A Parent’s Guide to Oakland County Public Schools

Explore Oakland County public schools, providing quality education for K-12 students, with details on offerings and facilities.

Every child should have access to a high-quality education. Public school districts in Oakland County strive to provide exactly that for children in grades K-12.

Whether you’re pleased with the school options near you, looking to move to another district or perhaps seeking a school of choice, this guide gives a baseline of information to make that decision.

Read more: Best School Districts in Oakland County

Note: Be aware that not all public schools offer the option to transfer, and some only accept students from outside districts for certain grade levels depending on pupil count. Check with any of these schools for their most up-to-date policy.

A few notes about the data

Numbers of students are updated for the 2023-24 school year, via the MI School Data portal. Pupil-to-teacher ratios and per-pupil expenditures are accurate for the 2022-23 school year, per data released by the Michigan Department of Education. Note that expenses reflect total general fund expenditures, including community services and debt payment, among other factors.

Featured public schools in Oakland County

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

OaklandVLAC (Virtual Learning Academy Consortium)

  • Address: 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford
  • Phone: 248-209-2071
  • Grades served: K-12
  • NOS: 400

Virtual Learning Academy Consortium (VLAC) has been educating students virtually for over 10 years. We strive to ensure all of our students find success. We strongly believe the cornerstone to that success is the relationship between students and teachers.

We offer gold-standard Michigan-aligned curriculums that can be personalized to fit each student’s unique learning needs. VLAC understands the importance of the partnership between the student, teacher, family and district. We work together to make your experience with us a positive and successful learning journey.

Royal Oak Schools

Best School Districts in Oakland County
Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

  • Address: 800 DeVillen, Royal Oak
  • Phone: 248-435-8400
  • Grades served: PreK-12
  • NOS: 5,200

IB offerings for all students. Award-winning clubs, athletics, and performing arts. Special Education services for students from birth to 26. CTE opportunities. Social and emotional support for all students.

Southfield Public Schools

facts-about-charter-schools-two-students-work-hands-on-in-steam-learning-center
Students immerse in hands-on learning in the new STEAM Center at A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School in Southfield. Photo credit: A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School in Southfield.

  • Address: 24661 Lahser Road, Southfield
  • Phone: 248-746-8500
  • Grades served: PreK-12 and adults 18-26 with special needs
  • NOS: 4881

Discover the vibrant educational experience at Southfield Public Schools! Our 13 schools offer a robust college prep curriculum, exceptional programs, and enriching activities. We educate students through two high schools, two middle schools, seven elementary and K-8 schools, one preschool and one learning center.

We proudly offer the International Baccalaureate Programme for K-12 students and pre-advanced placement and advanced placement for 6-12th grade students.

Our award-winning STEAM programs start in sixth grade, and our dual enrollment program allows students to earn college credits at no cost. Our diverse English Language Learners program supports students and staff who speak 36 languages. Join us at Southfield Public Schools, where scholars are positioned for success!

More public schools in Oakland County

Avondale School District

  • Phone: 248-537-6000
  • NOS: 3,846
  • P:T: 17:1
  • PPE: $13,833

Diverse student population. From STEM classes to award-winning fine arts and athletic opportunities, students at every grade level explore, discover and master the curriculum.

Berkley School District

  • Phone: 248-837-8000
  • NOS: 3,910
  • P:T: 18:1
  • PPE: $13,531

Named one of the top 30 high schools in metro Detroit in 2023-24 rankings. Has transitional kindergarten. High school offers 26 AP courses and many fine arts options.

Birmingham Public Schools

  • Phone: 248-203-3000
  • NOS: 7,423
  • P:T: 18:1
  • PPE: $20,446

Consistently ranks among the top schools in the county and state. Rigorous academic choices, myriad enrichment opportunities and language options.

Bloomfield Hills Schools

  • Phone: 248-341-5400
  • NOS: 5,094
  • P:T: 18:1
  • PPE: $21,801

Students are encouraged to explore unique experiences, hands-on activities and diverse course offerings with a teaching approach developed by Harvard. The K-12 robotics program and working farm provide real-world experiences for students.

Brandon School District

  • Phone: 248-627-1800
  • NOS: 2,118
  • P:T: 16:1
  • PPE: $14,445

All schools equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Individualized approach in class plus a STEM academy at the high school, 12 in-person AP classes with an additional 27 online and virtual learning.

Clarenceville School District

  • Phone: 248-919-0400
  • NOS: 1,671
  • P:T: 21:1
  • PPE: $14,713

Offers year-round athletics, extracurricular activities, dual enrollment, AP courses, CTE programs and early college.

Clarkston Community Schools

  • Phone: 248-623-5400
  • NOS: 6,792
  • P:T: 19:1
  • PPE: $13,258

Limited open enrollment opportunities for kindergarten, virtual program, career tech, IB and STEM.

Clawson Public Schools

  • Phone: 248-655-4400
  • NOS: 1,193
  • P:T: 19:1
  • PPE: $16,877

Supportive community with active parent participation. State-of-the-art technology with iPads, Chromebooks and computers in all classrooms. School of choice students accepted in developmental K-10.

Farmington Public School District

  • Phone: 248-489-3349
  • NOS: 9,188
  • P:T: 19:1
  • PPE: $17,896

Offers many opportunities to meet the needs and desires of all learners. Robust accredited early childhood program, IB Programme, acclaimed art program, athletics and more.

