Student athletes thrive in schools that prioritize their development—and many Oakland County schools are doing just that exceptionally well.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public schools for athletes in Oakland 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 best public schools for athletes in Oakland County.
Read more: Top Metro Detroit Schools for Athletes
Featured school districts in Oakland County
In this section, Metro Parent’s advertising partners share their top school offerings.
Farmington Public Schools
- Address: 33000 Freedom Road, Farmington
- Phone: 248-489-3350
- Grades served: K-12
- Number of students: Almost 9,000
- Type: Public School, Virtual School, Special Education School, STEM-Focused School, International Baccalaureate (IB) School, Therapeutic/Alternative School
Farmington Public Schools is a community that takes great pride in its schools, parents that actively support programs to ensure a rich tapestry of experiences for their children, and staff focused on giving students the knowledge to rise to their fullest potential.
Their students consistently score well above average on state and national assessment tests, achieve on incredibly broad levels in academics, fine arts, and athletics, and embrace the diversity of experiences that set the stage to becoming a thoughtful, contributing citizen in this ever-changing world.
Unique learning opportunities are available for all students to reach their fullest potential including an accredited early childhood program, live remote and virtual self-paced online learning options and a high school International Baccalaureate Programme. Farmington Public Schools also boasts one of the largest Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Oakland County where students compete and earn state and national recognition.
More public schools in Oakland County for athletes
These stories feature some of the best public schools for athletes in Oakland County and are based on public data, academic performance, community reviews and survey feedback to help families find the right fit.
Clarkston Community School District
- Address: 6389 Clarkston Road, Village of Clarkston
- Why it stands out: Recognized for offering a well-rounded educational experience that blends rigorous academics with strong arts and athletic programs.
Founded in 1837, it has evolved alongside the town, growing from a single-room schoolhouse to a modern district serving thousands of students.
Birmingham Public Schools
- Address: 31301 Evergreen Road, Beverly Hills
- Why it stands out: Known for its high academic rankings, progressive curriculum and commitment to personalized learning experiences.
Established in the early 20th century, the district has continually innovated to meet the demands of a highly educated and engaged community.
Lake Orion Community Schools
- Address: 315 N Lapeer St., Lake Orion
- Why it stands out: Offers cutting-edge STEM and project-based learning opportunities in a supportive environment.
Emerging from a modest rural system in the late 1800s, the district has grown in step with suburban expansion and educational innovation.
Rochester Community School District
- Address: 501 W. University Drive, Rochester
- Why it stands out: Maintains one of the highest academic standards in the state, with strong extracurricular offerings and community engagement.
Founded in 1821, it is one of Michigan’s oldest districts, with a legacy of educational leadership spanning more than two centuries.
Huron Valley Schools
- Address: 2390 S. Milford Road, Highland
- Why it stands out: Emphasizes inclusive teaching, real-world learning and career-readiness programs that address a wide range of student needs.
Formed through consolidation in the 20th century, it has consistently evolved to reflect the values of its semi-rural and suburban communities.
Troy School District
- Address: 4400 Livernois Road, Troy
- Why it stands out: Praised for its advanced academics, AP and IB programs, and high college placement rates.
Developed during the suburban expansion of the 1950s through the 1960s, the district quickly became a model of excellence in public education.
Novi Community School District
- Address: 25345 Taft Road, Novi
- Why it stands out: Offers a globally minded curriculum with strong technology integration and diverse student engagement.
Began as a small-town school system and transformed after the 1960s into a top-tier, internationally focused district.
West Bloomfield School District
- Address: 5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield
- Why it stands out: Distinguished by its diversity, innovative classroom models and cutting-edge facilities.
Evolved throughout the 20th century into a leader in progressive education, serving a highly multicultural population.
South Lyon Community Schools
- Address: 345 S Warren St., South Lyon
- Why it stands out: Offers a close-knit educational atmosphere with academic excellence and expanding career-tech opportunities.
Traces its roots to the mid-1800s and has maintained a strong community-based educational tradition through ongoing growth.
Walled Lake Consolidated School District
- Address: 850 Ladd Road, Walled Lake
- Why it stands out: Known for its broad curriculum, inclusive education policies and strong student support services.
Created through mid-century district mergers, it has developed into one of the largest and most dynamic districts in the region.
This story was updated on June 15, 2025, by Metro Parent writer Sarah Knieff. Her work included updating the list with 2025 rankings and adding more detailed information. Questions? Email editor@metroparent.com.
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