For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 4,652 students in 49686, MI (there are 4 private schools, serving 352 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in 49686, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in 49686, MI are Courtade Elementary School, Central High School and Old Mission Peninsula School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 49686 have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in 49686, MI have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best 49686, MI Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Courtade Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1111 Rasho Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5800
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5800
Gr: PK-5 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Central High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1150 Milliken Dr
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-6500
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-6500
Gr: 8-12 | 1,326 student Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Old Mission Peninsula School
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2699 Island View Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 225-0225
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 225-0225
Gr: K-6 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
North Ednew Horizons
Special Education School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
933 Rose St
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5685
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5685
Gr: PK-12 | 75 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
Grand Traverse Academy
Charter School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1245 Hammond Rd E
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 932-6008
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 932-6008
Gr: PK-12 | 824 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Eastern Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1600 Eastern Ave
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5600
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5600
Gr: PK-5 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Woodland School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7224 Supply Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 947-7474
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 947-7474
Gr: K-8 | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #88.
East Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1776 3 Mile Rd N
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-7300
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-7300
Gr: 6-8 | 829 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #99.
North Edbridgeway
Special Education School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
301 S Garfield Ave
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5683
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5683
Gr: PK-12 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1010.
Traverse City High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3962 3 Mile Rd N
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5860
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5860
Gr: 9-12 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #1111.
Life Skills Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
880 Parsons Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 922-6357
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 922-6357
Gr: Inquire with school | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #1212.
Traverse Heights Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
933 Rose St
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-3500
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-3500
Gr: PK-5 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: n/an/a
North Edcareer Technical
Vocational School
880 Parsons Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 922-6260
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 922-6260
Gr: 11-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 49686, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in 49686, MI include Courtade Elementary School, Central High School and Old Mission Peninsula School.
How many public schools are located in 49686?
13 public schools are located in 49686.
What percentage of students in 49686 go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in 49686 are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in 49686?
49686 public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
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.