A Parent’s Guide to Washtenaw County Public Schools

Explore Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw 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 Michigan

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. 

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.

Washtenaw County Public Schools

Ann Arbor Public Schools

  • Phone: 734-994-2200
  • NOS: 16,981
  • P:T: 17:1
  • PPE: $18,833

Has STEAM focus for all grades, IB starting at preK, instructional technology in classrooms and a Young 5 kindergarten-prep alternative. Dual enrollment opportunities, GRAMMY-winning school music programs and nationally ranked academic teams.

Chelsea School District

  • Phone: 734-433-2200
  • NOS: 2,277
  • P:T: 19:1
  • PPE: $15,768

Strong academic expectations with a range of secondary options and highly qualified staff. Offers more than 20 varsity sports, a thriving music program and is a destination school district.

Dexter Community Schools

  • Phone: 734-424-4100
  • NOS: 3,367
  • P:T: 17:1
  • PPE: $15,904

The high school, which has an IB Programme, ranks as a “top comprehensive public high school” in the state. Award-winning extracurricular programs include robotics, drama, band and orchestra, and forensics and debate, plus numerous athletics championships. Also, Early Middle College.

Lincoln Consolidated Schools

  • Phone: 734-484-7000
  • NOS: 3,483
  • P:T: 25:1
  • PPE: $16,802

Distinctive programs at each elementary serving Young 5 kindergarten to grade 5; STEM, multi-age, Spanish immersion and community focused. 1:1 technology at all levels. Award-winning performing and fine arts districtwide as well as year-round athletics for middle and high schoolers. K-12 virtual academy option.

Manchester Community Schools

  • Phone: 734-428-9711
  • NOS: 726
  • P:T: 20:1
  • PPE: $14,807

Robust academics, art and physical education, vocal and instrumental music, foreign languages (Spanish and Michigan Virtual High School Options),
AP courses and more. School of choice district.

Milan Area Schools

  • Phone: 734-439-5050
  • NOS: 1,866
  • P:T: 19:1
  • PPE: $17,038

Provides K-12 opportunities with online courses for grades 6-12. Grades 9-12 also have access to the Early College Alliance at Eastern Michigan University, the Washtenaw International High School and Washtenaw Alliance for Virtual Education.

Saline Area Schools

  • Phone: 734-401-4000
  • NOS: 4,786
  • P:T: 22:1
  • PPE: $15,139

High school was named one of Michigan’s top 20, per the U.S. News & World Report. More than 94% graduation rate.

Whitmore Lake Public Schools

  • Phone: 734-449-4464
  • NOS: 665
  • P:T: 18:1
  • PPE: $22,348

Exceptional personalized education. School of choice. Robust athletics with ice hockey, co-ed lacrosse, bowling, wrestling, swimming and more. AP options, too.

Ypsilanti Community Schools

  • Phone: 734-221-1210
  • NOS: 3,748
  • P:T: 21:1
  • PPE: $20,419

Offers a quality education and healthy learning environment for students in grades preK-12 plus STEM, art, band, International Baccalaureate and more. Only Michigan school in Cognia’s 2022 ​​list of distinction.


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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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