The best teachers do more than teach — they inspire curiosity, build confidence and help students see the world in new ways. If you’re searching for public schools in Wayne County with outstanding educators, you’re in the right place.
Niche, a trusted source for school rankings and data, has released its 2025 list of public schools with the best teachers in Wayne County, Michigan. This comprehensive ranking highlights schools where teachers consistently go above and beyond to support student success.
The rankings are based on various data-driven factors, including teacher quality, student performance on state assessments, teacher salaries and more. These insights help families find schools where teaching excellence is a top priority. Check out the full list of best teachers below.
Read more: Best School Districts in Wayne County
Richard Elementary School, Grosse Pointe Farms (A)
- Address: 176 McKinley Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms
- District: Grosse Pointe Public School System
- Why it stands out: Driven by innovation and a deep sense of community.
Richard Elementary School lives by the mission to “Promote Innovation, Maximize Potential, Embrace Community.” With a strong focus on early education, Richard offers robust Young Fives and Kindergarten programs that help build a solid foundation for student learning. The school is known for fostering a culture of excellence and belonging, where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential in a caring, inclusive environment.
George Defer Elementary School, Grosse Pointe Park (A)
- Address: 15425 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park
- District: Grosse Pointe Public School System
- Why it stands out: Celebrated for its environmental leadership and commitment to developing young leaders.
One of the oldest schools in the Grosse Pointe district, Defer Elementary blends historic charm with forward-thinking values. The school holds the prestigious title of Michigan Evergreen School — the highest designation for environmental stewardship in the state highlighting its dedication to energy conservation and sustainability.
Lewis Maire Elementary School, Grosse Pointe (A)
- Address: 740 Cadieux Road, Grosse Pointe
- District: Grosse Pointe Public School System
- Why it stands out: A proud Michigan Evergreen and Reward School known for strong academics and spirited school-wide engagement.
Maire Elementary School combines academic excellence with a deep-rooted sense of community. Honored as both a Michigan Evergreen School and a Reward School of Excellence, Maire sets a high bar for environmental stewardship and student achievement. Its commitment to sustainability is matched by its emphasis on literacy, exemplified through beloved initiatives like “One School, One Book” and the annual “Lemonade War” reading event.
N.W. Wayne Trainable Center, Livonia (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.
Yake Elementary School, Woodhaven (A)
- Address: 16400 Carter Road, Woodhaven
- District: Woodhaven‑Brownstown School District
- What makes it stand out: Named after Elin Christine Yake, a Swedish immigrant who played a key role in establishing local schools.
The school opened in 1971 and renovated in 2007, transitioning to a preK through grade four model.
Wegienka Elementary School, Flat Rock (A-)
- Address: 23925 Arsenal Road, Flat Rock
- District: Woodhaven‑Brownstown School District
- What makes it stand out: Recognized among the top 30% of Michigan elementary schools.
The school was built in 1978 and renovated in 2007.
Winchester Elementary School, Northville (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.
Ferry Elementary School, Grosse Pointe Woods (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.
Grosse Pointe South High School, Grosse Pointe Farms (A-)
- Address: 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms
- School District: Grosse Pointe Public School System
- Why It Stands Out: Renowned for its exceptional academic performance, Grosse Pointe South High School offers a high-rated curriculum complemented by a wide array of extracurricular activities, including award-winning music and arts programs.
Established in 1928, the school was originally known as Grosse Pointe High School. It was renamed in 1968 following the opening of Grosse Pointe North High School. The campus, designed in the Colonial Revival style by architect George J. Haas, features a prominent 133-foot tower, making it one of the tallest buildings in Grosse Pointe. Over the decades, the school has been a hub for notable events, including hosting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
Moraine Elementary School, Northville (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.
This article was recently updated on June 29, 2025, by Metro Parent writer Sarah KNieff. The update included her fact-checking this list using the latest data from Niche to provide the latest information on Michigan’s best teachers. Questions? Please reach out to editor@metroparent.com.
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