Metro Detroit’s Best Public High Schools for 2025

Finding the right high school is a pivotal decision in shaping your child’s education and future. For families in metro Detroit, prioritizing schools with excellent academics, a variety of programs and dedicated teachers is essential.

To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public high 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.

Want to explore additional high school school options in metro Detroit? Take a look at these related articles:

• Best Public High Schools in Macomb County
• Best Public High Schools in Oakland County
• Best Public High Schools in Wayne County
• Best Public High Schools in Washtenaw County

Featured school districts in the Detroit area

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.

Grosse Pointe Public School System Middle Schools (Brownell, Parcells, Pierce)

• Address: Brownell – 260 Chalfonte, Grosse Pointe Farms; Parcells 20600 Mack, Grosse Pointe Woods; Pierce – 15430 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Park
• Phone: 313-432-3000
• Grades served: 5-8
• Number of students: Brownell 621, Parcells 677, Pierce 574
• Type: Public Schools

Experience what middle school can be in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Here students in 5th-8th grades have access to advanced math and world languages, fine and performing arts, broadcast journalism, clubs and sports, highly qualified staff focused on their content area expertise, and a school within a school feeling for their fifth graders transitioning to secondary school — including 5th grade camp to bond as a class.

Academic support is also available, meeting students where they are and working toward their goals. Peer2Peer and student mentorship programs help ensure everyone feels part of our school community. GPPSS offers comprehensive musical offerings in Band, Choir, & Orchestra in grades 5-12.

All schools are members of MSBOA & MSVMA and participate in Solo & Ensemble, Choral Festival, and Band & Orchestra Festivals. Each school offers opportunities for performance travel annually to destinations including Chicago and Mackinac Island. And GPPSS 8th graders have the opportunity to travel to Washington DC as a capstone experience.

Macomb Intermediate School District

• Address: 44001 Garfield, Clinton Township
• Phone: 586-228-3300
• Grades served: Birth-Age 26
• Number of students: 19,000
• Type: Public School, Special Education School

The Macomb Intermediate School District provides services to students in Macomb County from birth-age 26. Various levels of support are provided through consultation with Special Education staff depending upon the students’ needs. Those needs are discussed in an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in which parents, the students and MISD staff are included.

Utica Community Schools

• Address: 11303 Greendale, Sterling Heights
• Phone: 586-767-1000
• Grades served: Preschool-12
• Number of students: 26,000
• Type: Public School, International Baccalaureate (IB) School

Utica Community Schools is Michigan’s second-largest school district. Whether your child shines in the classroom, on the field, on stage or in the workshop, Utica Community Schools offers award-winning programs as unique as the students we care for. Their student-centered approach supports the whole child, both educationally and emotionally.

Utica Community Schools are recognized for excellence at both state and national levels, with one of the top graduation rates in the country. As a school of choice district, we accept students from across Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Lapeer and Wayne counties.

Best public high schools in metro Detroit

International Academy

• Address: 1020 E Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
• School District: Bloomfield Hills School District
• Why It Stands Out: International Academy is renowned for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program, offering students a globally recognized curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and holistic development. The school consistently ranks among the top in Michigan and the nation.

Established in 1996, the International Academy was founded to provide a challenging academic environment with an international perspective. It has since grown into a prestigious institution, attracting students from various districts due to its unique educational offerings.

Novi High School

• Address: 24062 Taft Road, Novi
• School District: Novi Community School District
• Why It Stands Out: Novi High School is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a strong emphasis on preparing students for college and careers.

Founded in 1959, Novi High School has evolved from a small community school into a comprehensive high school serving a diverse student body. Over the decades, it has expanded its programs and facilities to meet the growing needs of the community.

Troy High School

• Address: 2340 Willard Dr. Wass Elementary School, Troy
• School District: Troy School District
• Why It Stands Out: Troy High School’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its consistently high rankings and achievements in various disciplines.

Established in 1950, Troy High School has undergone several transformations. The current building, opened in 1992, was designed with modern educational needs in mind, featuring advanced facilities and technology.

Washtenaw International High School

• Address: 105 N Mansfield St., Ypsilanti
• School District: Washtenaw Intermediate School District
• Why It Stands Out: Washtenaw International High School offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program that emphasizes global learning and critical thinking. The school provides a rigorous academic environment with a focus on preparing students for international challenges.

Opened in 2007, Washtenaw International High School was created to provide a unique educational experience that prepares students for a global society. It has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to education.

Pioneer High School

• Address: 601 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Pioneer High School is celebrated for its academic programs, including a variety of AP courses and extracurricular activities. The school has a rich history and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Founded in 1856 as Union School, Pioneer High School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. The current building, opened in 1956, continues to serve as a cornerstone of education in the Ann Arbor community. 

Huron High School

• Address: 2727 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Huron High School is known for its high performing students and dedicated teachers.

Established in 1969, Huron High School was built to accommodate the growing population in Ann Arbor. The school’s design, featuring a distinctive “H” shape, has become an iconic part of the city’s educational landscape.

Northville High School

• Address: 45700 Six Mile Rd., Northville
• School District: Northville Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Northville High School has state-of-the-art facilities, and teachers have a strong commitment to preparing students for college and careers.

Founded in 1955, Northville High School has grown from a small community school into a comprehensive high school serving a large student body. Over the decades, it has expanded its programs and facilities.

Rochester Adams High School

• Address: 3200 W Tienken Rd., Rochester Hills
• School District: Rochester Community Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Rochester Adams High School is known for its history of achievements and awards in various disciplines.

The school has since become a cornerstone of education in the community, offering a comprehensive high school experience.

Community High School

• Address: 401 N Division St., Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Community High School offers a unique educational experience with a focus on student autonomy and community involvement. The school’s open campus and flexible learning environment set it apart from traditional high schools.

Established in 1972, Community High School was one of the first public magnet schools in the country.

Skyline High School

• Address: 2552 North Maple Rd., Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Skyline High School is distinguished by its innovative educational approach, offering a blend of rigorous academics and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The school’s design incorporates geothermal heating and cooling systems, as well as onsite stormwater management, reflecting its dedication to eco-friendly practices.
  

Approved by voters in 2004 as part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools’ Comprehensive School Improvement Program, Skyline High School opened its doors in 2008. Initially serving only freshmen, the school expanded each year, graduating its first senior class in 2012. The naming process involved a diverse committee of students, parents, and educators, who chose the name “Skyline” to reflect the school’s scenic views. The mascot, “The Eagles,” and the school colors, Columbia Blue and White, were selected to complement the Skyline theme.

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