- John F Kennedy Elem School — 0.7 mi · Grades 3–5 · 270 students
- Manistee Middle High School — 2.6 mi · Grades 6–12 · 685 students
- Thomas Jefferson Elem School — 2.8 mi · Grades K–2 · 292 students
| Metric | Manistee Area Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 1,225 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,150/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 14% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manistee Area Schools (this district) | 7/10 | 61st | 1,225 |
| Mason County Eastern District | 4/10 | 31st | 382 |
| Onekama Consolidated Schools | 7/10 | 62nd | 304 |
| Kaleva Norman Dickson School District | 2/10 | 19th | 539 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 488 rated districts in MI → 61st percentile → 7/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Manistee Area Schools
Families in zip code 49634 (Filer City, Michigan) are assigned to Manistee Area Schools for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 7/10 Rating
With a rating of 7/10 (above average), Manistee Area Schools ranks among Michigan’s above average-rated school systems. 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.
Manistee Area Schools earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Michigan. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 49634
Children in zip code 49634 are assigned to Manistee Area Schools 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 49634, 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 Manistee Area Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Filer City
For families considering a purchase in the Filer City area, district assignment matters financially. Because Manistee Area Schools serves zip code 49634, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 49634 and neighboring areas. 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 Manistee Area Schools 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 49634.
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 Manistee Area Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 49634 data.