The Best Private Schools in Union Lake, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Union Lake. 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 independent college preparatory schools, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Union Lake in Bloomfield Hills, the school features a 319-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers a rigorous academic program with 25 Advanced Placement courses. Notable for its stunning campus architecture and exceptional college placement record, Cranbrook consistently ranks among the top private schools in the nation.
Programs:
International Academy
International Academy Schools
The International Academy is a top-ranked public-private partnership school serving students from multiple districts including those near Union Lake. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers a comprehensive IB curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and global perspectives. The school consistently ranks among the best high schools in Michigan and the United States, with exceptional college acceptance rates and academic outcomes. Students benefit from a diverse learning environment and rigorous preparation for competitive universities worldwide.
Programs:
Oakland Christian School
Oakland Christian School
Oakland Christian School is an accredited, interdenominational Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, located approximately 15 minutes from Union Lake. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and provides individualized attention, with a strong emphasis on character development and community service. Oakland Christian has a proven track record of preparing students for college success while fostering spiritual growth.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Union Lake, Michigan
What are the primary private school options serving families in Union Lake, Michigan, and what are their key characteristics?
Union Lake, Michigan, is served by several prestigious private schools in the surrounding Oakland County area. The most prominent include Cranbrook Schools in nearby Bloomfield Hills, a world-renowned independent day and boarding school known for its rigorous academics, stunning campus, and strengths in arts and sciences. The International Academy, with campuses in Bloomfield Hills and White Lake, is a top-ranked International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma-focused high school. For families seeking a faith-based option, Oakland Christian School in Auburn Hills offers a college-preparatory education from a biblical worldview. While Union Lake itself has limited private schools within its exact borders, these highly-regarded institutions are a short commute and represent the core of the local private education landscape.
How does tuition for private schools in the Union Lake, Michigan, area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in the Union Lake area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Cranbrook Schools' upper school day tuition exceeds $40,000, reflecting its elite status and extensive resources. The International Academy, as a public school academy (charter school), does not charge tuition, but has a highly competitive application process. Oakland Christian School's tuition is more moderate, typically ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 annually. Most private schools in Michigan, including Cranbrook and Oakland Christian, offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans. Michigan also has the "Student Opportunity Scholarship" program, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, potentially reducing net cost for eligible families.
What unique academic programs or specializations are available at private schools near Union Lake, MI?
The private schools near Union Lake offer distinct academic specializations. Cranbrook Schools is exceptional for its integrated arts and design curriculum, advanced STEM facilities, and its affiliation with the Cranbrook Academy of Art and Museum. The International Academy is singularly focused on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, offering a globally-recognized curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning, with a language immersion component. Oakland Christian School provides a strong college-prep program anchored in Christian values, with offerings in athletics, fine arts, and technology. This concentration of elite IB, arts-integrated, and faith-based curricula within a short drive of Union Lake is a notable advantage for the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Cranbrook near Union Lake?
For top-tier private schools like Cranbrook serving the Union Lake area, the process is highly structured and begins early. Applications for the following fall typically open in August or September, with deadlines between January and February. The process involves a completed application, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, a student essay, and a required family interview and campus tour. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. For the International Academy, the lottery and application deadline is in November for 8th graders seeking 9th-grade entry. It is crucial for Union Lake parents to research each school's website in the summer before the application year and attend fall open houses.
How do the educational environments and outcomes of private schools near Union Lake compare to the highly-rated Walled Lake Consolidated public school district?
This is a key consideration for Union Lake families, as the community is part of the well-regarded Walled Lake Consolidated School District. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and specific needs. The public district offers a strong, comprehensive K-12 education with diverse programs, no tuition, and proximity. Private options provide distinct alternatives: Cranbrook offers a lower student-to-teacher ratio, unparalleled campus resources, and a highly selective peer environment. The International Academy provides an intense, full IB curriculum not typically available in a public high school. Oakland Christian offers daily religious instruction and faith integration. Families must weigh factors like class size, curricular focus (IB, arts, faith), community culture, and cost against the convenience and quality of the free public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities