Talented student athletes thrive in environments that foster their growth—and several Washtenaw County schools do just that.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public schools for athletes in Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw County.
Read more: Top Metro Detroit Schools for Athletes
Best public schools in Washtenaw County for athletes
Saline High School
- Address: 1300 Campus Parkway, Saline
- Why It Stands Out: Saline High School is renowned for its academics, ranking 20th among Michigan high schools by U.S. News. The school has a wide array of extracurricular activities, including over 30 student clubs and a robust athletic program. Notably, the school’s auditorium is a hub for cultural and artistic events.
Established in 2004, Saline High School relocated to its current 510,000-square-foot facility in Pittsfield Township. The school serves as a cornerstone of the Saline Area Schools district, which has a rich history of educational excellence.
Chelsea High School
- Address: 740 North Freer Road, Chelsea
- Why It Stands Out: Chelsea High School is known for its active student body and well-rounded educational experience.
Chelsea High School is part of the Chelsea School District, which has a long-standing commitment to providing quality education.
Pioneer High School
- Address: 601 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
- 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.
Dexter High School
- Address: 2200 North Parker Road, Dexter
- Why It Stands Out: Dexter High School is distinguished by its high graduation rate of 99% and a diverse range of academic offerings, including 10 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 19 International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The school also has a strong tradition in science competitions, with its National Ocean Science Bowl team placing second nationally in 2015.
Originally located in what is now Creekside Intermediate School, Dexter High School moved to its current location in 2002 to accommodate growing student enrollment. The school is part of Dexter Community Schools, which has a history dating back to 1950.
Milan High School
- Address: 200 Big Red Drive, Milan
- Why It Stands Out: Milan High School is recognized for its strong academic performance, with a 92% graduation rate and an average SAT score of 1160. The school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and has a notable athletic program.
Established in 2003, Milan High School is the newest high school in the Milan Area Schools district. The district has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, with the first high school building constructed in 1900.
Skyline High School
- Address: 2552 North Maple Road, Ann Arbor
- 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.
Father Gabriel Richard High School
- Address: 4333 Whitehall Drive, Ann Arbor
- What Makes It Stand Out: Serves as a co-ed Catholic high school focused on spiritual, intellectual and personal growth within the Diocese of Lansing.
Began as St. Thomas the Apostle School, part of St. Thomas Parish, founded in 1868; new building built in the 1920s.
Huron High School
- Address: 2727 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor
- 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.
Manchester High School
- Address: 710 E. Main St., Manchester
- Why it stands out: As the smallest district in Washtenaw County, it offers a public-school experience with the intimacy often found in private schools. Niche reviews describe “wonderful connections between students … and staff,” noting strong extracurricular support like robotics, athletics and arts.
Schooling in Manchester started in 1867 at Union School. Through the years it evolved, formally consolidating into Elkhardt School in 1914. That school became Manchester District High School in 1924; the graduating Class of 1925 comprised just eight students.
Greenhills School
- Address: 850 Greenhills Drive, Ann Arbor
- What Makes It Stand Out: Independent college-prep school (grades six through 12); dedicated from early days to admitting students from diverse backgrounds and offering robust tuition assistance.
Founded in 1968: Established by seven founding families and philanthropists (e.g., Harry & Margaret Towsley) after closure of U‑M Lab School.
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