For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 1,817 students in Big Rapids, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Big Rapids, MI are Riverview Elementary School, Mecostaosceola Education Center and Brookside Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Big Rapids, MI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Big Rapids have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Big Rapids, MI (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riverview Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
509 Willow Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-2550
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-2550
Gr: K-4 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Mecostaosceola Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
15700 190th Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Gr: PK-12 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
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
Gr: PK-4 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Big Rapids Middle School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 N Warren Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9965
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9965
Gr: 5-8 | 618 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Crossroads Charter Academy 612
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
215 Spruce St W
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9041
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-9041
Gr: 6-12 | 144 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #66.
Crossroads Charter Academy K5
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
215 N State St
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-6589
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-6589
Gr: K-5 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
Big Rapids Virtual School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | 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
Gr: K-12 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 67:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Big Rapids, Michigan Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
15760 190th Ave
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-3543
Gr: PK
501 W. Bridge Street
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-6234
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-6234
Gr: 1-5 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Mecosta-osceola Alternative Education Center (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
15800 190th Avenue
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-4410
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-4410
Gr: Inquire with school
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Big Rapids, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Big Rapids, MI include Riverview Elementary School, Mecostaosceola Education Center and Brookside Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Big Rapids?
7 public elementary schools are located in Big Rapids.
What is the racial composition of students in Big Rapids?
Big Rapids public elementary schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Big Rapids are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Big Rapids include: Riverview Elementary School vs. Brookside Elementary School, Mecostaosceola Education Center vs. Crossroads Charter Academy 612, Brookside Elementary School vs. Riverview Elementary School
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child鈥檚 school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.