Top Rankings
Big Rapids School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,414 students in Big Rapids School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 8/10, which is in the top 30% of public elementary schools in Michigan.
Public Elementary Schools in Big Rapids School District have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 44% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Overview
This School District
This State (MI)
# Schools
6 Schools
2,544 Schools
# Students
2,376 Students
953,641 Students
# Teachers
118 Teachers
58,885 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
20:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Big Rapids School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 851 school districts in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 65-69% has decreased from 77% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#225 out of 866 school districts
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
38%
Graduation Rate
65-69%
81%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.22
0.57
% American Indian
1%
1%
% Asian
n/a
4%
% Hispanic
2%
9%
% Black
3%
18%
% White
88%
62%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $13,412 in this school district is less than the state median of $18,510. The school district revenue/student has declined by 14% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $16,086 is less than the state median of $17,693. The school district spending/student has declined by 14% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$32 MM
$25,476 MM
Spending
$38 MM
$24,351 MM
Revenue / Student
$13,412
$18,510
Spending / Student
$16,086
$17,693
Best Big Rapids School District Public Elementary Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Riverview Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
509 Willow Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-2550
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-2550
Grades: K-4
| 321 students
Rank: #22.
Brookside Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
210 Escott St
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-8323
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-8323
Grades: PK-4
| 342 students
Rank: #33.
Big Rapids Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
500 N Warren Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9965
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9965
Grades: 5-8
| 618 students
Rank: #44.
Big Rapids Virtual School
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
14980 215th Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3489
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3489
Grades: K-12
| 133 students
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
