St Mary Catholic School

St Mary Catholic School serves 138 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Big Rapids, Michigan. Despite its name suggesting a Catholic institution, this elementary school operates as a regular public school with 11 full-time equivalent teachers, creating an intimate learning environment with a 12.5:1 student-teacher ratio. The school earns a solid 7.8 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranks #257 out of 460 elementary schools statewide, placing it in the 44th percentile among Michigan schools.

This middle-tier performance indicates the school provides a stable educational foundation for its students, with room for continued academic growth. The smaller class sizes allow teachers to provide more individualized attention to students, which can be particularly beneficial during the crucial elementary and middle school years when students are building fundamental academic skills and developing their learning habits. St Mary Catholic School is situated in a town setting within the 49307 ZIP code area, where the median household income is $50,573 and median home value is $163,900.

The community shows economic diversity, with 32% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, while 22.7% of families live below the poverty line. The school serves this mixed-income community of 18,169 residents in the heart of Big Rapids.

With an enrollment of 138 students, St Mary Catholic 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.

As a private school, St Mary Catholic School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.