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K-12 Schools in Michigan
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2018 Best Public High Schools in MichiganAbout this List

The 2018 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Schools
1,143 results

  1. International Academy

    • Bloomfield Hills Schools, MI
    • 9-12
    • 510
    1 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: I love this school! Not a lot of people notice it till later, but the International Academy prepares their students for college very well and the teachers are really nice and puts a lot of effort. One thing I would change is that I wish we were more open to opportunities other than school and were more aware of other volunteer services or scholarships. Although we were educationally prepared for college, there was not a lot of information on how to finanacially deal with college.
    Read 510 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,371 Students
    • 108:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Troy High School

    • Troy School District, MI
    • 9-12
    • 294
    2 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Freshman: Troy High School is very different from other schools. The academics and clubs are amazing and the resources are once in a lifetime. There are so many different food options and the teachers seem like they really care. The only reason that I didn’t give 5 stars is because it’s very competitive at this school and there is a lot of pressure to be the best, which can sometimes create a toxic and dangerous environment. We lost one student this year to that same toxic mindset.
    Read 294 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,980 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Huron High School

    • Ann Arbor Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 253
    3 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Parent: My children have been continually challenged to think and apply---the academics are top-notch with many AP and AC (accelerated, AP-track) offerings. Math and science are especially strong, and the humanities course is basically a demanding college course that integrates literature, music, art, and history. My oldest child graduated with tons of AP credit, went to a top university, and had no problems adjusting to the work since high school expectations were so high. The international (particularly Asian) population drives up the standards; many of the kids are taking A.P. Calculus BC, for example, as sophomores. There are usually many National Merit scholars and perfect ACT scores (which can make "normal" high achieving students feel like failures, and does make it very difficult to get an A in accelerated courses) . The music program is phenomenal! The orchestra and band win state and national competitions and often sound better than college level groups--some of the kids are accepted at top notch music schools.

    The only downside is that the "regular" classes are filled with students who are not so driven, so the achievement gap earns Huron poorer ratings than it deserves. And the football team never wins---so other sports like basketball, soccer, field hockey, tennis and swimming get more respect.
    Read 253 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,497 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Novi High School

    • Novi Community School District, MI
    • PK, 8-12
    • 386
    4 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: I am a senior at Novi and I have been in Novi Schools since kindergarten. That being said Novi High is extremely challenging and competitive academically. Having grown up in Novi schools I feel more prepared than my counterparts who are newer, but the curriculum is still challenging regardless. It is very common here for students to take multiple AP and IB classes a year and we are constantly comparing ourselves to each other. For me, the competitive nature of our school makes me work harder but I know for some students it does the opposite. Socially, our school is very cliquey and segregated. If you are new you have to get involved with sports, choir, or theater otherwise it will be very difficult to make friends as people are not very welcoming. Overall, I know when graduate I will have the resources needed in order to do well in college which is really whats important in the big picture.
    Read 386 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,060 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Okemos High School

    • Okemos Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 178
    5 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Alum: Okemos High School provided me with a fantastic education. Due to my time within the district, I was well prepared for college and received a full merit scholarship. I never struggled with the college workload as the academic rigor of the school helped with my transition to the expectations of higher education.

    While there could have been some improvements regarding cultural competency within the student body, faculty and staff helped to create a safe and welcoming environment.

    Facilities were well kept and the co-curriculars offered included excellent athletic programs, music and theater, and numerous community service organizations.
    Read 178 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,267 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Pioneer High School

    • Ann Arbor Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 267
    6 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Freshman: Awesome school! Good but not overwhelming competition. REALLY bad food. I suggest you eat at home. Awesome special education support and mental health support. We have 8 minutes of passing time (as of 17-18 school year) so you have much time to get to your next class. Big school though, sort of looks like a mini mall stretched out on the outside. Three floors. Warning, expect a broken or slightly messed up bathroom stall per bathroom.
    Read 267 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,747 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  8. Sponsored

    St. Mary's Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Orchard Lake, MI
    • 9-12
    • 35

