Washtenaw County’s best public schools for athletes

Talented student athletes thrive in environments that foster their growth—and several Washtenaw County schools do just that.

To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public schools for athletes in Washtenaw County, uses a combination of publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau, along with community reviews, survey feedback, and academic performance indicators such as test scores and college readiness.

Read on for our guide to best public schools for athletes in Washtenaw County.

Read more: Top Metro Detroit Schools for Athletes

Public schools in Washtenaw County for athletes

This section features some of the best public schools for athletes in Washtenaw County and are based on public data, academic performance, community reviews and survey feedback to help families find the right fit.

Saline High School

• Address: 1300 Campus Parkway, Saline
• Why It Stands Out: Saline High School is renowned for its academics, ranking 20th among Michigan high schools by U.S. News. The school has a wide array of extracurricular activities, including over 30 student clubs and a robust athletic program. Notably, the school’s auditorium is a hub for cultural and artistic events.

Established in 2004, Saline High School relocated to its current 510,000-square-foot facility in Pittsfield Township. The school serves as a cornerstone of the Saline Area Schools district, which has a rich history of educational excellence.

Chelsea High School

• Address: 740 North Freer Road, Chelsea
• Why It Stands Out: Chelsea High School is known for its active student body and well-rounded educational experience.

Chelsea High School is part of the Chelsea School District, which has a long-standing commitment to providing quality education.

Pioneer High School

• Address: 601 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
• Why It Stands Out: Pioneer High School is celebrated for its academic programs, including a variety of AP courses and extracurricular activities. The school has a rich history and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Founded in 1856 as Union School, Pioneer High School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. The current building, opened in 1956, continues to serve as a cornerstone of education in the Ann Arbor community. 

Dexter High School

• Address: 2200 North Parker Road, Dexter
• Why It Stands Out: Dexter High School is distinguished by its high graduation rate of 99% and a diverse range of academic offerings, including 10 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 19 International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The school also has a strong tradition in science competitions, with its National Ocean Science Bowl team placing second nationally in 2015.

Originally located in what is now Creekside Intermediate School, Dexter High School moved to its current location in 2002 to accommodate growing student enrollment. The school is part of Dexter Community Schools, which has a history dating back to 1950.

Milan High School

• Address: 200 Big Red Drive, Milan
• Why It Stands Out: Milan High School is recognized for its strong academic performance, with a 92% graduation rate and an average SAT score of 1160. The school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and has a notable athletic program.

Established in 2003, Milan High School is the newest high school in the Milan Area Schools district. The district has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, with the first high school building constructed in 1900.

Skyline High School

• Address: 2552 North Maple Road, Ann Arbor
• Why It Stands Out: Skyline High School is distinguished by its innovative educational approach, offering a blend of rigorous academics and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The school’s design incorporates geothermal heating and cooling systems, as well as onsite stormwater management, reflecting its dedication to eco-friendly practices.

Approved by voters in 2004 as part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools’ Comprehensive School Improvement Program, Skyline High School opened its doors in 2008. Initially serving only freshmen, the school expanded each year, graduating its first senior class in 2012. The naming process involved a diverse committee of students, parents and educators, who chose the name “Skyline” to reflect the school’s scenic views. The mascot, “The Eagles,” and the school colors, Columbia Blue and White, were selected to complement the Skyline theme.

Father Gabriel Richard High School

• Address: 4333 Whitehall Drive, Ann Arbor
• What Makes It Stand Out: Serves as a co-ed Catholic high school focused on spiritual, intellectual and personal growth within the Diocese of Lansing.

Began as St. Thomas the Apostle School, part of St. Thomas Parish, founded in 1868; new building built in the 1920s.

Huron High School

• Address: 2727 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor
• Why It Stands Out: Huron High School is known for its high performing students and dedicated teachers.

Established in 1969, Huron High School was built to accommodate the growing population in Ann Arbor. The school’s design, featuring a distinctive “H” shape, has become an iconic part of the city’s educational landscape.

