Very Good
#824 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 26% in state
Pentwater Public School
School · Pentwater Public School District
600 PARK ST, Pentwater, MI 49449
Enrollment
229
Student-Teacher
12.7:1
Score
7.3
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
229
Student-Teacher
12.7:1
Score
7.3
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#108 of 279
School environment
9.4 / 10
Exceptional
About Pentwater Public School
Pentwater Public School serves 229 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade in this close-knit rural Michigan community. With 18 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an intimate 12.7:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for personalized attention and strong relationships between educators and students. The school has earned recognition for its academic quality, receiving a 7.2 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #432 out of 3,204 schools statewide, placing it in the 86th percentile among Michigan schools.
This solid performance reflects the school's commitment to educational excellence in a small-school environment where every student is known and valued. Pentwater Public School draws from a stable community where 42% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and the median household income of $73,102 reflects families who prioritize education. The area's 10% poverty rate indicates a relatively affluent community that supports its schools, while the median home value of $266,500 suggests families are invested in staying long-term.
Located on Park Street in this remote rural setting along Lake Michigan's eastern shore, Pentwater Public School offers the advantages of small-town education where students can participate in multiple activities and receive individual attention while being part of a supportive community that values academic achievement.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Pentwater Public 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
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Pentwater Public School — Students at Pentwater Public School score 52% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
51.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 18 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: 4.3/10.
How Pentwater Public School Compares
See how Pentwater Public School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 42.28% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 60.91% (2022).
Location
600 PARK ST, Pentwater, MI 49449
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pentwater Public School may also want to explore other schools in the area. Developmental ClassroomsWSESD (rated 9.0/10, 12.7 miles away, in nearby Ludington), which scores notably higher. Another option is New Era Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 15.9 miles away, in nearby New Era), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LUDINGTON AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Ludington), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Pentwater, see our Pentwater schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 16.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hart Middle School Hart | 6.5 mi | 6.3 |
| Spitler Elementary School Hart | 6.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Hart High School Hart | 6.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Shelby High School Shelby | 11.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Ludington High School Ludington | 12.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Shelby Middle School Shelby | 11.9 mi | 7.9 |
| OJ DeJonge Middle School Ludington | 12.3 mi | 7.3 |
| Thomas Read Elementary School Shelby | 12.1 mi | 3.8 |
| Ludington Elementary School Ludington | 12.8 mi | 5.5 |
| LUDINGTON AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Ludington | 12.8 mi | 8.1 |
| COVENANT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ludington | 12.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Academy of Science Math and Technology Early College High Sc Ludington | 12.7 mi | 5.1 |
| Developmental ClassroomsWSESD Ludington | 12.7 mi | 9.0 |
| Mason County Central Upper Elementary Scottville | 13.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Mason County Central HS Scottville | 13.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Mason County Central MS Scottville | 13.9 mi | 6.1 |
| Scottville Elementary School Scottville | 14.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Gateway To Success Academy Scottville | 14.4 mi | 7.8 |
| New Era Elementary School New Era | 15.9 mi | 8.3 |
| NEW ERA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL New Era | 16.0 mi | 4.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49449 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$74,286
Median Home Value
$282,400
Median Rent
$719/mo
Population
2,794
College Educated
43.4%
Homeownership
87.7%
Avg Commute
24.4 min
Poverty Rate
10.5%
Median Age
58
Community Profile
The community surrounding Pentwater Public School has a median household income of $74,286. It is a well-educated community where 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $282,400, with a median rent of $719/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.5%. The average commute for residents is 24 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 |
|---|---|
| Chassell K12 School Chassell, MI | 7.3 |
| David Ellis Academy Detroit, MI | 7.3 |
| North Huron School Kinde, MI | 7.3 |
| Huron Academy Grades K2 Clinton Twp, MI | 7.2 |
| LIVINGSTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Brighton, MI | 7.2 |
| WoodsEdge Learning Center Portage, MI | 7.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pentwater Public School
What grades does Pentwater Public School serve?
Pentwater Public School serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.
How many students attend Pentwater Public School?
Pentwater Public School has an enrollment of approximately 229 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pentwater Public School?
The student-teacher ratio at Pentwater Public School is 12.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pentwater Public School rank in MI?
Pentwater Public School is ranked #824 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Pentwater Public School's MySchoolScout rating?
Pentwater Public School has a composite rating of 7.3 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 Pentwater Public School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pentwater Public School has 42.8% math proficiency and 60.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Pentwater Public School a charter school?
No, Pentwater Public School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pentwater Public School a Title I school?
No, Pentwater Public School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pentwater Public School?
51.5% of students at Pentwater Public 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.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 12th
- Enrollment
- 229
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 51.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Oceana County
- Phone
- (231) 869-4100
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Pentwater Public School District- District Enrollment
- 229
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,832
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.