Whether you’re currently living in Metro Detroit or planning on moving to Metro Detroit, selecting the right elementary school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your family. This comprehensive ranking of the top elementary schools in Metro Detroit draws on Niche.com’s data, key academic metrics, and real‑world parent feedback to spotlight the region’s best public and private campuses, from Cranbrook Schools and Detroit Country Day to Village Oaks and Deerfield Elementary. You’ll find insights on student‑teacher ratios, proficiency rates in reading and math, standout programs, and community culture so you can confidently weigh each school’s strengths. Use this guide to discover which Detroit‑area elementary schools offer the perfect blend of academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and supportive environments for your child’s success.
For more campus profiles, see our guide ‘Top‑Rated Metro Detroit Elementary Schools Every Parent Should Know
Cranbrook Schools, Facebook
1. Cranbrook Schools
39221 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Phone: 248-645-3610
Website: Cranbrook Schools
Cranbrook Schools sits atop Metro Detroit’s elementary through high school rankings thanks to its unique blend of rigorous academics and expansive experiential learning. On its 319‑acre historic campus, Lower School students benefit from small classes (an average student–teacher ratio of 7 to 1 versus the national 17 to 1), inquiry‑driven STEAM projects, and daily access to art and science museums, botanical gardens, and athletic fields. The school places equal emphasis on social‑emotional development and language immersion alongside core studies, ensuring that each child builds confidence and curiosity from the very first grade.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A+, Teachers A+, Clubs & Activities A+, College Prep A+, Diversity A, Sports B+
- Enrollment: 1,659 students (all grades)
- Student Polls: 98% say students are competitive • 89% say students are creative and artsy • 83% say students are athletic
- Teacher Polls: 95% agree teachers adequately lead and control the classroom • 89% agree teachers genuinely care and deliver engaging lessons
Families often highlight Cranbrook’s seamless pathway from Lower School into its award‑winning middle and upper schools, noting that the school’s 100% graduation rate and average upper‑school SAT of 1410 (ACT 31) reflect a foundation built long before high school. This combination of personal attention, world‑class facilities, and a community‑driven culture makes Cranbrook Schools the gold standard for elementary education in Metro Detroit.
2. Detroit Country Day School
22305 W 13 Mile Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025
Phone: (248) 646-7717
Website: Detroit Country Day School
Detroit Country Day School is Metro Detroit’s #2 private K–12 institution, with a Lower School campus in Bloomfield Hills (3003 W Maple Rd), a Middle School campus in Beverly Hills (22400 Hillview Ln), and an Upper School campus in Beverly Hills (22305 W 13 Mile Rd). Founded in 1914, DCDS combines a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with robust fine arts, athletics, and service programs under its motto “Sound Mind in a Sound Body.” Families praise its seamless Pre‑K through grade 12 progression, 100% college acceptance rate, and average upper‑school SAT score of 1440.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A+, College Prep A+, Clubs & Activities A+, Sports A, Diversity A, Teachers A
- Enrollment: 1,493 students
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 8:1 (vs national 17:1)
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT/ACT: 1440 SAT; 32 ACT
- Student Polls: 96% say lessons are engaging; 96% say teachers lead effectively; 93% say teachers care; 96% say students are creative; 87% say students are athletic
- Culture & Safety: 84% of students feel safe; 68% report high satisfaction
For parents seeking a holistic K–12 community with small classes (6:1 in Pre‑K), a century‑old tradition, and proven academic outcomes, Detroit Country Day School delivers both excellence and breadth across three distinct campuses.
