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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Alpena County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,666 students in Alpena County, MI (there are 2 private schools, serving 273 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Alpena County, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Alpena County, MI are Sanborn Elementary School, Alpena High School and Pied Piper School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Alpena County, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Alpena County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Alpena County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sanborn Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
12170 Us Highway 23 S
Ossineke, MI 49766
(989) 358-5800
Gr: K-5 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Alpena High School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3303 S Third Ave
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5200
Gr: 8-12 | 1,091 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Pied Piper School
Special Education School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
444 Wilson St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-1414
Gr: PK-12 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #44.
Besser Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
375 Wilson St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5100
Gr: K-5 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
Ella M White Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
201 N Ripley Blvd
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5950
Gr: K-5 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Aces Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
3303 S Third Ave
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5170
Gr: 7-12 | 57 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #77.
Hinks Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
7667 Us Highway 23 N
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5560
Gr: K-5 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #88.
Wilson Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4999 S Herron Rd
Herron, MI 49744
(989) 358-5700
Gr: K-5 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #99.
Thunder Bay Junior High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3500 S Third Ave
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5400
Gr: 6-8 | 796 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1010.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
309 W Lake St
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 358-5900
Gr: K-5 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Alpena County, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Alpena County, MI include Sanborn Elementary School, Alpena High School and Pied Piper School.
How many public schools are located in Alpena County?
10 public schools are located in Alpena County.
What percentage of students in Alpena County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Alpena County are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Alpena County?
Alpena County public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Alpena County are often viewed compared to one another?

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