The Best Private Schools in Highland Park, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University Liggett School
University Liggett School
University Liggett School is a premier independent school serving the greater Detroit area, including Highland Park families. With a 145-year legacy, this prestigious institution offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education featuring rigorous academics, small class sizes, and state-of-the-art facilities. The school emphasizes project-based learning, global citizenship, and character development. Students benefit from extensive athletic programs, visual and performing arts, and college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses. The campus includes modern science labs, innovation spaces, and athletic facilities, making it a top choice for families seeking exceptional private education in the metropolitan Detroit region.
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Detroit Country Day School
Detroit Country Day School
Detroit Country Day School is a highly respected independent school serving students from across southeastern Michigan, including Highland Park. Founded in 1914, DCDS offers a rigorous college preparatory education from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, extensive STEM facilities, championship athletic programs, and outstanding fine arts offerings. With a diverse student body and commitment to academic excellence, DCDS provides small class sizes, experienced faculty, and comprehensive college counseling. The 80-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities serving families throughout the Detroit metropolitan area.
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The Roeper School
The Roeper School
The Roeper School is a distinguished independent school specifically designed for gifted students, serving families from Highland Park and throughout southeastern Michigan. Founded in 1941, Roeper offers a unique educational philosophy that nurtures intellectual curiosity and social responsibility. The school provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program with emphasis on individualized learning, critical thinking, and creative expression. Features include advanced STEM laboratories, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. With two campuses in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham, Roeper serves gifted students from across the region with a proven track record of academic excellence and college placement success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland Park, Michigan
What are the primary private school options serving families in Highland Park, Michigan, and are they located within the city?
While Highland Park itself is a small, independent city surrounded by Detroit, it does not host major private school campuses within its immediate borders. However, it is served by several prestigious institutions in the surrounding metro Detroit area. The most notable are Detroit Country Day School (in Beverly Hills), University Liggett School (in Grosse Pointe Woods), and The Roeper School (with campuses in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham). Families in Highland Park commonly commute to these schools, which are typically a 15-30 minute drive. It's important to research each school's transportation policies, as some may offer bus routes that extend into neighboring communities.
How does tuition for top private schools near Highland Park, MI, compare, and what financial aid options are available for Michigan residents?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Detroit metropolitan area is significant, often ranging from approximately $25,000 to over $35,000 per year for upper grades. For example, Detroit Country Day School and University Liggett School have tuitions in this higher range. Michigan residents should explore two key financial resources. First, all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid through their endowments. Second, Michigan has a unique School Aid Fund that allows tax credits for contributions to certain scholarship-granting organizations, which can provide need-based scholarships for private school tuition. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school (using the SSS/Clarity application) and to inquire about these state scholarship programs during the admissions process.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Highland Park offer that differentiate them from local public options?
The premier private schools in the area distinguish themselves with robust, well-resourced programs often not available in the underfunded Highland Park Public Schools district. University Liggett School is renowned for its experiential learning and global studies curriculum. Detroit Country Day School offers an extensive array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and consistently top-ranked athletic programs. The Roeper School is nationally recognized for its gifted education philosophy and student-centered, developmental approach. All three schools provide extensive arts, technology, and college counseling resources, smaller class sizes, and facilities that far exceed those typically found in the struggling public district, offering a stark contrast in educational environment and opportunity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Detroit area, and how far in advance should a Highland Park family apply?
The admissions process for schools like Liggett, Country Day, and Roeper is highly structured and competitive. The timeline typically begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. For example, to enroll for September 2025, you should attend open houses in September/October 2024, submit applications by January 2025, and complete student visits/assessments in the winter. Notification dates are usually in March. Given the competitive nature and the logistical planning required for commuting from Highland Park, starting the research and tour process 18-24 months in advance is advisable. Many schools also have limited spaces in certain grades, so early application is strongly encouraged.
For a family residing in Highland Park, what are the key considerations when choosing between a private school commute or the local public school system?
This decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Highland Park Public Schools district has faced severe financial and academic challenges for years, often resulting in limited resources, curriculum offerings, and extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like those mentioned involves a commitment to a daily commute but guarantees a consistently high-resource, stable educational environment with a proven track record of college placement. Key considerations include: the cost of tuition versus no public school cost; the time and logistics of driving to Oakland or Grosse Pointe counties daily; the cultural and socioeconomic environment of the school community; and the long-term academic and social outcomes desired for the child. Many families view the investment in private education as a critical pathway to opportunities that are currently unreliable within the local public system.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Pre-K Programs in Highland Park, Michigan
For parents in Highland Park, Michigan, beginning the search for a "private pre k near me" is an exciting first step on a significant educational journey. This foundational year is about far more than learning letters and numbers; it’s about nurturing curiosity, building social confidence, and laying a cornerstone for a lifelong love of learning. In our community, you are uniquely positioned to access some of the most respected early childhood programs in the greater Detroit area, each offering distinct philosophies to match your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.
The concept of "near me" in Highland Park takes on a special meaning. While our city itself is a tight-knit urban community, your search will naturally extend into the surrounding suburbs where several premier institutions are located, all within a reasonable commute. This geographic reality means you have a rich tapestry of options. For instance, University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods is celebrated for its progressive, student-centered approach, where pre-kindergarteners engage in experiential learning that feels like play but is deeply intentional. Meanwhile, Detroit Country Day School, with campuses in Beverly Hills and other locations, offers a more structured, academically rigorous foundation with an emphasis on tradition and excellence from the very start. Closer by, The Roeper School in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham is renowned for its dedicated focus on gifted education, providing an environment where highly curious and creative young minds are understood and challenged appropriately.
As you evaluate these options, consider the daily rhythm that works for your family. Think about commute times from Highland Park to these neighboring areas, especially during Michigan winters. Visit each campus, not just to see the facilities but to feel the atmosphere. Does the classroom hum with engaged, happy children? How do teachers speak to their students? Ask specific questions about social-emotional learning, which is critical at this age, and how the program fosters independence and resilience. Many of these schools also offer robust financial aid programs, making a premier private pre-k education more accessible than you might initially assume.
Ultimately, finding the right private pre-k near Highland Park is about finding a partnership. You are looking for a school that aligns with your parenting philosophy and sees your child’s potential. It’s a place where teachers communicate openly with you and where your little one feels safe, valued, and excited to explore. The investment you make now goes beyond academics; it’s an investment in your child’s confidence and their very first school identity. By taking the time to research and visit these exceptional programs, you are giving your child the gift of a joyful and inspiring beginning, setting a positive trajectory for all the learning that is to come. Trust your instincts, ask the important questions, and you will find a wonderful educational home just a short drive from your own.
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