3. The Roeper School
41190 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Phone: (248) 203-7300
Website: The Roeper School
The Roeper School has earned its reputation as Metro Detroit’s premier gifted‑education institution from preschool through grade 12. Nestled in Bloomfield Hills, Roeper’s Lower School offers an intentionally small, humanistic learning environment where every lesson is rooted in inquiry, critical thinking, and social‑emotional growth. With a 7:1 student–teacher ratio, Lower School students engage daily in project‑based STEAM activities, independent studies and language immersion capsules all designed to nurture creativity and confidence. Roeper’s approach balances rigorous academics with capstone‑style exploration and a strong emphasis on diversity and community, preparing young learners to thrive as compassionate, curious citizens.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A+, Diversity A‑, Teachers A, College Prep A+, Clubs & Activities A, Sports B‑
- Enrollment: 463 students (all grades)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 7:1 (vs national 17:1)
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT/ACT: 1350 SAT (46 responses); 32 ACT (57 responses)
- Student Polls: 53% say students are competitive; 88% say students are creative and artsy; 18% say students are athletic
- Teacher Polls: 88% agree lessons are engaging; 82% agree teachers genuinely care; 82% agree teachers effectively lead their classrooms
Families cite Roeper’s blend of small‑group attention, a flourishing arts program, and an unwavering commitment to gifted pedagogy as the reasons they choose this forward‑thinking campus for their children’s foundational and advanced learning.
University Liggett School, Facebook
4. University Liggett School
1045 Cook Rd, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Phone: (313) 884-4444
Website: University Liggett School
University Liggett School is Metro Detroit’s fourth‑ranked private PK–12 campus, offering personalized education on its leafy Grosse Pointe Woods grounds. With just 638 students across all grades, Liggett prides itself on an intimate 6 to 1 student‑teacher ratio that allows faculty to tailor instruction and mentorship to each child’s needs. Lower School learners enjoy a balanced curriculum featuring inquiry‑based STEAM modules, language enrichment, and a robust arts program. As students advance, they benefit from rigorous college‑prep courses, competitive athletics, and service‑learning opportunities that cultivate leadership and character.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A+ • College Prep A+ • Clubs & Activities A+ • Sports A • Teachers A • Diversity B+
- Enrollment: 638 students
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 6:1 (national 17:1)
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Matriculation: 99% of graduates enroll in a four‑year college
- Average SAT/ACT: 1240 SAT (64 responses) • 29 ACT (83 responses)
- Student Polls: 77% say students are competitive • 64% say creative and artsy • 82% say athletic
- Teacher Polls: 88% agree lessons are engaging • 92% agree teachers genuinely care • 75% agree teachers lead the classroom effectively
- Culture & Safety: 70% feel safe on campus • 55% say they enjoy school life
Liggett’s seamless progression from early childhood through grade 12, combined with its high college‑acceptance outcomes and richly resourced campus, makes it a standout choice for families seeking both academic rigor and a nurturing community.
5. Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
2775 Newport Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 995‑4141
Website: Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor delivers Metro Detroit’s premier Waldorf‑inspired education on its intimate Lower School campus. With a 2 to 1 student–teacher ratio, the school immerses young learners in hands‑on academics, rhythmic arts, and nature‑based exploration. Core subjects blend with daily movement, music, and practical crafts to foster creativity, social‑emotional growth, and intellectual curiosity from the earliest grades. This individualized approach equips students with resilience, imaginative problem‑solving skills, and a strong sense of community.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A+, Diversity A, Teachers B+, College Prep A, Clubs & Activities A‑, Sports C+
- Enrollment: 80 students
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 2:1 (national 17:1)
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Matriculation: 93% of graduates attend a four‑year college
- Average SAT: 1300 (29 responses)
- Culture & Safety: 83% feel safe; 83% report high overall satisfaction
- Student Polls: 33% say students are competitive; 83% say they are creative and artsy; 83% say they are athletic
- Teacher Polls: 86% agree lessons are engaging; 86% agree teachers genuinely care; 71% agree teachers effectively lead classrooms
6. Michigan Islamic Academy
2301 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 665-8882
Website: Michigan Islamic Academy
Michigan Islamic Academy (MIA) is Metro Detroit’s premier faith‑based PK–12 institution, combining rigorous academics with character development grounded in Islamic values. On its Ann Arbor campus, Lower School students learn in a personalized 7 to 1 setting, where core subjects are enriched by Arabic language immersion and daily opportunities for prayer and community service. From Pre‑K through grade 12, MIA emphasizes whole‑child growth, intellectual, spiritual, and social.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Rating: 3.96 / 5 (55 reviews)
- Enrollment: 323 students
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1
- Tuition (Highest Grade): $6,800 / year
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- College Matriculation: 100% attend a four‑year college
- Diversity: 72% of students have roots in the Middle East or North Africa
Families praise MIA’s modern facilities, including science labs, an on‑site mosque/prayer space, and athletic courts, and highlight the close‑knit atmosphere where teachers are viewed as “family.” This blend of academic excellence and values‑driven community makes Michigan Islamic Academy a standout choice for parents seeking both strong college‑prep outcomes and a nurturing environment.
