Serving 493 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Besser Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 36% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 493 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 11%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 36% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Besser Elementary School's student population of 493 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
493 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Besser Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Besser Elementary School is 0.21, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1483 out of 3025 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
4%
9%
Black
1%
18%
White
89%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Besser Elementary School's ranking?
Besser Elementary School is ranked #1483 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Besser Elementary School often compared to?
Besser Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ella M White Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
36% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Besser Elementary School?
493 students attend Besser Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Besser Elementary School students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Besser Elementary School?
Besser Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Besser Elementary School offer ?
Besser Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Besser Elementary School part of?
Besser Elementary School is part of Alpena Public Schools.
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