Families in the Detroit area seeking an alternative learning environment may find the right fit in a charter school. These public, tuition-free schools often offer smaller class sizes and a strong college-prep focus for students who thrive with structure.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best charter schools in the Detroit area, uses a combination of publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau, along with community reviews, survey feedback, and academic performance indicators such as test scores and college readiness.
Read on for our guide to the best charter schools in metro Detroit.
Looking for more of the best charter schools in the Detroit area? Check out these stories:
- Best Charter Schools in Oakland County
- Best Charter Schools in Macomb County
- Best Charter Schools in Wayne County
- Best Charter Schools in Washtenaw County
Best charter schools in metro Detroit
1. Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy (A+)
- Address: 48484 N. Territorial Road, Plymouth
- Why it stands out: A top-performing school with the benefits of support from its large charter network.
Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy serves kids as young as 5 years old through the eighth grade. The school opened in 2012, and has since claimed the top spot for charter schools in the Detroit area.
All students participate in music and different forms of art. Students can also choose to join sports teams, clubs and student leadership roles.
The school is part of the National Heritage Academies network. A Stanford study found that students in the network’s schools outperform their peers. Students gain nearly 3.5 months of additional learning.
2. South Arbor Charter Academy (A+)
- Address: 8200 Carpenter Road, Ypsilanti
- Why it stands out: As part of the National Heritage Academies network, students benefit from consistent programming and services.
The South Arbor Charter Academy serves roughly 800 students from young 5’s to grade 8.
The academy offers academics in tune with each child’s needs. Learners are also taught in a Moral Focus Program. Virtues like respect, perseverance, compassion and courage are made part of every school day’s lessons.
The school is part of the National Heritage Academies network. A Stanford study found that students in the network’s schools outperform their peers; students gain nearly 3.5 months of additional learning.
3. Achieve Charter Academy (A)
- Address: 3250 Denton Road, Canton
- Why it stands out: A high-performing school focused on educating the whole child. The academy is part of the National Heritage Academies network.
Achieve Charter Academy serves roughly 771 students from K-8 and is a member of the National Heritage Academies network.
The school offers on-site before and after school care thanks to a partnership with the YMCA. Students can get involved with sports like basketball, cheerleading and soccer while receiving an education with a moral focus.
4. Canton Charter Academy (A)
- Address: 49100 Ford Road, Canton
- Why it stands out: National Heritage Academies network schools stand out for their many extracurriculars, student leadership opportunities and focus on strong values.
Achieve Charter Academy serves roughly 775 students across grades K-8. The school is part of the National Heritage Academies network.
Students benefit from an academic program with a moral focus, an accelerated learning path option as well as personalized instruction and experiential learning.
Students can participate in clubs focused on subjects like chess, cooking, golf and Spanish. Some clubs, like robotics and science olympiad, also compete against other schools.
5. Mt. Clemens Montessori Academy (A)
- Address: 1070 Hampton Road, Mount Clemens
- Why it stands out: A Montessori education allows students to explore the world at their own pace in multi age classrooms.
The benefits of a Montessori education can be huge for children with the drive to explore the world around them.
Students at the Mt. Clemens Montessori Academy learn at their own pace in multi age classrooms. Children use multi-sensory materials for learning and exploration.
From grade 2-5, students study subjects like mathematics, physical and life sciences, literacy and cultural studies, as well as fine arts, music, French, computer science and physical education.
6. Keystone Academy (A)
- Address: 47925 Bemis Road, Belleville
- Why it stands out: Keystone Academy, part of the National Heritage Academies network, lets its students earn high school credit while in middle school thanks to an accelerated learning program.
Keystone Academy offers personalized learning experiences for kids in young 5’s through grade 8.
The school is part of the National Heritage Academies network and offers similar academic programs to other top-performing schools. Students learn moral values throughout their education.
Keystone Academy students can also participate in EXCEL-ERATE, an advanced learning program for top-performing students in all grades. Middle school students can even earn high school credits at Arbor Preparatory High School.
7. South Canton Scholars Charter Academy (A-)
- Address: 3085 South Canton Center Road, Canton
- Why it stands out: Early education is essential for creating a strong foundation for life. This school sets kids up for success with its consistent programming as part of the National Heritage Academies network.
South Canton Scholars Charter Academy prepares about 823 students from young 5’s through grade 8 for their continued education.
Students benefit from the National Heritage Academies network standard of quality. High performing students can take on more challenging courses, artistic students can flourish and those with an interest in sports have options.
8. Merritt Academy (A-)
- Address: 59900 Havenridge Road, New Haven
- Why it stands out: A close-knit community with a commitment to making sure students who are struggling are given ample resources to succeed.
Merritt Academy seeks to create well-rounded graduates through its holistic education program.
The school incorporates character building lessons into its academic program. Students have many supports to prevent them from falling behind; the school offers multi-tiered student support, ZAP and ninth hour programs for extra help.
The close-knit school community is dedicated to making sure every student succeeds.
9. Canton Preparatory High School (A-)
- Address: 46610 Cherry Hill Road, Canton
- Why it stands out: A college prep environment in a high performing school serving grades 7-12. The school is part of the National Heritage Academies network.
Canton Preparatory High School encourages its more than 600 students in grades 7-12 to reach their full potential. The school is part of the National Heritage Academies charter network.
Students benefit from the National Heritage Academies network standard of quality. High performing students can take on more challenging courses, artistic students can flourish and those with an interest in sports have options. Students at Canton Prep can choose from sports options like volleyball and soccer and clubs including animation, chess and Spanish.
10. Hamtramck Academy (B+)
- Address: 11420 Conant St., Hamtramck
- Why it stands out: This school set in the diverse city of Hamtramck is known for its commitment to the whole child. Hamtramck Academy is a National Heritage Academies school.
Hamtramck Academy is located in the heart of Hamtramck, a city with the slogan “The World in Two Square Miles.”
The school is part of the National Heritage Academies charter network and benefits from the large network’s consistent programs and offerings. Students at Hamtramck Academy have options when it comes to their education–they can participate in accelerated learning programs, learn about their passions with after-school clubs and expand their potential through the fine arts.
Hamtramck Academy educates roughly 549 students in grades K-8.
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