For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,640 students in Hillsdale, MI (there are 2 private schools, serving 249 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Hillsdale, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hillsdale, MI are Horizon Alternative School, Greenfield School and Will Carleton Charter School Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hillsdale, MI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Hillsdale have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Hillsdale, MI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Horizon Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
30 S Norwood Ave
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 439-4320
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 439-4320
Gr: 9-12 | 55 students Student-teacher ratio: 55:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Greenfield School
Special Education School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3471 Beck Rd
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 689-1812
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 689-1812
Gr: PK-12 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Will Carleton Charter School Academy
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2001 W Hallett Rd
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-2000
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-2000
Gr: K-12 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Davis Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
30 N West St
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 439-4326
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 439-4326
Gr: 5-8 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Hillsdale High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
30 S Norwood Ave
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 439-4320
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 439-4320
Gr: 9-12 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Gier Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
175 Spring St
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-7347
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-7347
Gr: K-4 | 434 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #77.
Bailey Early Childhood Center
Special Education School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
59 S Manning St
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-4401
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-4401
Gr: PK-K | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #88.
Hillsdale Preparatory School
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
160 Mechanic Rd
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-4625
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 437-4625
Gr: K-8 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: n/an/a
Hillsdale Area Career Center
Vocational School
3471 Beck Rd
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 689-1881
Hillsdale, MI 49242
(517) 689-1881
Gr: 11-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Hillsdale, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Hillsdale, MI include Horizon Alternative School, Greenfield School and Will Carleton Charter School Academy.
How many public schools are located in Hillsdale?
9 public schools are located in Hillsdale.
What percentage of students in Hillsdale go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Hillsdale are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hillsdale?
Hillsdale public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Hillsdale are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Hillsdale include: Greenfield School vs. Hillsdale High School, Davis Middle School vs. Will Carleton Charter School Academy, Gier Elementary School vs. Will Carleton Charter School Academy
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.