Manchester High School

• Address: 710 E. Main St., Manchester
• Why it stands out: As the smallest district in Washtenaw County, it offers a public-school experience with the intimacy often found in private schools. Niche reviews describe “wonderful connections between students … and staff,” noting strong extracurricular support like robotics, athletics and arts.

Schooling in Manchester started in 1867 at Union School. Through the years it evolved, formally consolidating into Elkhardt School in 1914. That school became Manchester District High School in 1924; the graduating Class of 1925 comprised just eight students.

Greenhills School

• Address: 850 Greenhills Drive, Ann Arbor
• What Makes It Stand Out: Independent college-prep school (grades six through 12); dedicated from early days to admitting students from diverse backgrounds and offering robust tuition assistance.

Founded in 1968: Established by seven founding families and philanthropists (e.g., Harry & Margaret Towsley) after closure of U‑M Lab School.

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The inspiring Detroit story behind a nonprofit lifting up youth and adults with disabilities

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters

Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system and Michigan education policy.

Six years ago, Christina Jordan was focused on becoming a tennis star.

At West Virginia University, the Detroit native played on the college team and majored in biochemistry. But, as Jordan entered her senior year, her interest in human behavior took precedence over studying living organisms.

The decision to switch her major to psychology was personal – Jordan’s twin brothers, Christopher and Christian, have intellectual disabilities and she wanted to find a way to assist them with life’s challenges, she told BridgeDetroit.

“I’m definitely inspired by my family, and I have a purpose that I’m trying to carry out,” Christina Jordan said.

After graduating from WVU in 2020, Jordan found that purpose by teaming up with her mother, Anisha Jordan, to establish Safeway Community Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving youth in underserved communities and individuals with disabilities. In the past three years, Safeway has served around 1,000 people through its autism awareness training, special education support, and community events, Christina Jordan said, including around 700 people in Detroit.

The organization also offers an independent living program for adults with disabilities.

“My mom and I created [Safeway] to help them [Christopher and Christian], and now we have them semi-independently living on their own,” Christina Jordan, 27, said. “They have support services, they are able to go to school and things like that. Once we figured out that the system that we created works, we wanted to be able to share that with other people.”

One of Safeway’s signature initiatives is a free youth summer sports camp, where kids can learn how to play football, tennis, and track and field, as well as cheer and dance. The camp has taken place at West Bloomfield High School and Metropolitan Racquet Club in past years. While the program was not offered in 2025, Christina Jordan said she hopes to bring it back next year.

Safeway has programming for a broad range of age groups, Christina Jordan said. About 80% of the children served come from Detroit Public Schools Community District, with others coming from nearby cities like Redford and Southfield.

“For the autism awareness program, those are typically all ages because we’re spreading awareness to not only the kids, but to the caregivers,” she said. “Our programs range from youth as small as three and it goes all the way up until 35.”

Another Safeway program is designed for people with or without disabilities who were formerly enrolled in college and wish to return.

“We’re working on bridging the gap and helping individuals go back to college,” added Anisha Jordan, a special education teacher. “We partner with Talladega University in Alabama, and we’re looking to expand that and get more colleges on board.

“We want to provide extended services to these individuals, whether it’s into homes, education, transportation.”

The majority of the nonprofit’s programming and events are self-funded by the Jordans. However, the organization has started to receive interest from donors this year, Christina Jordan said.

Safeway does not currently have a physical location open to the public, the organization meets the community in schools, libraries, and online, Christina Jordan said. She hopes to eventually open an office space in downtown Detroit.

On the Jordans’ agenda for next year is a plan to expand Safeway’s teen mentorship program, Safe Track. Along with the existing program in Detroit, Safe Track will be offered in Houston, Pittsburgh, and Charleston, West Virginia.

Houston has been home for Christina Jordan for the last three years and she has ties to Charlestown and Pittsburgh from her college years. In August, Safeway held a back-to-school drive in South Charleston and a financial literacy workshop for Pittsburgh Public Schools in September.

