For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,527 students in Otsego County, MI (there are 3 private schools, serving 436 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Otsego County, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Otsego County, MI are Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg, Gaylord Middle School and South Maple Elementary 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 35%), 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 (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
90 Livingston Blvd
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0969
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0969
Gr: 9-12 | 933 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Gaylord Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
600 E 5th St
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0848
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0848
Gr: 7-8 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
South Maple Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
650 E 5th St
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0648
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 731-0648
Gr: PK-3 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
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
Gr: 4-6 | 618 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
North Ohio Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | 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
Gr: PK-3 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #66.
Johannesburglewiston Elementarymiddle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10854 M 32 E
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-2040
Johannesburg, MI 49751
(989) 731-2040
Gr: K-8 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
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
Gr: 9-12 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
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
Gr: K-12 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
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
Gr: PK-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Otsego County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2473 Ray Street
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 546-3311
Elmira, MI 49730
(231) 546-3311
Gr: PK-3 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Gaylord Academic Support Center (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
615 South Elm Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3018
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3018
Gr: 7-12
Gaylord Virtual Instruction Program (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
615 S Elm Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3080
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-3080
Gr: 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Otsego County, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Otsego County, MI include Gaylord High Schoolvoc Bldg, Gaylord Middle School and South Maple Elementary 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?
89% of all K-12 students in Otsego County are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
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
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