2023 Niche Standout High Schools in Michigan

• Dearborn City School District, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  64 reviews

Sophomore: Henry Ford Early College is the place to be! A competitive high school that pushes you to be the best everyday. Not only do you receive a free associates degree but also, you get to enjoy and learn from on the job experience in your perspective career. Henry Ford Early college creates a fun learning environment by using unconventional teaching styles that push you to become a better student, and member of society. As a student you receive real world life lessons in the classroom. By giving you an on campus experience you quickly learn more about yourself and your future. A school that offers a variety of diverse students and cultures promotes a healthy and toxic free environment. Students become family and teachers become friends and more like mentors. There is no where better to be than at Henry Ford Early College!... Read 64 reviews

• grade A

• Students 237

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Free or reduced lunch 54%

• Detroit Public Schools Community School District, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  2,166 reviews

Junior: Cass Technical High School teachers are very hardworking, and helpful. They provide college level courses and many different clubs/activities that benefit students a lot. Cass Tech has an academic success beyond the Michigan which makes its #1 high school in USA. They offer 20 different AP courses, IB courses, honors class and many other different curriculums. When it comes to exhibiting their students' excellence and wisdom, Cass Tech always takes the challenge. Students in this school have a very closer relationship with their teachers. This high School is always stands out in the school district for amazing attendance, GPA, accomplishments, talents that are shows in sports as students win different competitions, growth, good behavior, effective results etc. This high school has a higher graduation rate each year. The environment of Cass is always welcoming and fun to spend time with. Even though, this school is very crowded, but they take every student into account.... Read 2,166 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,465

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Free or reduced lunch 62%

• Berrien Springs Public Schools, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  137 reviews

Senior: The school is a great place if you are looking for good opportunities. Academic or recreational, our programs are excellent. Even our new programs excel rapidly. Our school places staff that truly care about the well being of the students and their futures. The only problem is that our school does not offer AP, IB, or honors classes. This may make students feel like it puts them at a disadvantage when applying for college because they cannot show their excellence in this field compared to other students around the country. However they do provide an advance programs such as The Math and Science Center, dual enrollment classes, and Career Technical Education where select students can take classes that increase in difficulty and challenge them selves at college level material.... Read 137 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 511

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Free or reduced lunch 47%

• Kentwood Public Schools, MI•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  606 reviews

Senior: Okay imagine this: a high school setting. The hallways of the high school are bleak: one cannot tell the difference between a math classroom or an English classroom - both are stale, colorless, and as flavorful as a jail cell. The school only seems to care for their athletes, while other departments are left in the dirt. A majority of the students are Caucasian, with maybe a few POC in a grade. The only flag shown in the whole school is the American one. Teachers care only about grades and their own reputations. This is not East Kentwood. When you step into the halls of East Kentwood, you are immediately greeted with hundreds of flags from all over the world. There are students from . Heck, my class of around 600 had students from 37 countries, with at least 20 different countries spoken. Teachers actually care for the needs of their students and provide options after high school. Every department has room to shine, and the environment is inclusive and supportive! Great experience!... Read 606 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,986

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Free or reduced lunch 65%

• 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

• Free or reduced lunch 64%

• West Ottawa Public School District, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  360 reviews

Senior: I started coming to West Ottawa high school my Junior year of high school, and was home-schooled prior to this. I honestly wasn't completely sure what to expect, but I've had a very positive experience at this school and with my teachers and staff members! The teachers I've had experiences with have been very encouraging and helpful, and you can tell they want you to succeed. :)... Read 360 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,166

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Free or reduced lunch 37%

• Detroit Public Schools Community School District, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  995 reviews

Junior: Renaissance High School has good qualities, but like every other school, it could use improvement in certain areas. I will talk about things that I personally wished would change, and to end this review on a positive note, I will discuss the school's negatives first. Personally, I feel that Renaissance's school lunches were lacking in amount and nutritional value. I also disliked that although Covid-19 took a year of in-person learning from us, we were still required to complete 200 hours of community service. These criticisms are my personal opinion and may come off as trivial. What I like about Renaissance is that overall, the teachers are pretty good. Even the teachers that don't teach well have redeeming qualities such as likable personalities. Another good quality: I didn't realize how grateful I should be that this school prepared me for college readiness till I realized that many high schools offer little to no help with these matters at all.... Read 995 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,176

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Free or reduced lunch 54%

• 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

• Free or reduced lunch 100%

• Kalamazoo Public Schools, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  157 reviews

