Choosing an elementary school is a key decision for families committed to supporting their child’s growth and education. In Wayne County, a number of schools distinguish themselves through strong academics, inclusive school cultures, and meaningful community engagement.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public elementary 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 to see which Wayne County public elementary schools made the list.
Read more: Best Public Elementary Schools in Metro Detroit
Featured school districts in Wayne County
In this section, Metro Parent’s advertising partners share their top school offerings.
Livonia Public Schools
- Address: 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia
- Phone: 734-744-2500
- Grades served: Pre-K-Post Secondary
- Number of students: 13,200
- Type: Public School, Special Education School
At Livonia Public Schools, you’ll find a safe, welcoming environment, where parents work hand-in-hand with our dedicated, highly skilled staff. Their mission is to educate, challenge and inspire every student to achieve personal success, and become a confident contributor to society.
Livonia Public Schools earned its reputation, through the decades, as a top school district in the state, with a tradition of excellence and a 21st Century focus. Take a look around, and you’ll see $195 million in bond issue improvements with another $185M in progress, award-winning athletics and robotics, along with a multitude of specialized programs to meet every student’s needs.
Program offerings include Niji-Iro Japanese Immersion Elementary School, high school Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment courses for college credit, career technical programs, special education programs through age 26, Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), Global Education, Young Fives, preschool and before- and after-school childcare, to name just a few. Come and see their beautifully renovated schools and meet their amazing staff.
Best public elementary schools in Wayne County
Moraine Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 46811 8 Mile Road, Northville
- School District: Northville Public Schools
- Why It Stands Out: Moraine Elementary School is renowned for its innovative teaching methodologies and its strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The school fosters a culture of curiosity and creativity, encouraging students to explore their interests deeply.
Moraine Elementary consistently evolves to integrate modern educational practices, making it a leader in the Northville community. Its commitment to academic excellence is mirrored in its consistently high performance on state assessments.
Silver Springs Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 19801 Silver Spring Drive, Northville
- School District: Northville Public Schools
- Why It Stands Out: Known for its vibrant community involvement and dedicated faculty, Silver Springs Elementary emphasizes personalized learning and holistic development.
Silver Springs has a storied history dating back to the mid-20th century. Over the decades, it has fostered a nurturing environment that values diversity and inclusion, preparing its students for subsequent academic challenges.
Winchester Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 16141 Winchester Drive, Northville
- School District: Northville Public Schools
- Why It Stands Out: Winchester Elementary is lauded for its comprehensive arts program and its commitment to developing well-rounded students. The school integrates arts education with traditional academics to foster creativity alongside critical thinking.
Since its founding, Winchester Elementary has been an integral part of the community, with its progressive educational approach attracting families from various backgrounds.
George Defer Elementary School (A)
- Address: 15425 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park
- School District: Grosse Pointe Public School System
- Why It Stands Out: George Defer Elementary is celebrated for its rigorous academic standards and supportive learning environment. It prides itself on fostering a sense of responsibility and ethical citizenship among its students.
Established in 1924, the school has played a pivotal role in the community, offering generations of students a solid educational foundation.
N.W. Wayne Trainable Center (A)
- Address: 32401 Pembroke St., Livonia
- School District: Livonia Public Schools School District
- Why It Stands Out: This institution is dedicated to providing specialized education, focusing on life skills and individualized learning approaches.
Founded to address the unique educational requirements of its student body, the center continues to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for many families in the area.
Lewis Maire Elementary School (A)
- Address: 740 Cadieux Road, Grosse Pointe
- School District: Grosse Pointe Public School System
- Why It Stands Out: Lewis Maire is renowned for its dedication to literacy and language arts, with comprehensive programs that encourage reading and writing proficiency from an early age.
Since its opening, Lewis Maire has cultivated a love for learning and a strong community spirit, consistently delivering high academic results.
Ridge Wood Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 49775 Six Mile Road, Northville
- School District: Northville Public Schools
- Why It Stands Out: Ridge Wood Elementary places a strong emphasis on environmental awareness and sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices into its curriculum and school culture.
Founded in 2003, the school has evolved as a leader in environmental education, garnering recognition for its innovative programs and community-driven initiatives.
Richard Elementary School (A)
- Address: 176 McKinley Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms
- School District: Grosse Pointe Public School System
- Why It Stands Out: Known for its robust technology integration in classrooms, Richard Elementary equips students with digital literacy skills essential for the future.
Established in 1930, it has adapted to the changing educational landscape while maintaining its tradition of excellence and integrity.
Ferry Elementary School (A)
- Address: 748 Roslyn Road, Grosse Pointe Woods
- School District: Grosse Pointe Public School System
- Why It Stands Out: Ferry Elementary excels in offering a diverse array of extracurricular activities, promoting student engagement beyond the classroom walls.
Since its inception in 1954, the school has been a cornerstone of its community, blending its rich heritage with contemporary educational practices.
Dodson Elementary School (A)
- Address: 205 N Beck Road, Canton
- School District: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
- Why It Stands Out: Dodson Elementary is recognized for its outstanding parent-teacher collaboration and pioneering methods in promoting inclusive education.
Since its opening, Dodson has consistently prioritized fostering a strong, supportive community that bridges home and school life.
This article was recently updated on April 4, 2025, by Metro Parent’s writer Sarah Knieff. The update included her research to feature the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@metroparent.com.
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