Ferndale Schools

  • Phone: 248-586-8652
  • NOS: 3,180
  • P:T: 23:1
  • PPE: $14,876

Internationally ranked robotics team and a state-champ marching band. More than 20 AP courses and 17 free varsity sports, plus offers before and after school care and a summer academy.

Hazel Park Schools

  • Phone: 248-658-5200
  • NOS: 2,947
  • P:T: 27:1
  • PPE: $17,897

Early 1:1 technology, Young 5s kindergarten, after-school activities, athletics and the Promise Zone, a tuition-free path to an associate degree.

Holly Area School District

  • Phone: 248-328-3100
  • NOS: 3,148
  • P:T: 22:1
  • PPE: $15,276

Free preschool for ages 3-4 (determined through application process). Has award-winning math/science and robotics teams and an extensive selection of athletics.

Huron Valley Schools

  • Phone: 248-684-8000
  • NOS: 7,867
  • P:T: 21:1
  • PPE: $14,803

From early childhood and junior kindergarten through a robust high school program – and into adulthood with community recreation and education – HVS is dedicated to inspiring and building futures.

Lake Orion Community Schools

  • Phone: 248-693-5400
  • NOS: 6,764
  • P:T: 20:1
  • PPE: $14,812

Award-winning early literacy program, recognized special education and Early Middle College Program. District M-STEP scores are above county/state averages.

Lamphere Schools

  • Phone: 248-589-1990
  • NOS: 2,412
  • P:T: 21:1
  • PPE: $17,862

Includes four elementary schools, advanced curriculum in middle and high school, early childhood and special education centers, award-winning performing and fine arts programs, teachers and support staff.

Madison District Public Schools

  • Phone: 248-399-7800
  • NOS: 894
  • P:T: 16:1
  • PPE: $22,401

School of choice district. All students enrolled in the National School Lunch Program are eligible to receive free meals. Provides educational psychologists, social workers and speech therapists to those who require them.

Novi Community School District

  • Phone: 248-449-1200
  • NOS: 6,726
  • P:T: 19:1
  • PPE: $14,552

Ranked fifth best high school in metro Detroit in 2024 according to US News & World Report. Has 20 AP and 15 IB classes. High school has a TV studio, radio station, Wildcats sports and several fine and performing arts opportunities.

Oak Park Schools

  • Phone: 248-336-7700
  • NOS: 3,020
  • P:T: 22:1
  • PPE: $17,723

Find robotics competitions, champion athletics, dual enrollment, 22 AP and honors courses and nationally recognized marching band. Special facilities include a planetarium and TV studio.

Oxford Community Schools

  • Phone: 248-969-5000
  • NOS: 5,729
  • P:T: 22:1
  • PPE: $14,288

World-class education, including IB programming, early college program, preK-12 orchestra, world languages, engineering, biomedical sciences and automotive technology. No participation fees for clubs/athletics.

Rochester Community Schools

  • Phone number: 248-726-3000
  • NOS: 14,980
  • P:T: 25:1
  • PPE: $14,965

21 Reward Schools – ranked the top 5% in the state. Graduation rate is 97%. Array of instructional programs and extracurricular activities. 25 AP courses and 26 CTE courses in business, engineering and computer science.

School District of the City of Pontiac

  • Phone: 248-451-6800
  • NOS: 3,687
  • P:T: 21:1
  • PPE: $27,200

Unrivaled scholarship potential and career pathway programs. Exceptional partnerships, wrap around supports and resources. The passage of a $147 million bond allows the best facilities and technology. Grammy-award-winning music program at high school.

South Lyon Community Schools

  • Phone: 248-573-8127
  • NOS: 8,416
  • P:T: 20:1
  • PPE: $13,691

Consists of two high schools, two middle schools, eight elementary schools and an Early Childhood Center. Academic excellence, inspiring fine arts programs and winning athletics have been the cornerstone for 190 years.

Troy School District

  • Phone: 248-823-4000
  • NOS: 12,415
  • P:T: 21:1
  • PPE: $15,286

High schools rank among the nation’s best; Troy High ranked the third best high school in metro Detroit from U.S. News & World Report in 2023. National Blue Ribbon elementary school awardee. IB diploma opportunity.

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

  • Phone number: 248-956-2000
  • NOS: 11,991
  • P:T: 21:1
  • PPE: $14,994

Advanced Placement, AP Capstone and IB offered. Three award-winning, comprehensive high schools. Nationally acclaimed music and performing arts. Career Technical Center. State-of-the-art Early Childhood Center. Junior Kindergarten available. Limited schools of choice.

Waterford School District

  • Phone: 248-682-7800
  • NOS: 6,921
  • P:T: 24:1
  • PPE: $16,759

Junior kindergarten, STEM academy, robotics, computer coding, choir, band, orchestra, Problem-Based Learning, Spanish classes beginning at elementary level. Modern performing arts and pool/fitness centers, science and computer labs and athletic complexes.

West Bloomfield School District

  • Phone: 248-865-6420
  • NOS: 4,843
  • P:T: 21:1
  • PPE: $16,652

Personalized instruction that meets all learners’ needs, including STEAM education, 24 AP classes, award-winning athletics and fine arts programs. Oakland Early College offers a high school diploma and a college degree, tuition-free.


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Amanda Rahn
Amanda Rahn
Amanda Rahn is a freelance journalist, copy editor and proud Detroiter. She is a graduate of Wayne State University’s journalism school and of the Columbia Publishing Course at Oxford University. Amanda is a lover of translated contemporary fiction, wines from Jura and her dog, Lottie.

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