Clarke School

Clarke School, a middle-of-the-pack K-5 school in SAINT JOSEPH, Michigan, operated by St. Joseph Public Schools, caters to 462 students, covering grades K through 5. That puts it 25% bigger than the typical public school in Michigan, which averages around 369 students.

St. Joseph Public Schools runs 5 schools in total, collectively educating 2,918 students. Clarke School is one of those campuses.

On demographics, Clarke School shows that the largest single group is White, at 74% of enrollment. Other groups include 9% Asian, 7% Hispanic, 6% multiracial, 4% Black. Compared to Berrien County overall, the school's racial mix sits in roughly the same range.

Looking at the economic backdrop, Staff filings list 22 full-time-equivalent teachers, which works out to roughly 21.4:1 students per teacher. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 15.8:1, putting Clarke School higher than the state norm the norm. Roughly 20% of students at Clarke School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, often used as a Title I proxy. By comparison, Berrien County runs at roughly 55%, so the school's eligibility rate is below the surrounding baseline.

After controlling for student poverty, Clarke School tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 57.4% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 57.7%.

Around the school, Berrien County reports that median household earnings sit near $65,425, about 31% of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or above, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 11%. Across Berrien County's 75 public schools (combined enrollment of about 21,027 students), Clarke School is one campus in the mix.

The closest other public school is Lighthouse Education Center, roughly 0.9 miles away. 8 of the 8 nearest public schools sit inside a five-mile radius. Ranking that nearby cluster on reported proficiency puts Clarke School at 2nd of 4; the average score across the group is 56.6%.

Geographically, the school is in a residential area.

Five-year trend. Clarke School's enrollment has rose 4% since 2018, when it stood at 446 (now 462). Class-load math has narrowed: from 24.2:1 in 2018 to 21.4:1 in 2025.

In the discussion threads here, the feed for Clarke School typically covers science fair prep, picture-day reminders, and bus-route questions. Posting is open to anyone connected to the school.