Below Average
#2914 of 3,190 schools in MI
Bear Lake Elementary School
Elementary School · Bear Lake Schools
7748 CODY ST, Bear Lake, MI 49614
Enrollment
166
Student-Teacher
18.4:1
Score
4.3
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
166
Student-Teacher
18.4:1
Score
4.3
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bear Lake
#2 of 2
public schools
Michigan elementary schools
#1,477 of 1,602
In district
#2 of 2
Bear Lake Schools
About Bear Lake Elementary School
Bear Lake Elementary School is a regular public school located in the remote rural area of Bear Lake, Michigan. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and has an enrollment of 166 students with a student-teacher ratio of 18.4:1. There are nine full-time equivalent teachers at the school.
Bear Lake Elementary School's academic performance currently ranks in the 27th percentile statewide, reflecting room for growth in test scores where 37% of students meet or exceed proficiency levels in English Language Arts and Reading, while 34% do so in Math. Despite these challenges, Bear Lake Elementary continues to focus on student development and community engagement. The school is situated in a tranquil rural setting that offers a close-knit community atmosphere.
Bear Lake Elementary School provides a nurturing environment where students can thrive amidst the natural beauty of northern Michigan.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 166 students, Bear Lake Elementary School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Located in a rural area, Bear Lake Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Bear Lake Elementary School — Students at Bear Lake Elementary School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
62%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 14 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.9/10.
How Bear Lake Elementary School Compares
See how Bear Lake Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 34.7% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 32.92% (2022).
Location
7748 CODY ST, Bear Lake, MI 49614
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bear Lake Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Frankfort Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 15.5 miles away, in nearby Frankfort), which scores notably higher. Another option is John F Kennedy Elem School (rated 7.3/10, 15.9 miles away, in nearby Manistee), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lake Ann Elementary School (rated 6.8/10, 23.1 miles away, in nearby Interlochen), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bear Lake, see our Bear Lake schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 23.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Lake High School Bear Lake | 0.0 mi | 6.2 |
| PLEASANTVIEW MENNONITE SCHOOL Kaleva | 3.8 mi | — |
| Onekama Consolidated Schools Onekama | 4.7 mi | 7.8 |
| Brethren Middle School Brethren | 10.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Brethren High School Brethren | 10.1 mi | 4.2 |
| KND Elementary Brethren | 10.1 mi | 4.5 |
| Manistee ISD Center Programs Manistee | 12.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Homestead Hills Elementary School Benzonia | 14.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Benzie Academy Benzonia | 14.4 mi | 4.7 |
| Betsie Valley School Thompsonville | 11.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Benzie Central Sr High School Benzonia | 14.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Benzie Central Middle School Benzonia | 14.5 mi | 6.7 |
| Frankfort High School Frankfort | 15.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Frankfort Elementary School Frankfort | 15.5 mi | 8.2 |
| Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy Manistee | 14.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Casman Alternative Academy Manistee | 15.0 mi | 7.3 |
| John F Kennedy Elem School Manistee | 15.9 mi | 7.3 |
| Thomas Jefferson Elem School Manistee | 15.3 mi | 5.1 |
| Manistee Middle High School Manistee | 15.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Lake Ann Elementary School Interlochen | 23.1 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49614 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,389
Median Home Value
$203,900
Median Rent
$963/mo
Population
2,903
College Educated
29.4%
Homeownership
95.4%
Avg Commute
26.4 min
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Median Age
53.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Bear Lake Elementary School has a median household income of $71,389. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $203,900, with a median rent of $963/month. The local poverty rate of 7.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 26 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Northeastern Elementary School Kalamazoo, MI | 4.3 |
| Thomas White School Saginaw, MI | 4.3 |
| Country Elementary School Pinckney, MI | 4.2 |
| Harms Elementary School Detroit, MI | 4.2 |
| Montague Elementary School Mount Morris, MI | 4.2 |
| New Dawn Academy of Warren Sterling Hts, MI | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bear Lake Elementary School
What grades does Bear Lake Elementary School serve?
Bear Lake Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Bear Lake Elementary School?
Bear Lake Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 166 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bear Lake Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Bear Lake Elementary School is 18.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Bear Lake Elementary School rank in MI?
Bear Lake Elementary School is ranked #2914 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Bear Lake Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Bear Lake Elementary School has a composite rating of 4.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Bear Lake Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Bear Lake Elementary School has 34.0% math proficiency and 36.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Bear Lake Elementary School a charter school?
No, Bear Lake Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Bear Lake Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Bear Lake Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bear Lake Elementary School?
62.0% of students at Bear Lake Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Average (353/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 166
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 9
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 62.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Manistee County
- Phone
- (231) 864-3133
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Bear Lake Schools- District Enrollment
- 284
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,914
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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