Michigan is well-known for its automotive industry, stunning natural beauty on the Great Lakes shorelines, and abundant water sports and outdoor recreation sites. But did you know that Michigan is also home to some of the top-rated schools in the country? The state has 3,293 public district schools, 405 public charter schools, and 4,552 private schools. Together, those schools serve over 1.4 million students in K-12.
Picking the right school for your child from that large pool can be challenging. Most importantly, it's essential to understand what makes a school good. Good schools offer quality education, supportive teachers and staff, and a safe and welcoming environment that meets your child's unique interests and needs.
In this blog post, we'll explore the top-rated schools in Michigan. We based list specifics on a combination of factors. Those include GreatSchools.org test scores and reviews, academic performance, Google reviews, faculty experience, student-teacher ratio, graduation rates, student diversity, and other relevant factors.
The schools are ranked in ascending order, with the first being the lowest rated in each group. With that said, let's dive into the top-rated schools in Michigan.
Best Elementary School
Bauerwood School
1443 Bauer Rd, Jenison, MI 49428
Bauerwood School is a public school in the Jenison Public Schools district, serving students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The school has an enrollment of 538 students and a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. Moreover, Bauerwood School is known for providing its students with a personalized and supportive learning environment.
At Bauerwood School, students excel academically. 75% achieved proficiency in English language classes, and 72% earned high marks in mathematics. Social studies scores were also impressive, with a remarkable 85%. An outstanding 10/10 rating affirms the school's excellence from GreatSchools.org – a testament to their dedication toward student success.
One notable aspect of Bauerwood School is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The school's student body comprises students from various backgrounds. White students comprise 86%, two or more races comprise 5%, Asian students comprise 2%, and Hispanic students comprise 4%.
96% of the faculty have three or more years of experience, and all full-time teachers are certified. With its high test scores, experienced and certified teachers, and commitment to diversity and inclusivity, Bauerwood School is a top choice for parents in Jenison.
Park Elementary School
5525 Park Avenue, Hudsonville, MI 49426
Park Elementary School, located in Three Rivers, Michigan, is a highly-rated public school in the Hudsonville Public School District. With 390 students in grades K-5, Park Elementary offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on academic excellence and social development. Park Elementary School has received a 10/10 overall rating from GreatSchools.org.
The school has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, which is lower than the state average of 18:1, allowing for more individualized attention and support for each student. Park Elementary has experienced teachers, and staff described as caring and dedicated by parents.
All full-time teachers are certified, and 96% have three or more years of experience. The school also has a part-time psychologist and social worker to provide additional support for students' mental health and well-being.
Park Elementary School is committed to diversity and inclusivity. The student body is made up of students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, including White (78%), two or more races (10%), Hispanics (6%), Black (3%), and Asian (2%).
Park Elementary School is an excellent choice for families looking for a highly-rated public school in Michigan. With its focus on academic excellence, social development, and diversity, the School offers a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in school and beyond.
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Rosy Mound School
14016 Lakeshore Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Rosy Mound School is a public school located in Grand Haven, MI, that provides education to grades PK-4. It's also part of the renowned Grand Haven Area Public Schools District. The school has an enrollment of 320 students and a student-teacher ratio at the state average of 16:1. This warm environment offers excellent learning opportunities for young minds.
The school has a robust academic program, with standardized test scores consistently above average. 83% of students attain proficiency in math and 91% in English. The school has received a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
A variety of courses and programs are on offer. Specifically, art courses in ceramics and painting and music courses in band, choir/chorus, and orchestra are all available. The school has a highly experienced teaching staff. In fact, 100% of full-time teachers are certified with at least three years of experience. The school also has a part-time nurse, psychologist, and social worker.
Parents speak highly of the school. One parent specifically called out the staff as caring, understanding, and dedicated to learning who the students and parents are. Another parent praised the teachers for making learning fun while pushing students to be their best. This school is an excellent option for families in Grand Haven, and one of the top-rated schools in Michigan.
Lorenz C. List School
805 East Genesee Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Lorenz C. List School is a public school in Frankenmuth, Michigan, serving students from preschool through fourth grade. The school is part of the Frankenmuth School District. It's also known for its commitment to providing high-quality education to its students. With 575 students, the school has a student-teacher ratio of 19:1.
The school received a 10/10 overall rating on GreatSchools.org. Students at Lorenz C. List School did better in math and English than students across the state, with 71% of students attaining proficiency in math and 68% in English. Lorenz C also offers arts and music courses as part of its curriculum.
White students comprise 79% of the student body. Beyond that, students who identify as two or more races sit at 8%, Hispanics at 6%, Asian at 6%, and Black at 1%.
Parents of students at Lorenz C. List School appreciate the level of involvement and commitment from the teachers. Reviews specifically indicate that teachers take their students as individuals and provide them with a better learning experience. Parents also appreciate the teachers' efforts in informing them of their child's progress and suggesting ways to help and improve their child's learning.
With a committed team of teachers and a positive learning environment, Lorenz C. List School is a top-rated school for parents in Frankenmuth and the surrounding neighborhoods to consider. It's also one of the best schools in Michigan.
Best Middle Schools
Farmington STEAM Academy
32800 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
The Farmington STEAM Academy is a public school in Farmington, MI, serving students from kindergarten to eighth grade within the Farmington Public Schools district. With a total enrollment of 699 students and a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, the school offers a vibrant learning environment. Further, the school emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education.
The school's curriculum centers on project-based learning. More specifically, it combines unique facilities with an inquiry-driven philosophy, giving students autonomy and opportunities to pursue their interests. Through design challenges, authentic STEAM experiences, and opportunities for real-world application, the school inspires students to be innovative thinkers and problem solvers focused on creativity, collaboration, and communication.
