2023 Best Charter High Schools in the Detroit Area

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  156 reviews

Senior: Washtenaw Technical Middle College is an amazing school for diversity. I have noticed that the teachers actually care about their students and make sure that their student have the best professors. The staff loves to motivate and make sure students are passing classes. Whenever I was stuck in a class or felt unmotivated my base advisor was such a big help and helped me. WTMC just wants the best for their students and I love how they take their students mental health seriously. I really recommend this school for people! There's also a lot of clubs so everyone can fit in. This school has done an amazing job helping kids prepare for college especially since it's a middle college program.... Read 156 reviews

• grade A

• Students 797

• Student-teacher ratio 36:1

• New Haven, MI•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  47 reviews

Junior: Merritt Academy is a great school! It’s not very big so students get lots of one-on-one time with teachers to ask questions and receive help, if need be. Also, it’s great in terms of receiving an education.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 552

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Canton, MI•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  60 reviews

Alum: As a former student who attended all 4 years, here are my most important pro and cons for Canton Prep. Pro: ACADEMICS I do believe that Canton Prep gives their students a good education. The “SBG” grading system can take some getting used to but I really liked it. It breaks up difficult academic topics into pieces so that you learn it piece by piece until you gain mastery at that topic. It can feel like it holds you back in classes you’re good at, but once you figure out how the system works it helps you when you need it and you can breeze through classes when you don’t. Con: SIZE Canton Prep is a pretty small school. They have about 600 students (including the middle schoolers). Because of the small size you might not get some of the “traditional” high-school experiences like football games but to me it’s not a con. There’s plenty of other activities to do and if you want to do something they don’t offer you could create your own club (I’ve seen it happen!).... Read 60 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 417

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Southfield, MI•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  17 reviews

Senior: The AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School is like a home to me. All of the teachers are nothing different from my parents. The school staff is extremely friendly and continues to bring an exceptional education to students attending like myself. I've learned so much from attending the school for over 10 years. I can only thank my teachers and friends for making my school experience so much better. Now it's time to move on to a more challenging and difficult educational experience.... Read 17 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 373

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Ypsilanti, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  74 reviews

Alum: I loved AP for the community that was there, the teachers were super friendly and easy to reach out too. The faculty was relatively young which made it much easier to connect with my teachers. I also do believe that the school's attempt at preparing me for college career also was accomplished. The curriculum pushed me to step outside of my comfort area a bit and I think this really helped me further down the road when it came in regards to my classes. If I had one constructive critique it would be that there weren't as many clubs available as I may have preferred, but I think that also comes in hand with it being a relatively young institution (established only in 2010 I believe) and having a small student population. But overall I believe I had a really useful experience at AP.... Read 74 reviews

• grade B

• Students 332

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Taylor, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  30 reviews

Junior: The student body is small, so eventually you'll get to know many of the same people in your grade, the staff size also relatively small so you can develop connections and get advice on not just school but college information as well. The school often has school events as college related ones for those planning to go(ubcluding monthly college visits). Good school for college prep.... Read 30 reviews

• grade B

• Students 438

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Charyl Stockwell Academy, MI•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: I have been going to CSPA since my freshman year, and I love it! The teachers are very nice, and the classes are very challenging and fun! I have made some of the greatest friends at CSPA, ad I have learned to be more confident in myself and my capabilities. The school has high expectations academically and socially. Students are expected to be respectful of their peers and teachers and to do their best in class. I have thrived in the environment at CSPA and I think many more will too! The school also has great extracurricular programs! The robotics people are super cool and do a lot of fun things! There are lots of sports programs, but I have never gotten into sports or robotics programs. I have, however, participated in the art program exponentially. The art program is great! Creativity is encouraged and skill is built in all academic areas. Creativity is allowed in lots of different areas too! It’s a great school overall, and I recommend it.... Read 70 reviews

• grade B

• Students 563

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.39 out of 5  28 reviews

Senior: As someone who has attended several different kinds of educational institutions (online, private, public, charter), I truly believe that education is what YOU make out of it. Central Academy has caring staff who are willing to go above and beyond to meet your needs. While IB and AP curriculum aren't offered at this time, they willingly pay for students to take dual-enrollment college classes. As a rising senior, I will be graduating with around 40 college credits and will be well acquainted with the rigor of college-level courses. There are many opportunities to start your own extracurriculars, an endeavor the staff is more than willing to support you in. Whether you want to test out of a class, request to take additional college courses, or change your schedule, the staff is more than willing to help if you take the time to ask. While it is a smaller school, it carries a quaint and family-like charm and can become a launchpad for success for motivated students.... Read 28 reviews

• grade B

• Students 575

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Taylor, MI•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  62 reviews

Senior: I love the community of Trillium Academy. In my nine years at this school, I have never felt like a number. The teachers, though their turnover rate is rapid, are incredibly invested in their students, academically and personally. No student goes unnoticed at TAHS. Trillium is also great for students looking for an opportunity to practice leadership. Attending a K-12 school allows high school students to gain leadership experience with the elementary students. They even offer a mentoring program where students K-5 are paired with a high school student to meet and build a relationship once a week. Definitely don't see opportunities like that at a typical public high school!... Read 62 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 605

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Dearborn, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  266 reviews

Alum: I graduated from Henry Ford Academy in 2007 amongst the top students in my class. This school was everything I needed from an education system under a college prep program. The resources were amazing and seemed unlimited. And I must say, going to school in a historic site (Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village) was quite amazing. There were lessons to be learned all over the place. The faculty and staff were very inclusive and made sure to give each student the same opportunity to excel. If I could go to a college modeled around the curriculum, education, and experience of Henry Ford Academy, i’d sign up in a heartbeat! All year mesmerizing scenery is also available. Students at this school truly get an experience like no other.... Read 266 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 513

