2023 Best School Districts for Athletes in the Detroit Area

• Saline, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  26 reviews

Junior: I cannot fully describe how amazing my experience has been in saline, especially during my Highschool years. Since day one, 13 years ago when the high majority of our student body started, and for those who came along later, it has been amazing to learn, smile, and grow up with everyone here. Also, our teachers. I have never met so many amazing staff members in one building. The updated training they have been receiving in the last 2 year gives an overwhelming sense of appreciation to know that students are not left unheard. Although our schools will carry our bad reputation for years, our students have given their all, fighting the stereotypes left on us by former students who have been long gone. We have seen great improvement in, both curriculum and socially, what it means to go to Saline, and great strides in other definitions of diversity as well, like gender, lgbtqia+, and inclusivity. I truly admire our student body for the hard work and diligence they use everyday.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,967

• Clarkston, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  67 reviews

Sophomore: CCS offers many great opportunities to students with specialized programs and pathways. They are an IB & AP district, both programs as well as gen.ed. have amazing teachers. Mental health is extremely important in Clarkston from k-12, the school provides as many resources and outlets for students as possible. One unique thing about Clarkston is that it has 3 secondary schools, Sashabaw Middle School, Clarkston Junior High School, and Clarkston High School. This is broken down into an 6th-7th grade building, 8th-9th and 10-12th. Two buildings have been built or renovated in the past 25 years, and another is being renovated within 5 years. Clarkston has amazing athletics and opportunities to play in college, winning state championships every year across different sports. Overall, Clarkston is a great place with excellent opportunities for everyone.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total schools 13

• Students 7,432

• Lake Orion, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  95 reviews

Niche User: I had a really good experience with Lake Orion schools! Teachers were excellent, and a lot of higher level courses were offered. This made it easy to get ahead in classes for after graduation and increased the rigor of coursework to more accurately reflect a college workload.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 13

• Students 6,802

• Grosse Pointe, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  75 reviews

Parent: I am a product of the Grosse Pointe Public Schools having grown up and graduated from them myself. Now, my son has recently graduated (2020 Covid Grad!) and my daughter is currently in 4th grade. My son was a challenge and every opportunity was given to my kid. Sometimes I had to be the vocal advocate, but usually the school approached me with a solution. My daughter has been a relative breeze in comparison. And the school is just as responsive! The teachers, at all levels, are engaged, excited to teach. The teachers are always striving to learn more so they can share and do more for our kids! The community is incredibly engaged! Where else can you go and the most common topic of conversation between parents, students, and non-connected adults are speaking of the school system and how to make it better?! This amazing community and schools system is truly a jewel. I wish everyone could have the amazing experience that is this school system!... Read 75 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 12

• Students 6,919

• Plymouth, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  202 reviews

Junior: Overall I would rate my experience with Plymouth-Canton Community Schools a 4/5 stars. This is because I feel that I have had a great experience and education from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. My brother and I have both gone here since Kindergarten, my brother graduated from here, and I plan to graduate next year. We have never had any problems or altercations with this school district. Our parents have always felt good about sending us to school everyday and confident in the education we were receiving. The Plymouth-Canton Community School district has always been kind and supportive to my family and I. I have always felt I can go to the teachers and staff from this district to give me direction or answer any questions. This district has also made me feel that I am ready to achieve greater things after graduation. They have given me the tools to be successful. Overall this district has been nothing but the best for my family and I as me and my brother received our education.... Read 202 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total schools 23

• Students 16,632

• Beverly Hills, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  47 reviews

Senior: No matter what building you're in, BPS is a family. Both academic and social-emotional needs are met, and the district is fighting to improve their methods, and the student experience, everyday. Growth is encouraged, and staff and students alike are (more often than not) provided with the resources to accomplish that growth. It's a good community to have grown up in, and has fostered my own preference for community-oriented institutions and universities.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 13

• Students 7,538

• Rochester, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  81 reviews

Senior: I love the RCS community! I have moved to 6 different school districts throughout my childhood and this is by far the best. The teachers, students, and most importantly the administrators at Rochester Adams High School are like no other. Everything from academics to athletics are outstanding, and I feel so safe in this environment. All 3 RCS high schools hold a strong sense of community. There are so many clubs, activities, and extracurriculars that you are sure to find something you like. The staff makes every child feel at home. I am currently a senior, and looking back at the past 4 years gives me a strong sense of school pride. I wouldn’t change my high school experience for anything!... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total schools 21

