The Best Private Schools in Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dearborn Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Detroit Country Day School
Detroit Country Day School
Detroit Country Day School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving students from Dearborn Heights and throughout Southeastern Michigan. Founded in 1914, DCDS has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive student development. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, along with specialized academies in STEM and performing arts. The 80-acre campus features cutting-edge facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts theaters, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and a 100% college acceptance rate, DCDS consistently ranks among Michigan's top private schools, attracting families seeking exceptional educational opportunities.
Programs:
Riverside Academy
Riverside Academy
Riverside Academy is a highly-regarded private Islamic school serving Dearborn Heights and the surrounding communities. Established in 1996, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education and Islamic values. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, allowing for personalized attention. Riverside Academy consistently produces graduates who attend competitive colleges and universities, with a focus on developing well-rounded students through extracurricular activities including robotics, sports, and community service programs.
Programs:
Levey Middle School
Levey Middle School
Located in nearby Southfield, Levey Middle School (part of the Frankel Jewish Academy network) serves students from Dearborn Heights and the broader metropolitan area. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program and is recognized for its rigorous academic standards. With a focus on developing critical thinking skills, the curriculum includes advanced STEM courses, comprehensive arts programs, and character education. The school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's commitment to individualized learning and strong college preparatory outcomes.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dearborn Heights, Michigan
What are the primary private school options serving families in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and how do their educational approaches differ?
Dearborn Heights is served by a few key private institutions, each with distinct philosophies. **Riverside Academy**, located within the city, is a private Islamic school offering a college-preparatory curriculum integrated with Islamic studies and Arabic language, serving grades Pre-K through 12. **Levey Middle School** is a private Jewish day school in nearby Southfield, providing a dual curriculum of general and Judaic studies for grades 6-8, attracting families from Dearborn Heights. **Detroit Country Day School** (DCDS), located in Beverly Hills, is a prestigious, non-denominational independent school known for its rigorous academics, extensive arts and athletics, and a strong focus on college placement. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a religiously affiliated education close to home or a broader independent school experience with a commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Dearborn Heights, MI, area typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Dearborn Heights area varies widely based on the school. Riverside Academy's tuition is generally more moderate, often ranging from $6,000 to $9,000 annually, reflecting its community-based model. In contrast, Detroit Country Day School's tuition is among the highest in Michigan, exceeding $30,000 per year for upper school. Michigan has a unique financial aid landscape for private schools. The most significant option is the **Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) 529 plan**, which can be used for K-12 tuition. Additionally, some schools, like DCDS, offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools accessible to Dearborn Heights residents?
Schools serving Dearborn Heights offer diverse specializations. **Riverside Academy** emphasizes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) within its Islamic framework and may offer advanced coursework and robotics. **Detroit Country Day School** is renowned for its extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course catalog, renowned visual and performing arts programs, and competitive athletic conferences. For families considering Levey Middle School, the focus is on a strong core curriculum combined with deep Hebrew language and Jewish cultural immersion. Many of these schools also offer unique partnerships with local universities and organizations in the Detroit metro area, providing enhanced learning opportunities not always available in the public district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Dearborn Heights, Michigan, area?
The timeline is critical and often begins a full year in advance. For top-tier schools like **Detroit Country Day School**, the application process for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with deadlines for financial aid applications in January or February. Admissions testing, interviews, and shadow days usually occur in the winter. **Riverside Academy** may have a more rolling admissions process but still encourages early application. A key Michigan-specific factor is that many private schools adhere to the same enrollment count date as public schools (the first Wednesday in October) for funding and class sizing. We strongly recommend contacting your schools of interest by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year to secure application materials and tour dates.
For a family in Dearborn Heights, what are the major considerations when comparing the local public school district to area private schools?
The decision often hinges on curriculum focus, class size, and school environment. Dearborn Heights public schools (part of the Westwood Community School District and others) provide a tuition-free, comprehensive education with standard state curricula and services. The primary draws for private options are: **1.) Specialized Focus:** Religious education (Islamic or Jewish) or a highly competitive college-prep model (DCDS). **2.) Smaller Class Sizes:** Private schools generally offer significantly lower student-to-teacher ratios. **3.) Perceived Stability and Resources:** Some families seek the consistent environment and dedicated resources of a private institution. However, this comes with a substantial financial cost and, for schools like DCDS and Levey, a considerable daily commute. It's advisable to thoroughly research both your specific public school assignments and private options, considering transportation, cost, and your child's individual needs.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities