For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,305 students in 49203, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 49203, MI are Sharp Park Academy, Dibble Elementary School and Vandercook Lake Virtual Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 49203 have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in 49203, MI have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best 49203, MI Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sharp Park Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
766 Park Rd
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2860
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2860
Gr: K-5 | 337 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Dibble Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3450 Kibby Rd
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3970
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3970
Gr: K-5 | 282 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #33.
Vandercook Lake Virtual Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1000 E Golf Ave
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-9044
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-9044
Gr: 1-12 | 55 students Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Townsend Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1005 Floyd Ave
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-9044
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-9044
Gr: PK-6 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #55.
Middle School At Parkside
(Math: 12% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2400 4th St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2300
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2300
Gr: 6-8 | 750 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #66.
Fourth Street Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2400 4th St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2300
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2300
Gr: 6-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #77.
Cascades Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1200 S Wisner St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3900
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-3900
Gr: K-5 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #88.
John R Lewis Elementary School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
154 W Clark St
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2600
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 841-2600
Gr: K-5 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 49203, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 49203, MI include Sharp Park Academy, Dibble Elementary School and Vandercook Lake Virtual Academy.
How many public elementary schools are located in 49203?
8 public elementary schools are located in 49203.
What is the racial composition of students in 49203?
49203 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.