Academy of the Sacred Heart, Facebook
7. Academy of the Sacred Heart
1250 Kensington Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Phone: (248) 646-8900
Website:
Academy of the Sacred Heart is Michigan’s oldest independent school, founded in 1851, and part of an international network of over 150 Sacred Heart schools. On its Bloomfield Hills campus the Lower School serves boys from birth through grade 8 and girls from birth through grade 12 across six learning communities. The school blends rigorous academics with faith‑based formation, creative arts, and global citizenship. Educators design intentional, individual learning experiences that develop intellectual curiosity, social‑emotional skills, and service‑oriented leadership. Families praise the school’s balanced emphasis on mind, body, and spirit within a close‑knit community that honors both tradition and innovation.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Academics: A+ • Diversity: B • Teachers: A‑ • College Prep: A • Clubs & Activities: A • Sports: B
- Enrollment: 383 students
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1
- Graduation Rate: 100% • Average SAT: 1260 (10 responses) • Average ACT: 27 (40 responses)
- Student Polls: 75% say students are competitive • 79% say students are creative and artsy • 82% say students are athletic
- Teacher Polls: 80% agree lessons are engaging • 87% agree teachers genuinely care • 83% agree teachers effectively lead classrooms
- Culture & Safety: 81% feel safe • 77% feel happy at school
For insight on how school proximity drives market demand, read ‘What Makes University District Homes Attractive to Buyers in Metro Detroit
8. Village Oaks Elementary School
23333 Willowbrook Dr, Novi, MI 48375
Phone: (248) 449-1300
Website: Village Oaks Elementary School
Village Oaks Elementary is Novi Community School District’s flagship public school for grades K–4, earning Niche’s #1 statewide ranking thanks to its robust academic performance, inclusive culture, and engaged community. Families benefit from a 14 to 1 student–teacher ratio that fosters personalized instruction, a curriculum aligned with state standards, and specialist‑led programs in art, music, and physical education. Village Oaks was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2018, reflecting its sustained excellence in student achievement and school climate.
- #1 of 1,636 Best Public Elementary Schools in Michigan
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A; Diversity A; Teachers A+
- Enrollment: 515 students (grades K–4)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1 (national average 17 to 1)
- Academic Proficiency: 72% proficient or higher in both math and reading
- Free/Reduced Lunch: 20% of students receive subsidized meals
This combination of high academic standards, student‑centered support, and community recognition makes Village Oaks Elementary a top choice for families in Metro Detroit.
9. Bemis Elementary School
3571 Northfield Pkwy, Troy, MI 48084
Phone: (248) 823‑4100
Website: Bemis Elementary School
Bemis Elementary School is Troy School District’s #2 public K–5 campus, celebrated for its rigorous academics, inclusive culture, and strong family engagement.
- #2 of 1,636 Best Public Elementary Schools in Michigan
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A+; Diversity A‑; Teachers A+
- Enrollment: 441 students (grades K–5)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1 (national average 17 to 1)
- Academic Proficiency: 85% proficient in both math and reading
- Free/Reduced Lunch: 9% of students receive subsidized meals
Families highlight Bemis’s welcoming environment, dedicated teachers, and active PTO as key drivers of student success, an educational setting where high standards and personalized support go hand in hand.
