The Best Private Schools in Commerce Township, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Commerce Township. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Patrick School
Archdiocese of Detroit
St. Patrick School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Commerce Township and surrounding communities. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Catholic values while emphasizing academic rigor. The school features modern STEM labs, dedicated art and music programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent academic preparation. The campus includes well-maintained facilities with technology-integrated classrooms and spacious athletic fields.
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International Academy
International Academy Schools
The International Academy is a nationally recognized IB World School serving students from Commerce Township and across Oakland County. As one of Michigan's top-ranked high schools, it offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum that prepares students for competitive universities worldwide. The school features state-of-the-art science labs, extensive technology resources, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities including championship debate teams and STEM competitions. Parent and student reviews highlight the challenging academic environment, exceptional college preparation, and supportive faculty dedicated to student success.
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Frankel Jewish Academy
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
Frankel Jewish Academy is a premier private college preparatory school serving Commerce Township and the greater Detroit Jewish community. The school offers a dual curriculum combining rigorous secular academics with comprehensive Jewish studies. Features include modern science laboratories, technology-rich classrooms, performing arts spaces, and competitive athletic programs. The school is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong college counseling program. Parent reviews consistently mention the welcoming community, academic excellence, and the school's ability to prepare students for top universities while fostering Jewish identity and values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Commerce Township, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available within or very near Commerce Township, Michigan, and what are their educational focuses?
Commerce Township, MI, is served by a few notable private schools, each with a distinct focus. St. Patrick School in nearby Waterford offers a Catholic, faith-based K-8 education. The International Academy, with a campus in nearby White Lake Township, is a renowned public-school-of-choice International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for grades 9-12, often considered alongside private options for its specialized program. Frankel Jewish Academy in West Bloomfield provides a comprehensive Jewish and college-preparatory education for grades 9-12. Many families in Commerce Township also consider private schools in the broader Oakland County region, such as those in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham, which are within a reasonable commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Commerce Township, Michigan, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Commerce Township area varies significantly by school type. Parochial schools like St. Patrick generally have lower tuition, often in the range of $5,000-$8,000 annually, while independent college-preparatory schools like Frankel Jewish Academy can range from $20,000 to $30,000+. Michigan has several financial aid mechanisms that Commerce Township parents can utilize. The most significant is the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) 529 plan for tax-advantaged savings. Additionally, many private schools offer need-based financial aid, and some participate in the Michigan Tuition Grant Program for non-public school students. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Commerce Township residents that differ from local public schools?
Private schools serving Commerce Township offer specialized programs not always available in the public district. The International Academy is famous for its full IB Diploma Programme, providing a globally recognized, rigorous curriculum. Frankel Jewish Academy offers a dual curriculum of robust secular studies alongside deep Judaic learning, including Hebrew language and Israel studies. St. Patrick School integrates Catholic values and religious education throughout its standard curriculum. Furthermore, these schools often feature smaller class sizes, specialized arts or STEM initiatives, and unique extracurriculars like model UN, robotics, or faith-based service trips that are tailored to their institutional missions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Commerce Township, Michigan, area?
For most private schools near Commerce Township, the admissions process begins in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, completing student assessments or interviews, and receiving decisions by March. The International Academy has a separate, competitive application and lottery process as a public school academy. For high schools like Frankel Jewish Academy, placement tests are common. It's highly advised to start research early, as some schools, especially at the kindergarten and 9th-grade entry points, have limited space and waiting lists. Rolling admissions may be available for other grades.
For a family living in Commerce Township, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Walled Lake Consolidated public schools and local private options?
This decision hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and budget. The Walled Lake district is well-regarded, offering a strong, tuition-free education with diverse AP courses, sports, and activities. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific values-based environment (Catholic or Jewish), a uniquely rigorous curriculum like the IB program, or smaller, more personalized learning communities. Considerations include: the annual financial commitment of private tuition, daily commute times to schools outside the township, and alignment with a child's religious or cultural identity. Many Commerce Township families value the public school system but opt for private education to fulfill specific academic or faith-based goals not fully met by the public offering.