More parents in Wayne County are choosing private schools that offer individualized instruction, intimate class settings, and a curriculum designed to prepare students for success in an increasingly competitive, global world.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best private schools in Wayne County, 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 Wayne County.
Read more: Best Private Schools in Metro Detroit
Best private schools in Wayne County
1. University Liggett School (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.
2. University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy (A+)
- Address: 8400 S. Cambridge Ave., Detroit
- Why it stands out: An all-boys school serving grades 7-12 in the Jesuit tradition with excellent academics, athletics and more.
University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy is a premier Catholic all-boys school serving grades 7-12.
The school says a Jesuit education is “holistic, developing students’ moral character and spirituality along with their intellect.” Graduates are “servants of the common good, advocates for the vulnerable and adept at moral and spiritual discernment.”
As for academics, the academy offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes and rigorous honors courses. Students have the ability to earn college credit while still in high school–they have the option to virtually attend the state’s colleges and universities or take virtual classes through the Arrupe Learning Institute (AVLI).
3. Al-Ikhlas Training Academy (A)
- Address: 12555 McDougall Street, Detroit
- Why it stands out: This faith-based institution serving grades PreK-12 serves as a hub for the Muslim community on the northside of the city.
This PreK-12 Islamic school located just north of Hamtramck seeks to build academic excellence and character in each student.
Al-Ikhlas offers small class sizes, a strong discipline policy, affordable tuition and an Islamic-based curriculum.Students learn with project-based activities and some classes are separated by gender.
The school offers limited financial aid in the form of scholarships for students with financial need.
4. Peterson-Warren Academy (A)
- Address: 4000 Sylvia, Inkster
- Why it stands out: Peterson-Warren Academy allows students in grades K-12 to reach their full potential in a Christian environment centered on the Seventh-day Adventist faith.
At Peterson-Warren Academy located in Inkster, students learn in a personalized way in a truly Christian environment. The school follows the Seventh-day Adventist tradition.
Students learn in an environment with an organic garden on site, community service options, foreign language courses, and have many field trips and enrichment opportunities.
5. Plymouth Christian Academy (A)
- Address: 43065 Joy Road, Canton
- Why it stands out: The Plymouth Christian Academy has been awarded for its academic rigor. Students in grades PreK-12 learn in a biblically-centered space.
Plymouth Christian Academy facilitates learning in a bible-centered environment for grades PreK-12.
The private school is committed to raising the academic standard for its students. In 2024, it was recognized as an Advanced Placement (AP) honor roll school. Of its senior class, 66 percent of students took at least one AP exam and 45 percent scored a three or higher. Almost 10 percent of seniors took five or more AP exams during high school.
6. Gabriel Richard Catholic High School (A)
- Address: 15325 Pennsylvania Road, Riverview
- Why it stands out: This Catholic high school allows students to expand their knowledge with rigorous classes as well as their spiritual foundation.
This Catholic high school enriches students’ minds as well as their faiths.
Gabriel Richards students learn in a rigorous environment with 22 Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses and small class sizes with individualized attention. Most classes average 18 students or fewer.
The school says 100 percent of its recent graduates have been accepted into college.
7. Divine Child High School (A-)
- Address: 1001 North Silvery Lane, Dearborn
- Why it stands out: Divine Child High School provides rigorous academics and robust student life for a unique high school experience centered around God.
Divine Child High School is prepared to educate a wide range of students and to help each succeed.
For students who want to push themselves, the school offers 20 Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. Learners in need of support have options with the school’s Instructional Support Program (ISP).
Athletics are a large part of student life at Divine Child High School. Athletes can choose from more than 30 sports. And with more than 40 state championships and over 100 Catholic High School League Championships, parents can be sure their children will be placed in a competitive environment.
8. Hope Christian Academy (A-)
- Address: 33740 Cowan, Westland
- Why it stands out: This school is known for its involved students and commitment to the greater community. Graduates of Hope Christian are prepared to become leaders and collaborators.
Hope Christian Academy (HCA) offers students in grades 6-12 an “innovative Christian education.” Academics are founded on four principles: Christ, communication, critical thinking and collaboration.
Students at Hope Christian Academy are highly involved. More than 75 percent of students participate in a co-curricular activity and student athletes have the opportunity to play multiple sports. Volunteering with the larger community is a fundamental part of education at this school.
For students with an interest in art, the academy has many options, including choir, yearbook, drama and jazz band. The HCA Band is also a member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association.
9. Cabrini High School (B+)
- Address: 15305 Wick Road, Allen Park
- Why it stands out: Students flourish at this college prep high school that prepares graduates for the future with a strong Catholic foundation.
For students committed to the Catholic faith and who learn best in a college prep environment, Cabrini High School in Allen Park is a great option.
The school offers many honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in an environment meant to prepare students for whatever comes next. The school’s mission to educate its students for the next stage of life includes creating a strong spiritual foundation.
Athletics at Cabrini High School are competitive. Its many sports teams have won championships over the years and continue to be successful.
10. Inter-City Baptist School (B)
- Address: 4700 Allen Road, Allen Park
- Why it stands out: Graduates of this school leave with well-developed critical thinking skills. Students also have the option to earn college credit while still in high school.
When students graduate from Inter-City Baptist School, they have a foundation of critical thinking skills to guide them for life.
Students at the Inter-City Baptist School are educated using cognitive skills programs. In grades K-6, learners follow the Feuerstein’s Instrumental Enrichment program to cultivate critical thinking. Grades 7-12 follow the Great Books Program, whose mission is to “empower readers of all ages to become more reflective and responsible thinkers.”
Students participate in about three thinking skills sessions weekly which teach real-world applications of critical thinking skills. The school also offers an “Advance to College” program which allows students to earn college credit.
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