With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive and global education more essential than ever, many families in the Detroit area are exploring private school options for their children.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best private 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 top private schools in the Detroit area.
Find more private schools near you:
- Best private schools in Oakland County
- Best private schools in Macomb County
- Best private schools in Wayne County
- Best private schools in Washtenaw County
Featured private schools in Detroit area
In this section, Metro Parent’s advertising partners share their top school offerings.
Aim High School
- Address: 29230 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
- Phone: 248-702-6922
- Grades served: 6-12
- Number of students: 95
- Type: Private School, Special Education School
Aim High School is a private, tuition-based school for students in grades 6–12 that offers a supportive, small-scale alternative to large traditional schools. Designed for students with special social and learning needs, Aim High provides a safe, structured environment where academic focus, wellness and communication skills are nurtured.
With a college and work-ready curriculum, the school tailors learning to each student’s strengths and interests through individualized instruction and hands-on experiences. Small class sizes—averaging just eight students—allow teachers to build strong relationships with students and families, making learning highly personal and effective.
At Aim High, students aren’t defined by their challenges—they’re empowered by their potential. The school’s expert faculty emphasizes real-world application, personal growth, and the confidence students need to succeed in school and beyond.
Minto’s Casa Childcare Center
- Address: 28190 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
- Phone: 248-489-3055
- Grades served: Infant-Preschool/Kindergarten
- Number of students: 80
- Type: Private School, Montessori School
At Minto’s Casa, the team strives to provide a home away from home for each child. It is a unique childcare and learning center with a caring and homely atmosphere, ideal for every child’s emotional, physical and social growth.
While the staff follows an age-appropriate structured program, the focus is always on the individual needs of each child. The staff consists of experienced, certified teachers and caregivers with more than ten years of experience, all dedicated to providing the best for every child.
Minto’s Casa encourages one-on-one teacher-child interaction and communication so that each child feels they have a special place there.
Novi Christian Academy
- Address: 40800 W. 13 Mile Road, Novi
- Phone: 248-668-7100
- Grades served: K-12
- Number of students: 400
- Type: Private School, Religious School
Novi Christian Academy stands out as a vibrant, Christ-centered school committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth. With small class sizes and passionate, dedicated teachers, students receive personalized instruction that prepares them for college and beyond. NCA’s rigorous curriculum is infused with a biblical worldview, fostering both intellectual development and strong moral character. From advanced placement courses to hands-on STEM programs, students are challenged and inspired every day.
Beyond the classroom, NCA offers a dynamic array of extracurriculars including championship-winning athletic teams, fine arts programs, robotics, and missions outreach. Students regularly participate in local and global service projects, living out their faith in meaningful, real-world ways. Whether it’s leading worship in chapel, competing in state tournaments, or serving on international missions trips, students at Novi Christian Academy are equipped to lead and make a difference for Christ in every arena of life.
Novi Northville Montessori Center
- Address: 23835 Novi Road, Novi
- Phone: 248-348-3033
- Grades served: Preschool-Kindergarten
- Number of students: 75
- Type: Private School, Montessori School
At Novi Northville Montessori Center (NNMC), “It’s Not What We Say, It’s What We Do” that maximizes a child’s ability to learn. They speak softly, walk slowly, respect each other through their words and their actions.
NNMC offers one-on-one learning and a place for a child to grow academically and emotionally in a nourishing environment. With their highly individualized program, meeting the needs of each individual child, NNMC’s success is determined by the child’s individual growth meeting their needs.
Southfield Christian School
- Address: 28650 Lahser Road, Southfield
- Phone: 248-357-3660
- Grades served: Preschool-12
- Number of students: 616
- Type: Private School, Religious School
Southfield Christian School is a leading Christian college preparatory school in Metro Detroit, built on the belief that academic excellence and spiritual growth go hand in hand. With a mission of “Pursuing Excellence for the Glory of God,” the school encourages students to see every area of life as an act of worship. A strong partnership between school, family, and church fosters a Christ-centered community rooted in shared values and purpose.
Recognized as the #1 Christian school in Metro Detroit for 2025, Southfield Christian prepares students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic rigor. The school offers a robust curriculum that includes Advanced Placement and dual enrollment opportunities, with 100% of graduates accepted to the college of their choice.
Beyond academics, students have the opportunity to explore their interests in fine arts and athletics. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or on the field, Southfield Christian equips students to excel—and to do so with faith and purpose.
The Roeper School
- Address: Roeper Lower School, 41190 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills;
Roeper Middle & Upper Schools, 1051 Oakland Avenue, Birmingham - Phone: 248-203-7300
- Grades served: Preschool-Grade 12
- Number of students: 480
- Type: Private School, Gifted/Talented Program School
The Roeper School is an independent day school for gifted students in preschool through grade 12, with campuses in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. Founded in 1941, Roeper offers a challenging, interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity and global awareness.
Students engage in project-based learning, advanced coursework, and hands-on experiences across science, technology, the arts, and humanities. With a strong focus on social justice, Roeper encourages students to lead service initiatives, participate in Model UN and forensics, and explore real-world issues.
The school fosters a collaborative environment where students take intellectual risks, pursue their interests and grow into confident, capable leaders. A no-cut policy in athletics and performing arts ensures that all students can participate, build skills and contribute as valued members of their teams and ensembles.
Best private schools in Detroit area
1. Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills (A+)
- Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Why it stands out: Students of Cranbrook Schools gain a unique education–rigorous academics, picturesque facilities and world-class museums are all part of the experience.
It’s no surprise that Cranbrook Schools takes the top spot for best private schools in the Detroit area. The private PreK-12 education system is renowned for its rigorous academics and picturesque campus.