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Whitmore Lake, MI•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: A phenomenal curriculum with even more phenomenal teachers! LCA is helping our student become a thoughtful person and a critical thinker with a virtuous, moral compass. We are grateful for this school!... Read 2 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 243

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Farmington Hills, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  8 reviews

Senior: Super mental health oriented! Everyone is welcome here and it is a very supportive community. There is a lot of very great teachers and students. They have helped me with everything that I have needed from a school. There is always help being offered by either a student or a teacher. Most of us have our own struggles, but the school does it's best for us.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 205

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Michigan Mathematics & Science Academy, MI•

• K-12

• grade B minus

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Star International Academy, MI•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: I spent 5 years at Star International Academy, and I enjoyed all of them. It is one of the safest schools in the area, with great diversity, and a great administration. They hold many meetings and sessions to involve the parents, and they encourage and push all their students to their best.... Read 115 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,723

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Fraser, MI•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  39 reviews

Sophomore: Arts Academy in the Woods is a free public school which offers Arts such as Visual Arts, Digital Arts, Dance, Acting, Singing, Piano, Guitar, etc everyday. I found this school online on my own when I was having a hard time in school because my school didn’t acknowledge my interests and my talent. It was the worst year of my life. However, when I entered this school, it gave me an opportunity to experience REAL art classes everyday and use my talent and hobby in school everyday. Even my academic classes scores improved because I had more hope for the future. My experiences with Arts Academy in the Woods has been great. However, if something could change about the school, it would be great if they could offer more foreign language classes.... Read 39 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 277

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Summit Academy North, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: Summit Academy has truly helped during the process of applying to colleges, building myself and building my future life. I've learned many things while being here such as responsibility, leadership, creativity and much more! Although I cannot wait to graduate, I will always have Summit Academy to remind me of how I made it to college and what helped me get to that point.... Read 93 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 645

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Cesar Chavez Academy, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  135 reviews

Senior: I have been a part of Cesar Chavez since Kindergarten and I always liked the school. Finishing 8th grade, I was given the opportunity to change schools and I was so close to submitting an application to a different High School. After much consideration, I realized Cesar Chavez is my home. The staff is incredibly helpful and easy to get along with. Teachers are patient, kind, helpful, understanding, and more. Our grade level mentors are always there to inspire us to do better and constantly giving us the resources that are needed for our classes, work, or even our future. I can really say that Cesar Chavez focuses on helping every individual succeed in life and make sure we all have a memorable High School experience.... Read 135 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 714

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Oakland International Academy, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: As we all know throughout years of school, the ones that make it the best are friends! We had a lot of fun by going field trips, gym sports, and more creative activities.... Read 16 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 337

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Dearborn, MI•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  132 reviews

Junior: ATA high school is small so almost everybody who are in the same grade know each other. Students at Advanced Technology Academy are very nice. The teachers are amazing and set up time to work with students who struggle in class. There are computers almost in every class as well. The sports at ATA are soccer, basketball, volleyball, football, track, cross country, etc.. ATA HS has different career pathways: Business, Health Care, Computer Science, Engineering, Mechatronics/Robotics, and Education. You can choose your career path during your freshmen year. Then during you sophomore, junior, & senior year you take classes for that specific career path. You can even earn college credits in those classes. The clubs & activities at ATA have meetings on different days so you can be in almost all the clubs if you want. Overall Advanced Technology Academy is a great school that offers great opportunities.... Read 132 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 1,260

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Plymouth, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Senior: At New School High, I've had a lot of opportunities to expand my skills and interests, specifically in film due to the easy access we have to equipment, software, and our connection to the University of Michigan.... Read 5 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 53

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Troy, MI•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade C

• Students 1,891

• Student-teacher ratio 35:1

• Detroit, MI•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: I enjoyed the teachers, they were very student focused. I felt my success was always their 1st priority and they are very encouraging. There was quite a bit of change with Administration while I was with them, so that was a little difficult. For the most, part I felt administration was there for me - some more than others. I was able to have alot of ac academic freedom as far as being dual enrolled, so it allowed be the chance to challenge my self academically.... Read 2 reviews

• grade C

• Students 191

• Student-teacher ratio 32:1

• Detroit Edison Public School Academy, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: Academics are a top priority for this school. Being one of the only IB (International Baccalaureate) schools in the district, DEPSA strives for greatness for every single student. The school has a good basketball team and prioritizes student athletes as well. The environment is an overall friendly one and the counselors are very helpful, however there have been plenty of challenges when it comes to organization. Additionally, are some issues when it comes to administration listening and considering students ideas for change.... Read 70 reviews

• grade C

• Students 411

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Brighton, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  10 reviews

Alum: FlexTech lets you explore your creative side. This school has no tests, only projects. Most of the projects have minimal requirements and are open ended for the student to be creative with. The students are very welcoming. FlexTech gives you a free laptop to carry on you and to take home throughout the school year. They are very flexible on the days and hours of when you can choose your classes so if you have a job or activity you do outside of school, they'll usually work right around it! It's a wonderful school and I recommend it to all types of people. The only downside is that they don't offer many sports.... Read 10 reviews

• grade C

• Students 223

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Riverside Academy, MI•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  47 reviews

Senior: It is an amazing school! I really like that school, I've been there since 6th grade. And I'm friend with so many people. (:... Read 47 reviews

• grade C

• Students 518

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1