    Senior: I have had a great experience at St. Mary's Preparatory High School. When I first attended the school, I was nervous and did not know what to expect. My school experience prior to St. Mary's was with 95% African American students. My first day as a freshmen was really good. I met so many people from all backgrounds and nationalities. As my time continued on at St. Mary's, I participated in multiple sporting activities. I learned so many lessons playing sports at. I have gained a brotherhood with young men I will always cherish. The teachers at St. Mary's will always be remembered. They were so nice and really took an interest in me. Whenever I had problems, the teachers did not hesitate to help. So, you ask me how was my experience, it was the best and I will always cherish my experience at St. Mary's Preparatory High School. If there was one thing I would change, it would be upgrading the technology on the schools campus due to its age.
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 479 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Grosse Pointe South High School

    • Grosse Pointe Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 228
    7 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Junior: Grosse Pointe South is an incredible school. It has all the resources an individual could need. The faculty strive to inspire their students to work their hardest, and through their dedication, the students usually do. Nearly every graduating class has at least one student attending an Ivy league school. Universities generally recognize the name Grosse Pointe South in a positive light. Though, due to the high achievement, the competition level is high. The location of South is also an important element. Is is central in the neighborhood, making it a fair commute for all students.
    Read 228 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,619 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Washtenaw International High School

    • Public School
    • Ypsilanti, MI
    • 9-12
    • 32
    8 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: Making the decision to transfer to WIHI at the end of my sophomore year was the best decision I've made! I was welcomed into a family, full of support, kindness, and love. Although the academics are rigorous, the support of the teachers, administration, and students is beyond measure.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 395 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Wylie E. Groves High School

    • Birmingham Public Schools, MI
    • PK, 7-12
    • 204
    9 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: Wylie E. Groves is an excellent school fit for anyone and all interest. There are over 50+ clubs and activities ranging from baseball and gymnastics to debate club and animal amnesty club! The teachers are extremely helpful and always have time outside of class to help students who are struggling. It's always fun to go to basketball or football games on Fridays nights! My advice: find your cliche, work hard, and have fun!
    Read 204 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,173 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Skyline High School

    • Ann Arbor Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 262
    10 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Alum: Skyline is like many other places and things in life: exactly what you make it! SHS provides students with a variety of opportunities from an extensive list of athletic teams, extracurriculars, clubs, and groups. The school also has deep-rooted connections in the community and furthermore with the University of Michigan. I strongly urge students to take advantage of any and all opportunities they are presented with.
    Teachers, however, are not all created equal at Skyline. Some are simply there to make it through the day and collect their paycheck. One of the products of the American public school system, I suppose. Others go above and beyond for their students and are truly there to prepare their students for college and beyond. It is important for student to establish relationships with these teachers. If I were to name a few, I would most definitely say Sra. Aretz, Ms. Whitehorn, Mrs. Ray and Mrs. Hetter.
    Read 262 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,467 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Saline High School

    • Saline Area Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 256
    11 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Alum: I loved my high school experience in Saline. The building itself is beautiful with lots of natural lighting, which was really important to me since I suffer from seasonal depression. The music program is amazing and I greatly enjoyed participating in the marching band and wind ensemble. The academics are wonderful! There were at least 10 students in my graduating class that graduated with a 3.99 or 4.0 GPA. Our football team was super awesome too - it made being in marching band even more fun! I was so happy the year that we made it to the state finals - I was able to march on Ford Field. I also got to travel to Disney World with the marching band and perform in a parade there.
    Read 256 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,810 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Grosse Pointe North High School

    • Grosse Pointe Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 244
    12 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: One thing I love about Grosse Pointe North is the clubs and availability to get involved. The teachers at North always give one hundred percent in making sure the students can receive the best education possible. My peers are kind, fun, and open to new people as well, providing a communal atmosphere. One thing I wish however, is a bit more diversity. Grosse Pointe is a predominately white area, and being Chinese myself, getting to know more people of a diverse culture would be a great experience. Despite this, I love my school and everyone that is affiliated with Grosse Pointe North High School!
    Read 244 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,373 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Sponsored

    Lansing Charter Academy

    • Public School
    • Lansing, MI
    • K-8
    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 771 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Athens High School