Students of Cranbrook Schools can expect a thoughtful education experience unique to their own needs and interests. Students might take Latin or stellar astronomy then head to a dance showcase after school. Student life at Cranbrook is unique–students experience all 319 acres of the campus as part of the classroom. Plus, the upper school offers a boarding program.
In addition, Cranbrook Schools students have access to the resources of the Cranbrook Institute of Science and Cranbrook Art Museum.
2. Greenhills School, Ann Arbor (A+)
- Address: 850 Greenhills Drive, Ann Arbor
- Why it stands out: Greenhills School is well known for its excellent academics and student enrichment offerings. From its prime location in Ann Arbor, Greenhills School is able to benefit from its relationship to the nearby University of Michigan.
Greenhills School students earn a progressive education in a welcoming environment.
The school’s refrain of bringing out brilliance is a guiding principle–teachers are wholly engaged in their students. Academics at Greenhills School are rigorous with an emphasis on whole-child learning.
Greenhills School will soon offer families a K-5 education in addition to the grades 6-12 it currently serves. In the 2026-27 school year, the Summers-Knoll School will become Greenhills’ lower school.
3. Detroit Country Day School, Beverly Hills (A+)
- Address: 22305 W. 13 Mile Road, Beverly Hills
- Why it stands out: Detroit Country Day School is a premier private school with impressive academics and a commitment to creating well-rounded global citizens.
Detroit Country Day School is a nationally recognized independent college prep school serving grades PreK-12.
The school’s curriculum is focused on the principles of providing a globally-minded liberal arts education. Students in upper levels might take a 21st century global issues class or an introductory philosophy course.
Students may also participate in an exchange program to different European countries beginning in the eighth grade.
4. The Roeper School, Bloomfield Hills (A+)
- Address: 41190 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Why it stands out: The Roeper School is a PreK-12 private school specifically for gifted children. The private school’s mission is twofold: unlock the full potential of its students and a commitment to social justice.
The Roeper School is guided by its philosophy of dignity, human rights and diversity.
The school serves gifted children in grades PreK-12. Students are considered gifted if they show exceptional ability or potential in six traits: capability, collaboration, commitment, communication, connection and creativity. The school provides specific programming and supports based on these student qualities.
Through the school’s multifaceted approach to educating gifted students, learners are challenged to use their full potential.
5. University Liggett School, Grosse Pointe Woods (A+)
- Address: 1045 Cook Road, Grosse Pointe Woods
- Why it stands out: Project-based learning, innovative curriculum and small class sizes let students reach the height of their academic potential.
University Liggett School is a PreK-12 private school with a focus on instilling confidence and curiosity.
Graduates of University Liggett School are well prepared to tackle intensive college programs and careers. Students also have the opportunity to play on sports teams, participate in clubs and attend school social events.
6. Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor (A+)
- Address: 2775 Newport Road, Ann Arbor
- Why it stands out: A holistic approach to education is a hallmark of the Waldorf education method. Students are encouraged to become the truest versions of themselves.
Rudolf Steiner School operates by the principles of a Waldorf curriculum. The school is focused on enriching the whole child–from social emotional health to academics.
An example of its unique approach to education is the Pentathlon, which the school celebrates as a coming-of-age competition. Waldorf students study Greek history in fifth grade, and at the end of the lesson, students participate in the Pentathlon. Students are judged not just on athleticism in the modern sense, but also how graceful they are and as well as their conduct.
7. Michigan Islamic Academy, Ann Arbor (A+)
- Address: 2301 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
- Why it stands out: The Michigan Islamic Academy offers a secular and religious curriculum. The school is one of few in the area to offer an Islamic studies curriculum.
The Michigan Islamic Academy, located in Ann Arbor, services grades PreK-12. Islamic values are upheld and celebrated at this private school.
Teaching the Qur’an is an integral part of the education a student receives at the academy. The Islamic Studies curriculum uses the National Islamic Studies Standards for grades 2-8 and the Yaqeen Curriculum for 9-12.
8. Frankel Jewish Academy of Metro Detroit, West Bloomfield (A+)
- Address: 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield
- Why it stands out: A faith-based school with excellent facilities and a college prep environment.
Frankel Jewish Academy of Metro Detroit is a college preparatory high school with rigorous academics. The school is committed to furthering Jewish literacy and values.
Students may take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, STEAM classes and fine arts. Roughly two-thirds of students play sports through the school’s participation in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). A partnership with the Jewish Community Center offers students excellent facilities for training.
9. Academy of the Sacred Heart, Bloomfield Hills (A+)
- Address: 1250 Kensington Road, Bloomfield Hills
- Why it stands out: A longstanding Catholic institution known for its close knit community and commitment to creating confident leaders.
The Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic PreK-12 school for students of all faiths. The private school serves boys from infancy to grade 8 and girls from infancy to grade 12.
High schoolers engage with challenging college-prep studies, take class retreats and have weekly service learning.
The school is part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools and is affiliated with the Society of the Sacred Heart.
10. Brother Rice High School, Bloomfield Hills (A+)
- Address: 7101 Lahser Road, Bloomfield Hills
- Why it stands out: An all-boys school in the Catholic tradition. Brother Rice graduates are trained to be ethical and civic leaders.
At Brother Rice High School, Catholic values are an integral part of education.
Students are expected to challenge themselves academically–choosing from 41 honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.
Student life is engaging at this all-boys college prep school. Roughly 96 percent of Brother Rice students participate in an extracurricular. As for athletics, the school is highly competitive, with 80 state championship titles.
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