“I just noticed that those kids are eager to learn, and being able to spread and share the support that we have with other people is super important,” Christina Jordan said. “I want to be able to expand that across the U.S.”

Creating a safe space

Anisha Jordan began her teaching career more than 20 years ago at DPSCD, working with students at the Drew Transition Center and the now-closed Cooley High School. She’s now with the Redford Union School District.

The Jordans came up with the name Safeway because they want to provide a safe space for the people they serve, she said.

“That’s how I’ve always built my environments,” Anisha Jordan said. “It’s about safety first, whether they’re at home or in the schools. When working with people with disabilities, you gotta have the right people around you.”

The Jordans mostly work with people with cognitive disabilities like autism, as well as people with physical disabilities. People can sign up for the organization’s programs by calling or sending a message through the website. Donations to Safeway can be made via its Zeffy page.

Since the mother and daughter can’t handle everything on their own, they hire contract staffers and interns to facilitate programs and events, Christina Jordan said.

Keeping the faith

As an athlete, Christina Jordan knew she had to incorporate sports into Safeway’s programming.

One of the biggest events the nonprofit has hosted so far is its inaugural celebrity softball game in June at The Corner Ballpark in Corktown. The all-star local roster included R&B artist Ronnie “Detroit Zeus” Irons, Minnesota Vikings player Tavierre Thomas, former Detroit Lions player Joique Bell, and rapper Vae Vanilla.

The organization awarded its first $1,000 scholarship during the event to Lincoln Neely, a Plymouth Canton graduate who was part of the Safe Track program.

Neely, 18, is now studying computer science at Michigan State University. He said Safeway provided him with so much more than the funds. Christina Jordan worked with Neely to help him figure out where he wanted to apply to college, helped him with his essays, and explained the financial aid process. She also helped him with time management, which was essential since Neely was a high school swimmer and had trouble balancing practices with classes. As an athlete herself, Christina was able to help him prioritize.

“I faced some challenges adapting to AP classes in high school. I was going to drop them. Christina and the Safeway program helped me stick with it,” he said. “It felt good to know I had people behind me who wanted to see me be successful. Whenever I had a low point, I could go to her for help.”

Neely says he aspires to work for a company like Microsoft or Google to help create or adapt technology to make it easier for everyone to use.

Program lead Gia Thomas said it’s important that Safeway donors are able to see the impact of their contributions, whether it’s helping get someone like Neely into a good college or assisting other kids with confidence through sports.

“People will really support you when it’s a good cause,” Thomas said. “And a lot of people, when they’re donating their time and money, they sometimes don’t know where the money’s going. We make sure you see what we’re doing and that’s really important for our events.”

Christina Jordan is already seeing how Safeway is affecting her brothers.

Christopher Jordan is enrolled at Lawrence Technological University in its business management program and Christian is showing an interest in going to the college, she said.

“Seeing how much he’s [Christopher] grown, it really makes me super proud,” Christina Jordan said. “And my other brother, he’s making strides every single day.”

The Jordans said they are excited to see what comes next for Safeway.

“Just to see how far we have come is exciting and inspiring and it motivates us because now we know that we can do this. We only want to keep pushing forward,” Christina Jordan said. “Initially, our goal was to just serve the community in Detroit, but we said over the last year, we noticed that there’s a need in the US and all over the world, so we want to be able to grow as much as possible and serve as many people as possible.”

Meanwhile, Anisha Jordan is enjoying serving others with her daughter by her side.

“Being able to have Christina on my team really helps me,” she said. “I’m happy to be able to teach her to expand herself into the community and be able to help others.”

Micah Walker is a reporter for BridgeDetroit. You can reach her at mwalker@bridgedetroit.com.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.

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Where can families shop more than 200 vendors in Detroit this season?

The holiday season in Michigan brings more than twinkling lights and decorated trees, it’s also the perfect time for families to explore festive markets across metro Detroit and Ann Arbor. From European-inspired outdoor markets with Santa visits to indoor craft fairs filled with handmade gifts, these events offer something for everyone. Here are some of the best holiday markets to visit in 2025.