    • Troy School District, MI
    • 9-12
    • 312
    13 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: Overall, my experience at Athens High School was very good. Most of the teachers and administration really care about the students and do their best to help each and every one of them succeed. The school culture is very accepting as most students and staff are very accepting of people of other races, religions, genders and sexuality. There was various clubs and sports available for students to participate in. Students are granted resources to further their education, and if something a student needs is unavailable, teachers and staff will find a way to make it accessible to them. There are also retired police officers to maintain school safety during school hours. The doors are also locked to increase safety. Teachers and staff do a great job of preparing students for college.
    Read 312 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,566 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. International Academy - Okma Campus

    • Oakland Schools, MI
    • 9-12
    • 30
    14 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: The thing that I like most about International Academy is the culture. With a small school, students are able to really get to know each other, especially with the inclusion of various team building activities such as Olympics, adventure challenge, and Group 4. The culture is very open-minded, diverse, and inclusive. Additionally, students at International Academy are always willing to help each other out and collaborate, so it does not have an overly competitive attitude, but rather a supportive one. It offers an IB curriculum, which makes it unique, and although it can be stressful, the faculty definitely attempts to help ease the burden and plan carefully to create a balanced curriculum.
    Read 30 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,620 Students
    • — Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. International Academy of Macomb

    • Chippewa Valley Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 84
    15 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: International Academy of Macomb has been one of the best experience of life. I cannot tell you how much I love my decision for joining this school. It's a place like no other. Transitioning to the school, in the beginning, was also difficult because everyone in the school is complete strangers! Everyone came from different school districts from all over Macomb county, which made it a little scary trying to make new friends. But that was the fun part for me because those new friendships I gained since the beginning of freshman year have lasted to this day and have been growing stronger by the day. Some students will say that they regret coming to this school. I say that coming here was the best decision I have made because this school has strengthened me and shaped me into who I have become. I love this school!
    Read 84 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 475 Students
    • 94:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. East Grand Rapids High School

    • East Grand Rapids Public Schools, MI
    • 9-12
    • 183
    16 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Sophomore: Although East Grand Rapids gets a reputation of "The Bubble", the overall experience from the past two years has been good compared to what I have heard from students who go to neighbouring schools (Forest Hills, Lowell, Grand Rapids Christian, etc.). The curriculum is very centred around the student. With guidance counsellors to help you choose classes, you really set your own pace. The teachers here, with some exceptions, deeply care about not only your grades but your mental stability as well. There are signs around the school and in classrooms reading, "You are Safe Here". East Grand Rapids also is preparing me for college. Most students here pursue the path to go to college, and the school helps prepare them. With AP classes available and programmes like IB and KCTC, it is easy to get college credit at a fraction of the price. They have a great athletic program, but always put academics first. Their pool and weight room are state-of-the-art.
    Read 183 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 990 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Northville High School

    • Northville Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 269
    17 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Junior: The school provides many different AP and IB courses, which gives students the choice of what types of subjects they want to learn about. There is also access to more hands-on classes available through the Livonia technical center, though I feel it was not advertised enough. Overall though, the atmosphere is welcoming and the school is in great condition!
    Read 269 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,319 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Rochester Adams High School

    • Rochester Community School District, MI
    • 9-12
    • 212
    18 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: Rochester Adams High School is a great high school to attend, as long as you don't mind sleepless nights and stress-filled evenings. Even then, I enjoyed myself mulling over the teacher's vague instructions on a project I knew I was going to fail regardless of my blood, sweat, and tears. The food is delicious. I especially love the dried out hamburger buns filled with something that is definitely worse than what you could get at McDonald's. Yum. And the new attendance policy! I just love it. If you miss up to 3 days of school you don't have to take exams! This, of course, only benefits people without chronic illnesses who are able to attend school ninety eight percent of the time. As you can see, I absolutely adore this school! Such an honour to attend! Enjoy.
    Read 212 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,633 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Community High School

    • Ann Arbor Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 75
    19 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: The college prep attitude. Open-Campus, Freedom of action, friendly attitude with the staff all make this school great!
    Read 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 534 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Ernest W. Seaholm High School

    • Birmingham Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 184
    20 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: Overall my experiences at Seaholm High school was a positive one. While yes I did have a rough freshman year that could be chalked up to my mentality during that year. Once I put myself out there more I made an abundance of friends and enjoyed myself to the rest of my three years. The schools were taken care of and the education was better than what I had revived in my previous district.