The Farmington STEAM Academy boasts a highly qualified and experienced teaching staff. Specifically, 91% of teachers have at least three years of experience and all full-time teachers are certified. The school also has a part-time psychologist and social worker.
The school's test scores are far above the state average, with students performing exceptionally well in math and English. 75% of students attain proficiency in English, while 67% attain proficiency in math.
With a highly qualified teaching staff, an emphasis on project-based learning, and a commitment to providing students with real-world experiences, the school is an excellent pick for families in Farmington. It's also one of the top-rated schools in Michigan.
Beaver Island Community School
37895 King's Highway, Beaver Island, MI 49782
Beaver Island Community School is a small public school in northern Lake Michigan on Beaver Island. Despite its small size, the school has a robust academic excellence tradition, as reflected in its 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
With an enrollment of just 49 students across grades K-12, the student-teacher ratio at Beaver Island Community School is an impressively low 5:1, significantly lower than the state average of 18:1. All of the school's full-time teachers are certified and have at least three years of experience.
Standardized test scores at Beaver Island Community School are far above the state average, with students performing better in math and English than their peers across the state. The school has music and art programs, technology access, and intramural and interscholastic sports. Beaver Island Community School graduates tend to score higher than state and national averages on the ACT Test.
The school's strong academic performance, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers suggest it may be an excellent option for families seeking a high-quality education in a tight-knit community setting.
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Canton High School
8415 North Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48187
Canton High School, part of the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district, is a public school in Michigan that serves students from grades 6 to 12. With a student enrollment of around 2,000, Canton High School has received a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org. Moreover, its standardized test scores are far above the state average.
The school does offer AP courses for students looking to challenge themselves academically. Additionally, Canton High provides numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities such as student clubs and sports teams.
Canton High School has a diverse student body of 67% white, 16% Asian, 9% Black, 5% Hispanic, and 3% of two or more races. The student-teacher ratio at Canton High School is 21:1, slightly higher than the state average of 18:1. However, the school has a high percentage of teachers with at least three years of experience (96%), and 100% of full-time teachers are certified. The school is an excellent pick for parents in Canton, and one of the best schools in Michigan.
Best High Schools
Unionville-Sebewaing High School
2203 Wildner Road, Sebewaing, MI 48759
Unionville-Sebewaing High School (USA High School) is a public school serving grades 9-12 in Unionville, Michigan. With an enrollment of 259 students, the school offers a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities to its students. The school is highly rated on GreatSchools.org, receiving a 10/10 rating.
USA High School offers students various course options, such as the highly sought-after AP courses. These include AP Chemistry for those aspiring to enter science fields; two levels of English with either Language or Literature & Composition; and U.S. Government & Politics – perfect for future political scientists. Furthermore, there are alternative student learning opportunities like dual enrollment credit, online classes, and co-op experiences that prepare them beyond classroom curricula.
The school has a student-teacher ratio of 22:1, slightly higher than the state average of 18:1. However, 92% of the teachers have at least three years of experience, and 100% of the full-time teachers are certified. The school has a 97% graduation rate. Former students have praised the staff for their caring and understanding nature, which fosters a respectful atmosphere among everyone in attendance.
Overall, Unionville-Sebewaing High School offers a unique and expansive learning experience, giving students the tools to reach their full academic potential. With specialized classes and extracurriculars that foster growth in all areas of life, they provide ample preparation for both college readiness and future careers alike.
Northville High School
45700 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI 48168
Northville High School is a large public high school in the Northville Public School District in Michigan, serving students in grades 9-12. The school has a student population of 2,500. With a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org, Northville High School is among the best high schools in Michigan.
The school also boasts above-average scores in crucial college and career readiness measures, including standardized test scores and graduation rates. What's more, the school has a graduation rate of 97% and a high percentage of students enrolled in AP courses, with a participation rate of 42%. With 25 AP courses available, students can challenge themselves academically and prepare for college.
Northville High School also has a high percentage of teachers with at least three years of experience, at 97%. This, coupled with a student-teacher ratio of 22:1, ensures that students receive personalized attention and support from their teachers. The school also has a full-time social worker and a part-time nurse, psychologist, and law-enforcement officer.
Parents and students alike have praised the school's high academic standards, dedicated teachers, and supportive community. With a comprehensive curriculum that includes honors courses, an International Baccalaureate program, and a diverse student body, Northville High School is an excellent choice for families living in Northville, MI.
Haslett High School
5450 Marsh Rd, Haslett, MI 48840
Haslett High School is a public school located in Haslett, Michigan, and is a part of the Haslett Public Schools district. The school caters to grades 9-12 and has an enrollment of 873 students. According to GreatSchools.org, Haslett High School has received a rating of 10/10.
Boasting a 96% 4-year high school graduation rate, this school exemplifies academic distinction. With its 17:1 student-teacher ratio, which is lower than the state average of 18:1, it provides top-notch education through personalized attention from teachers to every one of its students.
Haslett High School offers its students a wide range of courses, including AP courses in subjects such as Computer Science, Human Geography, Japanese Language and Culture, and Seminars. Additionally, the school offers several other arts, music, and performance arts programs, including courses in ceramics, painting, photography, video, and film production and classes in band, choir, drama, and various world languages.
The school also provides opportunities for students to participate in co-curricular activities such as athletics, band, choir, and Hassle media productions. The school's programs and extracurricular activities allow students to develop a broad range of skills and interests, making them well-rounded and prepared for the future.
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Finding the Right School for Your Child
Michigan provides an abundance of educational opportunities with its variety of public and private institutions. The state offers something special for all students, no matter their learning preferences, from metropolitan to rural settings. With such a wide selection, parents must carefully consider which school best fits their child's unique needs and interests to decide where they can succeed most.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©SeventyFour/Shutterstock.com.