Senior: I like Loy Norrix, it is a very nice school with amazing teachers and great students. I am a Senior at Loy Norrix and have been going there since I started high school. The classes are good and the teachers are very good at teaching, there are times where I get confused with work but the teachers help me out and make sure I know what I'm doing. The only time that I struggled with school was during the pandemic, it was very challenging to concentrate with school, the work was confusing and it was just stressful but I did it and I passed my classes, but I am thankful we are back in school because I am now getting caught back up and I'm less stressed now.... Read 157 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,806

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Free or reduced lunch 64%

• Kentwood, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  217 reviews

Senior: I would recommend Grand River Prep High School to any student wanting to challenge themselves in academics, however even an average student who doesn't want to challenge themselves can succeed. The school offers a variety of AP course included AP Calculus AB/BC with an addition of one hour of study time to any students taking three AP course or more. Tutoring are available twice a week. On Mondays after school, students can participate on a club of their choice or they can use that time for tutoring. Throughout sports sessions, the gym is mostly open to students wanted to train for conditioning or just want to workout. So the school is great, there is rare fighting breakout, the stuff is awesome, students are pretty diverse, I've had a good experience finishing my second of high school at Grand River Prep.... Read 217 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 633

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Free or reduced lunch 68%

• South Haven Public Schools, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  92 reviews

Senior: Overall, attending South Haven High School was a great experience. All of the teachers are very supportive and genuinely care about the students. Despite being a small school and district, the administration and faculty do everything they can to make sure that the students who want to be challenged have that opportunity. The school also has an overall great atmosphere. There is so much pride for our teams and clubs it is amazing to see all of it. Not one group, sport, or club is placed higher than the other. South Haven is a great school district and I would not have wanted to go to school anywhere else!... Read 92 reviews

• grade B

• Students 553

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 65%

• Jackson Public Schools, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  239 reviews

Senior: My experience at Jackson High has been overall great! Even with COVID-19 ending my freshman year early. The teachers and staff kept positive energy through zooms and activities that we could participate in virtually. I love that my high schools offers 2 dual enrollment programs to students like me who are trying to save money and earn college credits for free. I also enjoy the many clubs at my school that is open to everyone. Student Government is my favorite! Not because I am the president of it, but because every student that participates in this group is kind, creative, and open-minded. We get to make our peers happy by planning events like pep rallies, spirit weeks, dances, and more. If there was one thing I could change about my school it would be the lunch menu. Since we are a closed campus school, my only option is to bring a lunch or eat the lunch food. I don't mind eating the lunch food, but I have seen a pattern of the same foods everyday.... Read 239 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,128

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Free or reduced lunch 60%

• Dearborn City School District, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  248 reviews

Senior: Teachers great. Students Eh. Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents. The staff and teachers are so supportive and after a few years it really starts to feel like home! We do not have a severe amount of bullying, not saying it does not happening but we do a good job at keeping at a minimal and are currently trying to eliminate it all together with various assemblies and helpful clubs and organizations that help us.... Read 248 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,025

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Free or reduced lunch 59%

• Holland City School District, MI•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  200 reviews

Alum: There were a few teachers who stood out and did all that they could to help students! These teachers did all that they could during the beginning of the pandemic and tried to help out all that they could. While there were certain aspect, such as administration that could have done a lot more, my time spent at Holland High was good. It was a fairly diverse school!... Read 200 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,055

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Free or reduced lunch 58%

• Crestwood School District, MI•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  419 reviews

Alum: It was an absolute pleasure to be able to attend a high school as prestigious as Crestwood High School. Our advisor, Ms. Hamadi, was a delight to work with. The classes offered prepared us for the real world, as well as opened opportunities for us to grow as individuals and into the adults we are today. There was a place for everyone, as there were also tons of sports and activities to participate in, including track, theater, rowing, basketball, football, wrestling, ice hockey, and much more. The academics were outstanding, as I remember most of the AP classes being completely full. Many students participate in dual enrollment, and we're encourage to get ahead and set ourselves up for success. There was also a mandatory class Seniors had to take, which helped them prepare resumes, college applications, and learn financial responsibility. Overall, I'm glad I got to attend Crestwood for my final year of high school, and wouldn't change a single thing if I could go back!... Read 419 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,388

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Free or reduced lunch 70%

• Ferndale Public Schools, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  151 reviews

Senior: The teachers are supportive, they want all students to be successful, and they challenge us every day to be better. We also have the opportunity to take courses at other campuses, to obtain a different perspective and to learn in a new environment. The school encouraged us to apply to colleges early on, and stressed the importance of searching for scholarships. They help with this initiative, by meeting with student weekly to discuss progress, scheduling talks with college advisers to answer questions, organizing college fairs to gain openness about attending other colleges, and utilizing class periods to talk about college readiness. Ferndale High School is welcoming and embrace different cultures and backgrounds.... Read 151 reviews