10. Schroeder Elementary School
3541 Jack Dr, Troy, MI 48084
Phone: (248) 823‑3600
Website: Schroeder Elementary School
Schroeder Elementary School is Troy School District’s third‑ranked public K–5 campus, known for its strong academic outcomes and welcoming community. With 423 students and a 15 to 1 student–teacher ratio, well below the national average, Schroeder balances personalized instruction with a broad curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and collaborative learning. State test scores place 85 percent of students at or above proficiency in math and 83 percent in reading, reflecting the school’s commitment to foundational skills and growth. A diverse student body and supportive staff foster an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
- Rank: #3 of 1,636 Best Public Elementary Schools in Michigan
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A+ • Diversity A • Teachers A+
- Enrollment: 423 students (grades K–5)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1 (national average 17:1)
- Academic Proficiency: 85% math • 83% reading
- Free/Reduced Lunch: 8%
Families highlight Schroeder’s dedicated educators, rigorous yet engaging classroom experiences, and a strong sense of community, qualities that make it a top choice for Metro Detroit parents seeking both excellence and support in their child’s elementary education.
Novi Community School District, Facebook
11. Parkview Elementary School
45825 W 11 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48374
Phone: (248) 449‑1220
Website: Parkview Elementary School
Parkview Elementary School is Novi Community School District’s fourth‑ranked public K–4 campus, known for its strong academic foundation, welcoming culture, and student‑centered support. With an enrollment of 481 learners and a 16 to 1 student–teacher ratio, slightly below the national average, Parkview blends core instruction with specialist‑led art, music, and physical education. State assessments show 76 percent of students achieving proficiency in math and 77 percent in reading, reflecting the school’s commitment to rigorous, standards‑aligned learning and targeted interventions.
- Rank: #4 of 1,636 Best Public Elementary Schools in Michigan
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A • Diversity B+ • Teachers A+
- Enrollment: 481 students (grades K–4)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1 (national 17:1)
- Academic Proficiency: 76% math • 77% reading
- Free/Reduced Lunch: 12% of students receive subsidized meals
Parents praise Parkview’s combination of high expectations, personalized attention, and robust extracurricular offerings, qualities that consistently place it among Metro Detroit’s top elementary schools.
12. Notre Dame Preparatory School
1300 Giddings Rd, Pontiac, MI 48340
Phone: (248) 373-5300
Website: Notre Dame Preparatory School
Notre Dame Preparatory School’s Lower School is the elementary division of Metro Detroit’s leading Catholic PK–12 campus. Situated on a spacious waterfront property in Pontiac, it combines a faith‑centered curriculum with the International Baccalaureate framework to deliver project‑based learning, service opportunities, and strong social‑emotional support from the earliest grades. Small class sizes foster close bonds between students and faculty and ensure each child receives the guidance and challenge needed to thrive.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A+ • Diversity B • Teachers A‑ • College Prep A • Clubs & Activities A • Sports A‑
- Enrollment: 1,044 students (PK–12)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1 (national 17:1)
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT/ACT: 1280 SAT • 29 ACT
- Student Polls: 84% say students are competitive • 68% say students are creative and artsy • 81% say students are athletic
- Teacher Polls: 72% say teachers give engaging lessons • 79% say teachers genuinely care • 77% say teachers effectively lead the classroom
- Culture & Safety: 81% feel safe at school • 65% report high overall happiness
With its blend of rigorous academics, faith formation, and a nurturing community ethos, Notre Dame Preparatory School Lower School stands out as a premier choice for families seeking a holistic, college‑preparatory elementary education in Metro Detroit.