Updated Dec. 1, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Chicago Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.

Birmingham Winter Market and Tree Lighting

Photo credit: Birmingham Shopping District

4-9 p.m. Dec. 5, 2025
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 6, 2025
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7, 2025

This event typically features a German-style holiday market, live entertainment, carriage rides, a Santa House, a Kinderhaus activity area and the annual tree lighting ceremony. Please check the official City of Birmingham website or social media in the coming months for updates.

• Address: Shain Park, corner of Henrietta St. and Martin St., Birmingham
• Cost: Free admission; vendor purchases extra
• Area: Oakland County
• Age fit: All ages
• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
• Parking: Public parking structures and metered street parking available nearby; fees vary
• Accessibility: ADA accessible walkways; Stroller-friendly but expect crowds and uneven surfaces in the park; no sensory hours listed

Holiday Market at the Anton Art Center

Photo credit: Anton Art Center

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Nov. 18–Dec. 21, 2025 (Tues.–Sat.); 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sundays

Shop local for handmade gifts, seasonal décor and unique finds at this annual holiday market. Families can enjoy special events like the Santa Parade and hot cocoa bar, plus hands-on activities for kids. No advanced registration required.

• Address: 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
• Cost: Free admission; donations accepted and appreciated
• Area: Macomb County
• Age fit: All ages
• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
• Parking: Metered street and lot parking (50 cents/hour); free after 3 p.m. and on weekends
• Accessibility: ADA accessible; stroller-friendly; no sensory hours listed

All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping Experience & Food Truck Rally

Photo credit: Dee Hughes

10 a.m.–6 p.m. Nov. 9, 2025

Kick off holiday shopping with more than 200 local artists and small businesses at Detroit’s biggest holiday market. Families can enjoy food trucks, live DJs and photos with Santa. Advance registration is required for VIP tickets; general admission is available at the door.

• Address: 2934 Russell St., Sheds 3, 4 and 5, Detroit
• Cost: $15 VIP (early entry at 10 a.m., includes tote bag and gift while supplies last, online only); $7 general admission (doors at noon, at the door only)
• Area: Wayne County
• Age fit: All ages
• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor sheds with outdoor food trucks
• Parking: Eastern Market area lots and street parking available; rates vary by lot
• Accessibility: ADA accessible; Strollers welcome but expect crowds; no sensory hours listed

Kerrytown District KindleFest at Ann Arbor Farmers Market

Photo credit: Sean Carter

5-10 p.m. Dec. 5, 2025

Celebrate the holidays with Kerrytown’s outdoor KindleFest, a German-style Christmas market featuring artisans, food vendors and traditional drinks like Glühwein. Families can enjoy kids’ activities from 5-7 p.m. and live music from 7-10 p.m. No advanced registration required.

• Address: Kerrytown District, Ann Arbor
• Cost: Free admission; food, beverages and vendor purchases available for sale
• Area: Washtenaw County
• Age fit: All ages
• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
• Parking: Public parking garages and metered street parking available nearby; rates vary
• Accessibility: ADA accessible sidewalks and event area; Stroller-friendly, though it may be crowded in peak evening hours; no sensory hours listed

Kris Kringle Market in Downtown Rochester

4-10 p.m. Dec. 5, 2025; Noon-10 p.m. Dec. 6, 2025

Families can enjoy European-inspired holiday shopping with more than 60 vendors, live music and festive foods at this outdoor market. Kids can meet Santa, hear story times, play in a child-sized gingerbread village and roast marshmallows at the s’more station. No advanced registration required.

