- Mason County Eastern Elem Sch — 10.0 mi · Grades PK–6 · 181 students
- Mason County Eastern Junior HighHigh School — 10.0 mi · Grades 7–12 · 176 students
with district
with district
with district
| Metric | Mason County Eastern District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 382 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 2 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,220/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
Zip code 49402 is split between districts by area. No single district serves most of this zip. Residents live in different school districts: about 40% in Mason County Eastern District, about 33% in Mason County Central Schools, about 19% in Baldwin Community Schools, about 8% in Walkerville Rural Community School District. The page is headed by the district with the largest share; check your exact address with the district.
| GRADES | DISTRICT | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K–12 All grades (40% of area) | Mason County Eastern District 382 students · 2 schools | 4/10 |
| Pre-K–12 All grades (33% of area) | Mason County Central Schools 1,260 students · 5 schools | 3/10 |
| Pre-K–12 All grades (19% of area) | Baldwin Community Schools 442 students · 3 schools | 1/10 |
| Pre-K–12 All grades (8% of area) | Walkerville Rural Community School District 276 students · 1 school | 1/10 |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason County Eastern District (this district) | 4/10 | 31st | 382 |
| Mason County Central Schools | 3/10 | 26th | 1,260 |
| Baldwin Community Schools | 1/10 | 4th | 442 |
| Walkerville Rural Community School District | 1/10 | 7th | 276 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 488 rated districts in MI → 31st percentile → 4/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Mason County Eastern District
Zip code 49402 in Mason, Michigan is served by Mason County Eastern District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Mason County Eastern District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Mason County Eastern District 4 out of 10 — below average among Michigan public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Michigan is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Mason County Eastern District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Michigan benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 49402
Children in zip code 49402 are assigned to Mason County Eastern District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 49402, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Mason County Eastern District at (231)757-3733 or visit www.mceschools.com. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Michigan districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Branch
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Mason County Eastern District serves zip code 49402, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 49402. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Michigan, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Mason County Eastern District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 49402.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Mason County Eastern District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 49402 data.