For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,640 students in 49242, MI (there are 2 private schools, serving 249 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in 49242, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in 49242, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 49242 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 49242, MI 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 49242, MI Public Schools (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 49242, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in 49242, MI include Horizon Alternative School, Greenfield School and Will Carleton Charter School Academy.
How many public schools are located in 49242?
9 public schools are located in 49242.
What percentage of students in 49242 go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in 49242 are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in 49242?
49242 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).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
