Photo: Cushing and Benedict, Alma MI · Public domainAlma’s public schools outscore 53% of Michigan districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Alma, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Math proficiency in Alma’s districts is 28%, below the Michigan average (34%). Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Michigan, not nationally.
From Michigan state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Alma’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 42% of tested students were proficient in reading and 28% in math, against 45% and 34% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
80–84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 82% across Michigan (the state reports Alma’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,056 per student, against $16,528 across Michigan (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one elementary, one middle and one high school
From grade 1 the district’s path is Hillcrest Elementary School, then Donald L Pavlik Middle School, then Alma Senior High School. Enrollment is down 7% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Mary School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Alma’s grade
B−: better than 53% of Michigan school districts, #480 of 699 Michigan towns. Graduation is above the Michigan average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Alma, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Alma
Luce Road Elementary School
Grades PK–K · 141 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Alma
Luce Road Elementary School
Grades PK–K · 141 students · 9:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Alma
Pine Avenue Elementary School
Grades 4–5 · 265 students · 16:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Alma
Pine Avenue Elementary School
Grades 4–5 · 265 students · 16:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Alma
Donald L Pavlik Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 457 students · 18:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Alma
Donald L Pavlik Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 457 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Alma’s public schools are run by Alma Public Schools, which also serves Arcada, Pine River, Seville and Sumner. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Below the state in reading
Alma vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Michigan towns that share Alma’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Alma | B− | Alma |
| Pine River | B− | Alma PK–12 · St. Louis PK–12 |
| Arcada | B | Alma PK–12 · Ithaca PK–12 |
| St. Louis | C+ | St. Louis |
2 of the 3 neighbors share Alma with Alma, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Alma
8 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Michigan’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Alma’s schools
Are Alma’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of Michigan: the public schools Alma children attend outscore 53% of Michigan’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #480 of 699 Michigan towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 53%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Alma in?
Alma Public Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,815 students in 5 schools (2024–25).
Where do Alma kids go to high school?
Alma Senior High School, with 552 students; its own test results earn a B.
What is Alma’s graduation rate?
80–84% of the class of 2023 in Alma Public Schools graduated in four years, against 82% across Michigan.
How much does Alma spend per student?
$15,056 in Alma Public Schools (FY2024), against $16,528 across Michigan. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Alma?
Yes: St. Mary School (Catholic, grades PK–6, 154 students).
Parents talk
What Alma families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Alma → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Michigan. Stars are from neighbors.