Skip to main content
Michigan’s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source

We need your vote!

During this important election year, Bridge readers like you know that high-quality journalism like ours is more critical than ever. There’s a lot on the line, and we’re working daily to deliver the information you need to prepare you for November’s election. Can we count on your vote of confidence in our newsroom? Donate today!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate

Academic state champs: Top 10 lists

What are the top 10 charter schools in the state? The top 10 affluent school districts? What schools get the most academic achievement from their fourth-graders? The winners, ranging from small rural districts to urban charter schools, are the state’s best at raising student achievement above expected scores for the student body’s income level, according to a formula developed by Bridge Magazine and the Lansing research firm of Public Sector Consultants. See how we did it.

State Champs
Charter Schools
Rural and Small Town School Districts
Affluent School Districts
4th Grade
8th Grade
11th Grade

Top Ten Academic State Champs

Star International Academy (Dearborn Heights)
Central Academy (Ann Arbor)
Crawford AuSable Schools (Grayling)
Riverside Academy (Dearborn)
Godwin Heights Public Schools (Grand Rapids)
Okemos Public Schools
Bloomfield Hills Schools*
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Public  Schools of Calumet
Benzie County Central Schools

Back to the Top

Top Ten Charter Schools

Star International Academy (Dearborn Heights)
Central Academy (Ann Arbor)
Riverside Academy (Dearborn)
International Academy of Flint
Countryside Academy (Benton Harbor)
Excel Charter Academy (Grand Rapids)
Cesar Chavez Academy (Detroit)
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (Grand Rapids)
Oakland International Academy (Detroit)
Universal Academy (Detroit)

Back to the Top

Top Ten Rural and Small Town School Districts

Crawford AuSable Schools (Grayling)
Public Schools of Calumet
Benzie County Public schools
Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools
Kingsley Area Schools
Fairview Area School District
Leland Public School District
Madison School District (Lenawee County)
Baldwin Community Schools
Houghton Lake Community Schools

Back to the Top

Top Ten Affluent School Districts

Okemos Public Schools
Bloomfield Hills Schools*
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Troy School District
Leland Public School District
Haslett Public Schools
Forest Hills Public Schools
Grand Haven Area Public Schools
East Grand  Rapids Public Schools
 South Lyon Community Schools

Back to the Top

Top Ten 4th Grade

Godwin Heights Public Schools (Grand Rapids)
Onaway Area Community School District
Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools
Albion Public Schools
Riverside Academy (Dearborn)
Spring Lake Public Schools
Stephenson Area Public Schools
Deckerville Community School District
Croswell-Lexington Community Schools
Les Cheneaux Community Schools

Back to the Top

Top Ten 8th Grade

Star International Academy (Dearborn Heights)
Riverside Academy (Dearborn)
Alanson Public Schools
Central Academy (Ann Arbor)
Leland Public School District
Fairview Area School District
Burr Oak Community School District
Brown City Community Schools
Covert Public Schools
Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools

Back to the Top

Top Ten 11th Grade

Star International Academy (Dearborn Heights)
Bloomfield Hills Schools*
Mackinaw City Public Schools
Bloomingdale Public School District
Okemos Public Schools
Countryside Academy (Benton Harbor)
Crawford AuSable Schools (Grayling)
Public Schools of Calumet
Caseville Public Schools
Cass City Public Schools

Back to the Top

* Data for Bloomfield Hills includes International Academy, which draws high-achieving students from numerous school districts.

How impactful was this article for you?

Michigan Education Watch

Michigan Education Watch is made possible by generous financial support from:

Subscribe to Michigan Health Watch

Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues

See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:

  • “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
  • “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
  • “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.

If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate Now