otsego County?
9 public schools are located in Otsego County.
What percentage of students in Otsego County go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in Otsego County are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Otsego County?
Otsego County public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Otsego County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Otsego County include: South Maple Elementary School vs. North Ohio Elementary School, North Ohio Elementary School vs. South Maple Elementary School, Johannesburglewiston High School vs. Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg
Recent Articles
Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.
How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
This article explores the concept of instructional scaffolding, a teaching method that enhances learning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. It highlights how scaffolding supports students in developing critical thinking skills and becoming more independent learners. The article discusses the benefits of scaffolding, including improved engagement and reduced anxiety, and provides strategies for its implementation across various educational levels.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.