• Students 15,092

• Woodhaven, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  62 reviews

Alum: All staff in the Woodhaven-Brownstown school district are exceptional! The teachers go above and beyond helping kids learn, forming relationships with them, and making them feel included. Others who keep the schools running put in 10000% effort every day to make kids' educational experience one to remember.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total schools 10

• Students 5,521

• Northville, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: Great district with a lot of great teachers and staff! I have loved being a part of the high school at Northville. I have found so many great students in my classes, the teachers are all very flexible and willing to help, and the administrators are very kind and always welcome everyone with a big smile. With going virtual in 2020, the whole school has really stepped up and provided many accommodations for students, as well as many resources for mental health, college preparation, and overall course rigor assistance. I have loved my time at Northville schools, and would highly recommend to anyone.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total schools 10

• Students 7,067

• Highland, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  43 reviews

Senior: My experience with Huron Valley schools has its ups and downs. I did not like my elementary school experience at all, as my teachers were not entirely helpful and I didn't make any good friends. However, middle school at WLMS was an outstanding experience, where I broke out of my shell a bit and was supported by many fantastic teachers. I really enjoyed going to school then, and met my friends that I still have now! High school also went well at Lakeland. I had even better teachers there and had a great time. If I had one complaint about Huron Valley, it would be the lack of updated technology and complex's. However, ironically, things should start to vastly improve now that they passed the bond proposal. Hopefully that will lead to better lunches, equipment, and teaching methods. Overall, I really did enjoy my time in Huron Valley, and will miss it once I go off to college.... Read 43 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Total schools 16

• Students 8,235

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  146 reviews

Senior: Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) offers a variety of resources and extracurricular activities and opportunities that most students would typically never get while attending a public high school. The accessibility granted by AAPS made available all of its students increases both educational equity and intellectual vitality in the population of its students throughout the district. I like how many options are given to the students within AAPS both inside and out of the classroom, and the amicable bonds that can be formed between teacher and student. My only compliant may be the unnecessary changes made by administration without any explanation, and the quality of the cafeteria food is revolting.... Read 146 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total schools 32

• Students 17,451

• Brighton, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  68 reviews

Alum: Brighton area schools are nice because they are clean, well funded, and safe. However, the downsides of this is that theres some snobs in the school who are very entitled. Not very LGBTQ+ friendly, and it is extremely in-diverse. About 99% of the student population is white. So because of this I believe there is a lot of ethnocentrism, and entitlement, unless the parents parented well. The teaching staff however is very good and really no complaints there. Never had any teacher or staff make me feel uncomfortable or unsafe in anyway. I am an artist and the highschool had an amazing art program. The theater program was great as well, and Brighton area schools do have great athletic teams. I was on the womens lacrosse team and went to D1 state finals three times. So, all in all, of course there's some things that can be worked on, but I would say it is a safe and good place for a child to grow up in.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Total schools 9

• Students 5,779

• Troy, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  175 reviews

Junior: Troy School District challenges students to think, express themselves and strive to be a better person. The offer a variety of opportunities for the students to get involved and work closely with parents and the community to provide resources for the students and athletes. Great schools!... Read 175 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total schools 21

• Students 12,815

• Detroit, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  95 reviews

Junior: I've been with the school district ever since Pre-K and cant imagine myself anywhere else. Iv'e met so many people of all different kinds of backgrounds and great teachers who have inspire me to this day. The teachers and faculty go out of their way to help those in need no matter what and ensure that the students are prepared for the future. Safety in the DPSCSD should be the least of ones concern, there is always a safe space for every student of all background. Overall, my 11 year experience with DPSCSD has been excellent and I'd recommend (and highly encourage) parents to enroll their kids in such extraordinarily devoted school district!... Read 95 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade A

• Total schools 107

• Students 48,782

• Walled Lake, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  67 reviews

Parent: Low teacher turnaround rate which is a good sign. I assume the district admins must treat the teachers well if they are able to retain so many for so long. Our son's K teacher had been working in the district for 15-20 years which was a great sign for us. She was very experienced with handling a variety of kids from different backgrounds. The district is diverse and we enjoy the healthy hot lunch options offered. It was easy for me to volunteer weekly also. Very welcoming to parents. We are fairly new but love WLCSD!... Read 67 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total schools 20