• Address: 431 S. Main St., Rochester
• Cost: Free admission; food, beverages and vendor purchases extra
• Area: Oakland County
• Age fit: All ages
• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor with warming tents
• Parking: Downtown Rochester public lots and street parking available; fees vary by location
• Accessibility: ADA accessible; Stroller-friendly, though it may be crowded; uneven surfaces in some areas; no sensory hours listed

Detroit Urban Craft Fair

Dec. 6-7, 2025

Michigan’s longest-running indie craft fair features more than 100 makers offering handmade art, jewelry, clothing, food and more. For their 20th year, families are welcome to browse unique holiday gifts and support local artists. No advanced registration required.

• Address: The Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit
• Cost: Typically $5 admission; vendor purchases extra
• Area: Wayne County
• Age fit: All ages
• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
• Parking: Paid parking lots and garages available near the Masonic Temple; rates vary
• Accessibility: ADA accessible; stroller-friendly, though crowds are expected; no sensory hours listed

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This Michigan city just landed on a prestigious national schools list

When families search for a new home, the strength of the local school district often matters just as much as square footage or neighborhood amenities. For parents with school-aged children, the quality of public education can heavily influence where they choose to live. A 2025 National Association of Realtors survey found that roughly one-third of homebuyers ages 26 to 44 listed school quality as a major factor in their decision-making.

That consideration is becoming even more important as states and local districts take on greater responsibility for funding, standards and curriculum. The results of these changes are widening differences between school districts nationwide, and sharply varied educational experiences for students depending on where they live.

Against this landscape, Ann Arbor, Michigan, consistently ranks among the best in the country for public education, offering rigorous academics, well-funded programs and supportive community environments that attract families from across the region.

Ann Arbor: A national academic standout

Ranked No. 6 nationwide in Niche’s 2025 analysis, Ann Arbor continues to set the standard for public education in Michigan. With an overall A+ grade and a student-focused approach rooted in the city’s university-driven culture, Ann Arbor Public Schools offer diverse advanced coursework, strong arts and STEM programs, and consistently high graduation rates. Families moving to the city often cite its education system as a major draw, and the district’s reputation frequently places Ann Arbor at the top of Midwest relocation lists.

No. 6. Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Population: 121,179
• Public school grade: A+
• Overall Niche grade: A+

How school quality varies across the country

Stacker analyzed Niche’s 2025 data to identify the top 25 U.S. cities for public school districts, weighting school performance based on student population size. While the list includes strong districts from California to Texas to the East Coast, fewer than a dozen states are represented — highlighting how rare truly top-tier districts are.

Among the top 10:

• 4 cities are in California
• Two cities in Texas
• One city in Kansas
• One city is in Illinois
• One city is in Michigan
• One city in Washington

Below is the full ranking

25. San Diego

– Population: 1,385,061
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A

24. Richardson, Texas

– Population: 118,269
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+

23. Round Rock, Texas

– Population: 124,288
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A

22. Columbia, Maryland

– Population: 105,871
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+

21. Temecula, California

– Population: 110,404
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: B+

20. Scottsdale, Arizona

– Population: 242,169
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A

19. Burbank, California

– Population: 105,165
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A

18. Virginia Beach, Virginia

– Population: 457,066
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A

17. Santa Clara, California

– Population: 129,239
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+

16. Cambridge, Massachusetts

– Population: 117,794
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+

15. Sunnyvale, California

– Population: 153,455
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+

14. College Station, Texas

– Population: 122,280
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A

13. Boulder, Colorado

– Population: 106,274
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

12. Arlington, Virginia

– Population: 235,463
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

11. Berkeley, California

– Population: 120,223
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

10. Overland Park, Kansas

– Population: 197,199
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

9. Torrance, California

– Population: 143,499
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

8. Plano, Texas

– Population: 287,339
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

7. Thousand Oaks, California

– Population: 125,676
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A

6. Ann Arbor, Michigan

– Population: 121,179
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

5. Irvine, California

– Population: 308,160
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

4. The Woodlands, Texas

– Population: 116,916
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

3. Bellevue, Washington

– Population: 151,199
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

2. Carlsbad, California

– Population: 114,500
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A

1. Naperville, Illinois

– Population: 149,424
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+

Additional writing by Jill Jaracz.

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