For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,087 students in 49085, MI.
The top ranked public elementary schools in 49085, MI are Brown School, Upton Middle School and Lincoln School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 49085 have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in 49085, MI have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best 49085, MI Public Elementary Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Brown School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2027 Brown School Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3500
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3500
Gr: PK-5 | 409 students Student-teacher ratio: 136:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Upton Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
800 Maiden Ln
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3400
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3400
Gr: 6-8 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Lincoln School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1102 Orchard Ave
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3700
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3700
Gr: PK-5 | 425 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Berrien County Juvenile Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6414 Deans Hill Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 471-7725
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 471-7725
Gr: 6-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #55.
Clarke School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
515 E Glenlord Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3600
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3600
Gr: K-5 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #66.
Lighthouse Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
379 W Glenlord Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 429-2351
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 429-2351
Gr: K-12 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
49085, Michigan Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2214 S. State Street
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3151
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3151
Gr: PK-K | 244 students Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in 49085, MI?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 49085, MI include Brown School, Upton Middle School and Lincoln School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 49085?
6 public elementary schools are located in 49085.
What is the racial composition of students in 49085?
49085 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
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