The Best Private Schools in Dearborn, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dearborn. 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 a premier independent day and boarding school located in nearby Bloomfield Hills, serving many Dearborn families. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curricula across its upper, middle, and lower schools. Notable for its stunning 319-acre campus designed by Eliel Saarinen, Cranbrook features state-of-the-art science facilities, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities and is renowned for its academic excellence and comprehensive student development programs.
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University Liggett School
Independent School
University Liggett School is a highly-regarded independent school in Grosse Pointe Woods that serves students from Dearborn and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience from Montessori early childhood through grade 12, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in upper school. Facilities include innovation labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes personalized learning, global citizenship, and interdisciplinary studies. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and exceptional college preparation.
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Divine Child High School
Archdiocese of Detroit
Divine Child High School is a Catholic, co-educational institution serving grades 9-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic teams. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith-based education with campus ministry programs and community service requirements. Parent satisfaction is high with praise for academic preparation and supportive faculty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dearborn, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Dearborn, Michigan, and how do their educational philosophies differ?
Dearborn residents have access to several highly-regarded private schools, both within the city and in the broader metro Detroit area. Within Dearborn, Divine Child High School is a prominent co-educational Catholic school offering a college-preparatory curriculum rooted in faith-based values. For families willing to commute, nearby options include Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, known for its rigorous, independent curriculum and expansive campus, and University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods, which emphasizes innovative, student-centered learning. The philosophies range from faith-based and traditional to progressive and independent, allowing parents to choose an environment that aligns with their child's needs and family values.
How does tuition for private schools in the Dearborn, Michigan area typically compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Dearborn area varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Divine Child High School's tuition is approximately $13,000-$14,000. Cranbrook and University Liggett, as elite independent day schools, have tuitions that can exceed $35,000. Most private schools in Michigan offer need-based financial aid, and many, including Divine Child, have parish subsidy programs for active members of supporting Catholic churches. Additionally, Michigan has a limited tax-credit scholarship program (the Michigan EEE Scholarship) that can provide assistance to eligible families. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current figures and to discuss personalized financial planning.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Dearborn, MI, students that leverage local resources or industries?
Private schools in the metro Detroit area often create programs that connect students to the region's economic and cultural strengths. Cranbrook Schools offers renowned programs in science, engineering, and art, with facilities rivaling small colleges. Given Dearborn's identity as the home of Ford Motor Company, several schools integrate automotive history and engineering into their curricula. University Liggett School emphasizes design thinking and global studies, preparing students for interconnected careers. Divine Child High School offers robust STEM initiatives and theology programs that engage with Dearborn's diverse interfaith community. Many schools also provide unique partnerships with local universities like the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Henry Ford College for dual enrollment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Divine Child in Dearborn, and when should parents start planning?
The enrollment process for private schools like Divine Child High School typically begins in the fall, one year prior to entry. For 9th-grade admission, open houses are held in September-October, with application deadlines often in early December or January. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and completing a placement exam (such as the HSPT for Catholic schools). Admissions decisions are commonly released in February or March. For competitive schools like Cranbrook and University Liggett, timelines are similar but may start even earlier. Parents in Dearborn should begin researching schools and attending open houses in the fall of their child's 7th or 8th-grade year to ensure they meet all deadlines.
For a family in Dearborn, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated Dearborn Public Schools district and a private school option?
This decision hinges on several factors unique to Dearborn. The Dearborn Public Schools district is one of the largest and highest-achieving in Michigan, offering diverse programs, including extensive Arabic language immersion and advanced placement courses, at no direct cost. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific religious foundation (like at Divine Child), a smaller student-to-teacher ratio, or a particular pedagogical approach (like project-based learning at Liggett). Private schools may offer more niche extracurriculars or a perceived path to selective colleges. Families must weigh the significant financial investment of private tuition against the robust, free public options. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the community culture and assess the best fit for the child's learning style and the family's educational goals.
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