For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,333 students in Carleton, MI (there are 2 private schools, serving 151 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Carleton, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Carleton, MI are Loren Eyler Elementary School, Joseph C Sterling Elementary School and Airport Senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carleton, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Carleton have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Carleton, MI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Loren Eyler Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1335 Carleton Rockwood Rd
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-2121
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-2121
Gr: PK-4 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Joseph C Sterling Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
160 Fessner Rd
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-6846
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-6846
Gr: PK-4 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Airport Senior High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
11330 Grafton Rd
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-6208
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-6208
Gr: 9-12 | 760 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Wagar Junior High School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
11200 Grafton Rd
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-6205
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-6205
Gr: 6-8 | 641 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Airport Center For Education
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
11330 Grafton Rd
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-4071
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-4071
Gr: K-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #66.
Wagar Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
11200 Grafton Rd
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-4083
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-4083
Gr: 5 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Carleton, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Carleton, MI include Loren Eyler Elementary School, Joseph C Sterling Elementary School and Airport Senior High School.
How many public schools are located in Carleton?
6 public schools are located in Carleton.
What percentage of students in Carleton go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Carleton are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carleton?
Carleton public schools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Carleton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carleton include: Joseph C Sterling Elementary School vs. Loren Eyler Elementary School, Loren Eyler Elementary School vs. Joseph C Sterling Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.