    However if I had to file a complement I would say that the school severely lacked diversity. As well as the students there holding certain ignorance against some of the students of different backgrounds. I would say that 90% of the student body were white and 98% of the teachers where the same. In the beginning this was why I had a hard time fitting in but eventually I adjusted. Also, while I would not say I have experienced racism all the time there were instanced I ran across that made me uncomfortable.
    Read 184 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,297 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Bloomfield Hills High School

    • Bloomfield Hills Schools, MI
    • 9-12
    • 56
    21 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: BHHS is a great school! During my years in BHHS, I've made tons of new friends, and teachers are very nice and supportive. There is little to no bullying around, and if there is, it is immediately taking action against it. There's been many fun events that takes place, and managed by the Student Council! So far there's actually nothing I would like to change, but maybe add in lactose tolerant products into the serveries, for others with the same food allergy. A police system, and firefighter stations next to our school is a great help. Then if something happened, we wouldn't have to wait long. The amount space and architecture in this building (windows) makes us soak in more sunlight than a normal school with limited windows. Thanks!
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,669 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Northern High School

    • Forest Hills Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 63
    22 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: I have grown to love going to high school every day thanks to the students and staff of Forest Hills Northern. Each day I walk in I always smile at everyone down the hallway and generally feel welcomed to be there. The staff is amazing and they really care about you. All the teachers and administrators make sure to get to know each student individually and make them feel more as their friend than their mentor. Every Friday is "High Five Friday, and students walk down the hallways high-fiving each other and other teachers. Overall, Northern is a very welcoming and kind environment. You can get up every morning and know you are cared about setting foot in that building.
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,106 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Review Your School

  30. East Lansing High School

    • East Lansing School District, MI
    • 8-12
    • 177
    23 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Alum: The beginning of high school was difficult for me, I was struggling with severe depression and anxiety. Even though my time as an underclassman was difficult, it was made so much easier because of the amazing staff we have. I openned up to my counselor about the problems I was facing and he was nothing but helpful. To this day we still maintain a wonderful friendship and I go visit him as often as I can. Along with Mr. Bedolla, there are so many teachers that deeply care about the success of their students. They are the reason I did well in school. So many of my teachersmade themselves available in and even out of school to help their students wiht materials. Just to name a few, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Seyka, Mrs. Topp, Mr. Akers, Mr. Harrell, Mrs. McCaffery and plenty of others do amazing work for the students at ELHS and I am incredibly proud to be an alumni of such a wonderful school.
    Read 177 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,103 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. H.H. Dow High School

    • Midland Public Schools, MI
    • 8-12
    • 155
    24 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Alum: I attended Dow High for my entire high school career. The school has a tremendous academic program in all courses that are taught by some of the best faculty. All of the teachers are so genuine. They not only care about a students grades, but also their physical and mental health. Dow has prepared very well for my college courses. I find myself already knowing a majority of the criteria that is being taught in my college courses due to the more difficult high school courses I passed. Overall, the school has a very welcoming environment and there is a club or sports team for almost anyone!
    Read 155 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,242 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Plymouth High School

    • Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, MI
    • 6-12
    • 267
    25 Best Public High Schools in Michigan

    Senior: Plymouth High School is not the stereotypical high school experience. My school is part of a campus of three high schools totaling to over 7000 students. With this set-up, the school serves as an incredible college-like experience. My school is filled with very diverse students and everyday I see new people around. There is creativity and art around every corner as well as phenomenal teachers that are determined to change students' lives. In addition to these great characteristics, our school offers a huge range of classes and over 600 clubs so students can explore their passions before the next step in their lives.
    Read 267 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,055 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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2018 Best Public High Schools in Michigan
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