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Best Public Schools in Dowagiac, MI (2026)

Best Dowagiac Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 1,859 students in Dowagiac, MI (there are 2 private schools, serving 60 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Dowagiac, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dowagiac, MI are Pathfinders Alternative Education, North Pointe Center and Sister Lakes Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dowagiac, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Dowagiac have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Dowagiac, MI (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pathfinders Alternative Education
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
501 N Paul St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 782-4471
Gr: 6-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #22.
North Pointe Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
704 Orchard St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 390-5055
Gr: K-12 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
Sister Lakes Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
68079 M 152
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 782-4468
Gr: K-5 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #44.
Justus Gage Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
301 Oak St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 782-4460
Gr: PK-5 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #55.
Kincheloe Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
25121 Gage St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 782-4464
Gr: K-5 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #66.
Dowagiac Middle School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
57072 Riverside Dr
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 782-4440
Gr: 6-8 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #77.
Union High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
701 W Prairie Ronde St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 782-4420
Gr: 9-12 | 507 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #88.
Patrick Hamilton Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
614 Spruce St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 782-4450
Gr: K-5 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Dowagiac, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Dowagiac, MI include Pathfinders Alternative Education, North Pointe Center and Sister Lakes Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dowagiac?
8 public schools are located in Dowagiac.
What percentage of students in Dowagiac go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Dowagiac are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dowagiac?
Dowagiac public schools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Dowagiac are often viewed compared to one another?

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