- Surline Elementary School — Grades PK–4 · 569 students
- Surline Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 580 students
- Ogemaw Heights High School — Grades 9–12 · 592 students
- Rose City School — Grades PK–6 · 103 students
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| Metric | West Branch-Rose City Area Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,100/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Near average |
About West Branch-Rose City Area Schools
Zip code 48761 in West Branch-Rose, Michigan is served by West Branch-Rose City Area Schools for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of West Branch-Rose City Area Schools’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, West Branch-Rose City Area Schools spends approximately $14,100 per student per year, placing it near the Michigan state average of approximately $13,500 and near the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Near-average districts typically provide core academic programs with adequate staffing, though program breadth may be more limited than in higher-funded systems. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At multiple schools serving grades Pre-K – 12th, West Branch-Rose City Area Schools qualifies as a district of unknown size serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Contact West Branch-Rose City Area Schools to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 7/10 Rating
With a rating of 7/10 (above average), West Branch-Rose City 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 (2017–18 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.
West Branch-Rose City 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 48761
Children in zip code 48761 are assigned to West Branch-Rose City 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 48761, 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 West Branch-Rose City Area Schools at (989)343-2000 or visit www.wbrc.k12.mi.us. 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 West Branch-Rose
For families considering a purchase in the West Branch-Rose area, district assignment matters financially. Because West Branch-Rose City Area Schools serves zip code 48761, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 48761 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 West Branch-Rose City 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 48761.
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, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with West Branch-Rose City Area Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 48761 data.