The Best Private Schools in Auburn Hills, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Auburn Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cranbrook Schools
Cranbrook Educational Community
Cranbrook Schools is one of Michigan's most prestigious private institutions, located just minutes from Auburn Hills in Bloomfield Hills. This nationally recognized college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development, Cranbrook consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities. The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade and offers both day and boarding options.
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The Roeper School
The Roeper School
The Roeper School is a highly respected private institution specializing in gifted education, located in nearby Bloomfield Hills and serving families throughout the Auburn Hills area. The school offers a unique educational philosophy that emphasizes individualized learning, critical thinking, and social responsibility. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, students receive personalized attention in a challenging academic environment. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Roeper graduates are well-prepared for competitive colleges and demonstrate strong leadership skills.
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Oakland Christian School
Oakland Christian School
Oakland Christian School is a well-established private Christian school located directly in Auburn Hills, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school provides a comprehensive college preparatory education within a Christian worldview framework. Academic programs are enhanced by strong athletic teams, vibrant fine arts programs, and numerous extracurricular activities. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and technology resources. With a focus on academic excellence and spiritual development, Oakland Christian maintains a strong reputation in the local community and prepares students for success in higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Auburn Hills, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and what are their key characteristics?
Auburn Hills, MI, is uniquely positioned near several prestigious private schools, though most are located in adjacent communities. The most prominent are Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills (a K-12, co-ed, independent school renowned for its rigorous academics, stunning campus, and arts/athletic facilities), The Roeper School in Birmingham (a K-12, co-ed school famous for its gifted education philosophy and student-centered approach), and Oakland Christian School in Auburn Hills itself (a PreK-12, Christian school offering a college-prep curriculum within a faith-based environment). While Oakland Christian is within city limits, many Auburn Hills families also consider schools in nearby Rochester, Troy, and Pontiac, benefiting from the region's dense concentration of private educational institutions.
How does tuition for top private schools near Auburn Hills, Michigan, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Auburn Hills area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range: Oakland Christian School's high school tuition is approximately $12,000-$14,000, while Cranbrook Schools' upper school tuition exceeds $40,000. The Roeper School falls in between, with tuition in the mid-$30,000s. Most Michigan private schools, including these, offer need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. Additionally, Michigan has the "Tuition Incentive Program" (TIP) for lower-income families and the Education Savings Account tax benefits, which can help offset costs for qualifying families.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools in the Auburn Hills, Michigan, region?
The private schools near Auburn Hills offer distinct specializations. Cranbrook Schools is exceptional for its integrated arts and STEM programs, leveraging its affiliated art academy and science institute. The Roeper School is a national leader in gifted education, with a deeply individualized curriculum and a strong focus on social justice and emotional development. Oakland Christian School provides robust athletics and a biblically-integrated curriculum, with specific tracks in college preparation. Regionally, many schools also capitalize on local assets, offering engineering partnerships with Oakland University (located in Auburn Hills) or automotive technology programs connected to the adjacent Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) headquarters.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Auburn Hills, Michigan area?
For schools like Cranbrook, Roeper, and Oakland Christian, the process is highly structured and begins 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following fall, and completing student assessments/interviews and parent interviews. Notification dates are usually in March. Due to the competitive nature, especially for entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, early planning is essential. Many families in Auburn Hills start researching and touring schools two years in advance. Rolling admission may be available for other grades, but spaces are limited.
How do the private school options near Auburn Hills, Michigan, compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Avondale School District?
This is a key consideration for Auburn Hills families. The Avondale School District is well-regarded, offering strong academic programs, which makes the decision value-based. Private schools like Cranbrook and Roeper offer significantly smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and distinct educational philosophies (progressive, gifted-focused). They also often have more extensive facilities and niche extracurriculars. Oakland Christian provides a specific faith-based environment not available in public schools. The choice often hinges on seeking a specialized pedagogical approach, religious education, or a particular community culture versus the no-tuition cost and neighborhood-based community of Avondale's public schools. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools usually require personal or arranged transport.
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