Education in the Region

Mason County communities place a high value on life-long learning, evidenced by the variety of educational options and resources for children, teens and adults. Just as important to education are the involvement and support from individuals, community organizations, business and industry. The extraordinary natural resources of Lake Michigan, inland lakes and rivers, forest and farmland — plus the history of the area — are woven into these opportunities, providing rich experiences for all.

The fully accredited public and private school systems for children begin with early childhood and school readiness programs and follow with curricula and fine arts for kindergarten through 8th grade in private schools and kindergarten through 12th grade in public schools. A full slate of athletic and co-curricular programs and clubs is a big part of school and community life in Mason County. There is also a home-schooling community.

Mason County Public Schools

Ludington Area Public School District

Ludington serves 2,200 students across three buildings: Ludington High School (9-12), O. J. DeJonge Middle School (6-8), Ludington Elementary School (PK-5) and includes several pre-school options for young children.

In addition to strong academic programming, Ludington Area Schools offer athletics for students in grades 7-12, including 24 varsity sports, as well as an array of co-curricular groups, including an award-winning music program.

Ludington High School has been named among the Best High Schools in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report on multiple occasions.

In addition to a new elementary building, the district celebrated the renovation of its middle and high schools in 2025.

“Excellence in education”:

Young 5’s program
S.T.E.A.M. classes for studnets in grade K-8
Elementary robotic club
Mentor reading program supported by Optimist Club of Ludington
Co-curricular club opportunities for every interest

Mason County Central School District

Mason County Central Schools, located in Scottville, serve students in preschool through 12th grades. From Victory Early Childhood Center to in-person classes and Spartan Academy Alternative Education, this district aims to “inspire and equip students to excel” with:

Engaging learning
Positive relationships
Focus on safety

“Large enough to compete. Small enough to care.”

Mason County Eastern School District

Named #1 Rural School in Michigan, Mason County Eastern Schools offer educational services to preschool-12th grade in Custer.

This district has also been awarded #6 Value Added school in Michigan by Bridge Magazine and a bronze medal winner by US News and World Report.

A well-rounded education is more than academics, athletics and arts; MCE students participate in different clubs and after-school activities like drama, academic quiz bowls and leadership building opportunities like student government, SADD and National Honors Society.

Scholar-Athletes are emphasized at MCE High School. While we are proud to boast about our athletes who move on to collegiate sports, we are equally proud of our All-State, All-Academic teams. We also are proud of our no-cut philosophy in athletics where all students have the opportunity to participate in the athletic teams.

“Where tradition meets excellence”

G2S Academy

G2S offers an alternative approach to traditional classroom learning with:

Visit the website to learn more.

Mason County Private Schools

WSESD Career & Technical Training

The mission of West Shore Educational Service District Career & Technical Education (WSESD CTE) is to provide students the skills to be successful in whatever the future may hold. Teachers work closely with over 100 local business and industry professionals to ensure the programs prepare students for both the local and national workforce. The CTE program works closely with West Shore Community College, Ferris State University, Baker College, and Davenport University to ensure the programs also focus on college preparation. Because of that, students have the opportunity to earn college credits while taking CTE programs.

Nearly 500 students from Mason, Lake, Oceana, and Manistee counties participate in local CTE programs each day. Learn more below:

wsesd.org

West Shore Community College

West Shore Community College serves Mason and surrounding counties with fully accredited educational curricula for its students, and athletic, arts, enrichment and accredited programs designed to complement high school programs and serve the community. Mentorships, internships and scholarships are available from area citizens, groups and businesses, who are invested in the professional and personal success of the area’s children.

Find out more about the wide variety of degree programs by clicking below:

westshore.edu

Mason County Promise

The Mason County Promise offers free West Shore Community College tuition and coverage of mandatory fees to Mason County residents who are high school graduates, including homeschool graduates and GED recipients. Once approved for the Promise Scholarship, students can access up to 72 attempted credits of tuition coverage at WSCC, and have up to 6 years after graduation to do so. Approved students can also qualify for up to $1000 in funding for educational supplies.

Proof of at least 1 year of residency for high school graduates (including the year prior to graduation/GED) and annual completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are required. Click below to learn more.

masoncountypromise.org

Education in the Region

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