• grade B

• Students 690

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Free or reduced lunch 57%

• Grand Rapids, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  104 reviews

Sophomore: I wasn't doing too good at my old school. My grades were very bad and I got kicked out but then I found out there was a preparatory high school don't the street from me. So at the beginning of their second semester, I was able to start school and adapt to their learning style. I found out while at this school that I wanted to be a photographer with an entrepreneur degree. But that is not the only good part I started to get better grades because they took the time to help me understand the work than just rushing through it. So my overall experience is good and will continue to be that way.... Read 104 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 379

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Free or reduced lunch 61%

• Bay City School District, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  216 reviews

Freshman: Central is very diverse and inclusive. There are so many different customizable lunch choices and it is all free. The weather is very good in the fall and spring. I love eating outside I just wish there were more outdoor seating. I recommend joining clubs or sports. It is a great way to make and hang out with friends. Coming to Central i knew like three people but 1 year have so many friends that I can’t wait to hang out with this summer. There is going to be all new and comfortable furniture next year. The music programs, especially choir, don’t have enough people or funding though.... Read 216 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,137

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 60%

• Buchanan Community Schools, MI•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: Buchanan is an absolute wonderful community. The school has so many different things that positively impact the community. The staff assists in creating a positive attitude no matter the current situation. Of my high school experience I have seen one fight, and I am now a senior. My only grievance is that it is a small town, which can not be helped easily. But due to the small town, there is a small town mentality, which is good because everyone is willing to help everyone. But, there are some very closed minded individuals which can give Buchanan a negative name, despite being voted nicest school in America, winning the Battle of The Fans, and being the envy of every student section in our conference. Buchanan is a wonderful, amazing place that I am so happy I grew up in!... Read 60 reviews

• grade B

• Students 488

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 42%

• Cheboygan Area Schools, MI•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  89 reviews

Sophomore: Cheboygan Area High School is an amazing school and includes many opportunities for the students. There are so many CTE programs that are included within the school’s classes. The sports portion has many choices to pick, if you are interested.... Read 89 reviews

• grade B

• Students 641

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Free or reduced lunch 63%

• Public Schools of Calumet, Laurium, & Keweenaw, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: My school is very conservative, and I live in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I do love my school though because they are so into the small town feel. Everyone in town goes to the football games, cheering on our football players as well as watching the band (which I am in) and congratulating us on our half-time show performance. Our school also dedicates money to our sports teams and our academic teams like Science Olympiad and National Honor Society which I participate in. It is a very homey little school where everyone is welcome and accepted.... Read 50 reviews

• grade B

• Students 487

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 43%

• Tawas Area Schools, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  84 reviews

Senior: Tawas Area High School does a very good job preparing us for college while also making it fun and safe for everyone. We have several rewards for our accomplishments and it is obvious that most of our teachers and staff members love their job and want to be at school every day for their students. My counselor has done an amazing job at helping me on my college journey and getting me to start the next chapter of my life. Janitors do a great job keeping our classrooms, hallways, and bathrooms really clean which makes the day more enjoyable. Tawas Area High School is constantly remodeling and upgrading our surroundings to make the campus more modern and enjoyable. Overall, this school does AMAZING on our state and college tests. It's obvious that all the hard work teachers and students put in pays off and I would recommend Tawas Area High School to anyone who is looking to be successful and have fun while doing it.... Read 84 reviews

• grade B

• Students 390

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Free or reduced lunch 47%

• Kent City Community Schools, MI•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: Kent City High School was an awesome school to attend. I was able to participate in sports and was part of the National Honor Society. Teachers are friendly and helpful. There is always something to participate in. The fine arts department has awesome instructors that push you to be your best. To find that inner talent you didn't know existed. I think I speak for many students here that Kent City High School is a great place to go to school. You know everyone. Now, some may find negatives about that but most find it to be comforting. We are all close and it doesn't matter what grade you're in. We are all one. WE ARE KENT CITY EAGLES!... Read 53 reviews

• grade B

• Students 373

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Free or reduced lunch 55%

• Roscommon Area Public Schools, MI•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  99 reviews

Senior: I like Roscommon High School because of the learning environment. Almost all the teachers really seem like they want you to succeed. I also found it easy to make friends and find a niche perfect for me. The band program is excellent, and we aren't too bad at sports either.... Read 99 reviews

• grade B

• Students 351

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Free or reduced lunch 46%

• Hart Public School District, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  68 reviews

Alum: Great teachers that are helpful and kind, they want the best for all of their students. Every time I tell people about my school I always encourage them to check it out and can only say positive things about it. I also feel they have helped me prepare for my after high school plans.... Read 68 reviews

• grade B

• Students 407

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Free or reduced lunch 74%