Best Metro Detroit School Districts Every Parent Should Know About

Selecting a school district is a key choice that can shape your child’s academic path and future success. Across metro Detroit, some districts distinguish themselves with outstanding performance and strong educational outcomes.

To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best school districts 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 to see which metro Detroit school districts made the list.

Looking for more of the best school districts in metro Detroit? Check out these stories:

• Best School Districts in Oakland County
• Best School Districts in Macomb County
• Best School Districts in Wayne County
• Best School Districts in Washtenaw County

Featured school districts in the Detroit area

In this section, Metro Parent’s advertising partners share their top school offerings.

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.

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.

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 school districts in the Detroit area

1. Novi Community School District, Novi (A+)

• Address: 25345 Taft Road, Novi
• Why it stands out: Consistently ranked among the best, the Novi Community School District is celebrated for its diverse student body and innovative curriculum that emphasizes the arts and STEM fields. Known for its strong community support, the district fosters an environment where students excel both academically and socially.

Established in the mid-20th century, Novi’s commitment to educational excellence has propelled it into the ranks of Michigan’s finest school districts. Over the years, it has adapted to the community’s growing needs, continuously updating its facilities and programs to offer cutting-edge learning experiences.

2. Northville Public Schools, Northville (A+)

• Address: 405 W. Main St., Northville
• Why it stands out: Northville Public Schools boasts an impressive array of extracurricular activities and academic programs that prepare students for future success. The district is known for its rigorous Advanced Placement courses and high college acceptance rates.

With roots going back to the 1800s, Northville Public Schools has a long tradition of excellence. The district has grown in tandem with the community, maintaining its reputation by embracing progressive educational practices while honoring its rich history.

3. Troy School District, Troy (A+)

• Address: 4400 Livernois Road, Troy
• Why it stands out: The Troy School District is synonymous with academic achievement. With multiple schools recognized nationally, it offers robust programming that includes award-winning arts and highly efficacious sports teams.

4. Oakland Schools, Waterford (A+)

• Address: 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford
• Why it stands out: As an intermediate school district, Oakland Schools serves a wide range of students across various communities by providing invaluable resources and support services that enhance district capabilities throughout Oakland County.

Formed to consolidate and streamline educational resources across the county, Oakland Schools has grown into an indispensable partner for local districts, boosting educational outcomes through collaboration and resource sharing.

5. Bloomfield Hills Schools, Bloomfield Hills (A+)

• Address: 7273 Wing Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
• Why it stands out: Known for its individualized learning approach, Bloomfield Hills Schools provide a nurturing environment that challenges students to think critically and creatively. It is lauded for unique programs like its International Baccalaureate and specialized magnet schools.

Bloomfield Hills Schools has distinguished itself by embracing educational innovation and consistently seeking ways to engage students in meaningful learning experiences.

6. Rochester Community School District, Rochester (A+)

• Address: 501 W. University Drive, Rochester
• Why it stands out: Rochester Community Schools pride themselves on engaging students in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes character development alongside academics. The district’s proactive approach to implementing technology in classrooms sets it apart.

Since opening, Rochester has been committed to creating a nurturing educational environment that adapts to meet students’ needs and prepares them for future challenges.

7. Birmingham Public Schools, Beverly Hills (A+)

• Address: 31301 Evergreen Road, Beverly Hills
• Why it stands out: Birmingham Public Schools’ dedication to educational excellence is evident in its comprehensive curriculum and extensive athletic and arts programs. It stands out for its emphasis on globally-minded education and service learning.

Birmingham schools have become a cornerstone of the community, known for continuous improvement efforts and a strong tradition of academic excellence.

8. Ann Arbor Public Schools, Ann Arbor (A+)

• Address: 2555 S. State St., Ann Arbor
• Why it stands out: Ann Arbor Public Schools is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and its vibrant cultural and extracurricular programs. The district consistently tops rankings thanks to its well-rounded curriculum, which emphasizes the arts, sciences, and technology integration.

9. Grosse Point Public School System, Grosse Pointe Woods (A+)

• Address: 20601 Morningside, Grosse Pointe Woods
• Why it stands out: Recognized for its high standards and academic rigor, Grosse Pointe provides a robust curriculum with an emphasis on college preparedness. It is appreciated for fostering a community where educational success and personal growth go hand in hand.

Grosse Pointe has a storied past of excellence stretching back to its founding in the early 1900s. Over the decades, it has maintained a tradition of excellence, continually evolving to meet the needs of its diverse student population.

10. Saline Area Schools, Saline (A)

• Address: 7265 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline
• Why it stands out: Known for its strong emphasis on STEM education, Saline Area Schools excels in preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow. The district boasts high graduation rates and a plethora of advanced placement courses.

This article was recently updated on April 12, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s writer, Sarah Knieff. The update included her research to feature the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.

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