• Students 12,622

• Belleville, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  32 reviews

Senior: Somethings the I liked about Vanburen Public schools is that they had great programs. For an example I was apart of the Marching Band and it was awesome! The whole community supported the Marching Band, Friday nights the stand were filled!... Read 32 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,345

• Novi, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  52 reviews

Parent: Excellent! Will definitely get your children ready for college and for the future. Novi offers many college preparation courses as well as counselor support to the student and teacher. There is absolutely no reason why your child should fail in the Novi school district.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Total schools 10

• Students 6,580

• Clinton Township, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  140 reviews

Senior: Chippewa Valley High School is a public school in Clinton twp. Michigan. Overall, the school is most widely known for football as we won the state championships in 2018. However, Chippewa has offered me opportunities to join fun and unique clubs as well as get involved. Through high school I have had the opportunity to take honors, AP, Dual enrollment, and be involved school wide. These are things that truly make me thankful for my high school. The negative experiences with Chippewa Valley High School have been the students' behaviors around me. There have been a few many fights in the hallways, and a few threats through my years here, this is my least favorite thing about my high school.... Read 140 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Total schools 20

• Students 14,855

• Romeo, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  39 reviews

Parent: Small town vibe. Friendly. Organized. Child loves it, teachers are great. No drama. No bullying - The school has lots of spirit and it shows in the kids. Overall this is an ideal school! They only lose points in the academics for not having more advanced placement opportunities. My daughter even loves the cafeteria and the variety of foods, made to order and smoothies they offer !... Read 39 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,941

• River Rouge, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: River Rouge is an excellent school . Providing me with the perfect amount of education I need. Mentally preparing me for life after Highschool.... Read 9 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade A minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,383

• Oak Park, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  21 reviews

Parent: I received weekly progress reports from my daughter teachers on the status of my daughter assignments. Also, the teachers are always available if I need to contact regarding my daughter schoolwork status. The only issue I have is that sometimes the the grade reports are not updated on time on the parents' portal website.... Read 21 reviews

• grade D minus

• grade A minus

• Total schools 8

• Students 3,870

• Allen Park, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  33 reviews

Sophomore: AP Public Schools are average schools, with some pretty decent resources and a good amount of opportunities to learn, but it's the teachers that make it amazing. The teachers, no matter what grade or subject, make AP a district full of prosperous, motivated students that have been inspired and filled with knowledge by their invested, brilliant teachers. I've had some life-changing experiences at AP and I know they put me on the best track possible. We are a small district with majority white students, however they do their best to make every student feel welcomed, and prioritize individuality in learning over anything else. You always feel heard and supported, and I couldn't have asked for a better place to grow as a scholar and as a human being.... Read 33 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,741

• Warren, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  113 reviews

Senior: The programs offered within WCS has allowed me to find my passions and flourish. I came into the district in elementary school and it was a huge step up from my school district in Detroit. WCS hosts many programs that are dedicated for students with a love for STEM and the arts. For grades 6-8 I attended the Middle School Mathematics Science Technology Center (MS)2TC, which is now ranked as the number one middle school in Michigan according to US News. The teachers really care and want you do love school which I did with their help. Also for middle school I attended the Middle School Visual Preforming Arts Center (MSVPA), where I got to indulge in the arts with theatre and music and dance. Now in high school half the day I attend the Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center, and Warren Mott for the other half. I really do feel prepared for college. The teachers here have so much passion whether that be for engineering or for calculus or even for music. This place is amazing.... Read 113 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Total schools 23

• Students 12,947

• West Bloomfield, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  119 reviews

Senior: West Bloomfield is a lively community that offers many opportunities for student engagement. The high school has a wide variety of classes from business, art, science, politics, language, computers, engineering, architecture and many AP classes to help students learn of their interests as well as clubs, sports, after school events and more. Along with the opportunities, West Bloomfield has a very diverse group of peers of different cultures and religions. My school is known for its outstanding athletic department as well. There are many staff available to help students from college counselors, teachers, advisors, normal counselors and more.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Total schools 11

• Students 5,223

• Ypsilanti, MI•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  28 reviews

Alum: I attended Lincoln from kindergarten through graduation. I enjoyed the strong community environment. Every year I had at least one teacher who genuinely loved their job and displayed it in the efforts they put through to their students!... Read 28 reviews

• grade C

• grade A minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 3,571