Most of Manistee County is served by the Manistee Intermediate School District, which coordinates the efforts of local boards of education, but has no operating authority over schools.

Local school boards in Michigan retain great autonomy over day-to-day operations.

The Manistee Intermediate School District is governed by a publicly elected board of education, who is responsible for hiring a superintendent.

[5] As of the 2015–2016 school year, the communities of Manistee County are served by the following members of the Manistee Intermediate School District:[5] The Manistee Intermediate School District includes the Casman Alternative Academy charter school.

[5] The Manistee Intermediate School District includes West Shore Community College.