13. Wattles Elementary School
3555 Ellenboro Ave, Troy, MI 48083
Phone: (248) 823‑3400
Website: Wattles Elementary School
Wattles Elementary serves approximately 406 students in grades K–5 as part of the Troy School District. Housed in a modern suburban facility, the school delivers a standards‑aligned core curriculum complemented by specialist‑led instruction in art, music, physical education and technology. With a 16 to 1 student–teacher ratio, Wattles emphasizes personalized learning, social‑emotional support and active family engagement through its PTO and district‑wide initiatives.
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A; Diversity A; Teachers A+
- Enrollment: 406 students (grades K–5)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1 (national 17 to 1)
- Academic Proficiency: 74 percent proficient in math; 77 percent proficient in reading
- Free/Reduced Lunch: 22 percent of students receive subsidized meals
Families praise Wattles’s strong test scores, caring faculty and inclusive culture, qualities that have earned it a spot among Michigan’s very best public elementary schools.
Southfield Christian School, Facebook
14. Southfield Christian School
28650 Lahser Rd, Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: (248) 357‑3660
Website: Southfield Christian School
Southfield Christian Elementary serves grades K–5 within a broader PK–12, Christ‑centered community. The program blends a college‑prep academic core, reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, with daily Bible classes, weekly chapels, and an annual Spiritual Emphasis Week. Students begin in an all‑day kindergarten that introduces enrichment in art, music, Spanish, computer education, and physical education. Class sizes range from 20 in kindergarten to 25 by fifth grade, supported by specialty teachers and modern facilities such as a fully equipped Mac computer lab and a well‑stocked library. The faculty all hold Michigan certification and average over fourteen years of experience, fostering each child’s spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical growth
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A+ • Diversity A‑ • Teachers A‑ • College Prep A+ • Clubs & Activities A‑ • Sports A‑
- Enrollment: 600 students (PreK–12)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1 (vs national 17 to 1)
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1210 (36 responses)
- Average ACT: 26 (87 responses)
- Student Polls: 85% say students are competitive • 70% say they are creative and artsy • 94% say they are athletic
- Teacher Polls: 80% agree lessons are engaging • 91% agree teachers genuinely care • 80% agree teachers lead effectively
- Culture & Safety: 90% feel safe at school • 68% report high overall happiness
Families choose Southfield Christian Elementary for its seamless integration of rigorous academics, faith formation, and a supportive, community‑driven environment. The result is a foundation that readies young learners for advanced coursework and character leadership in secondary school and beyond.
15. Deerfield Elementary School
26500 Wixom Rd, Novi, MI 48374
Phone: (248) 449-1700
Website: Deerfield Elementary School
Deerfield Elementary School rounds out the top 15 as Novi Community Schools’ acclaimed K–4 campus. Families praise its welcoming atmosphere, dedicated educators, and strong academic foundation. With a focus on personalized support and community engagement, Deerfield balances rigorous core instruction with specialist-led art, music, and physical education.
- Rank: #6 of 1,636 Best Public Elementary Schools in Michigan
- Overall Grade: A+
- Category Grades: Academics A; Diversity A; Teachers A
- Enrollment: 468 students (grades K–4)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 19 to 1 (national 17 to 1)
- Academic Proficiency: 72% proficient in math; 72% proficient in reading
- Free/Reduced Lunch: 7% of students receive subsidized meals
This combination of high achievement metrics, small-community feel, and consistent support makes Deerfield Elementary a top choice for Metro Detroit parents seeking excellence in early education.
To match schools with top neighborhoods, check out ‘These Are the 10 Best Places to Live in Metro Detroit for Families, Jobs, and Lifestyle
Whether you’re living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, this ranking of the top elementary schools in Metro Detroit equips families with the data and insights needed to choose the ideal learning environment. From class sizes and proficiency rates to STEAM offerings and community culture, each of these 15 schools has demonstrated excellence in academics and student support. By using these profiles as a starting point, and scheduling campus visits or school tours—you can feel confident in finding the elementary program that will set your child on a path to success.
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