For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,123 students in Saint Joseph, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Saint Joseph, MI are Brown School, Upton Middle School and Lincoln School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Saint Joseph, MI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Saint Joseph have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Saint Joseph, MI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Brown School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2027 Brown School Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3500
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3500
Gr: PK-5 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Upton Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
800 Maiden Ln
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3400
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3400
Gr: 6-8 | 690 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Lincoln School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1102 Orchard Ave
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3700
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3700
Gr: PK-5 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Berrien County Juvenile Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6414 Deans Hill Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 471-7725
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 471-7725
Gr: 6-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #55.
Clarke School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
515 E Glenlord Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3600
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 926-3600
Gr: K-5 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #66.
Lighthouse Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
379 W Glenlord Rd
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 429-2351
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 429-2351
Gr: K-12 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Saint Joseph, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Saint Joseph, MI include Brown School, Upton Middle School and Lincoln School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Saint Joseph?
6 public elementary schools are located in Saint Joseph.
What is the racial composition of students in Saint Joseph?
Saint Joseph public elementary schools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Saint Joseph are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Saint Joseph include: Lincoln School vs. Brown School, Clarke School vs. Brown School, Lincoln School vs. Clarke School
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.