Where does your district rank? Best Michigan school districts in 2026

Looking for the best school districts in Michigan? Whether you’re planning a move or exploring educational options, choosing the right district can make a big difference. Each year, Niche releases updated public school rankings based on academics, test scores, college readiness, and parent/student reviews.

In this guide, we highlight the top-rated school districts in Michigan for 2026, helping families like yours make smart choices about education. We also included the overall Niche grade for each school.

Read more: Best Elementary Schools in Michigan

Top 3 school districts in Michigan

1. Novi Community School District, Novi (A+)

• Number of schools: 9
• Grades served: Pre-K-12
• Why it stands out: Consistently ranked among the top districts in Michigan, Novi Community School District is known for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and outstanding extracurricular programs.

Serving 6,720 students, Novi Community School District includes multiple schools, including a high school offering an IB diploma program, AP Capstone, and award-winning academics, arts, and athletics. NCSD upholds high educational standards, with Village Oaks Elementary named a State School of Character and Novi High School recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School.

2. Northville Public Schools, Northville (A+)

• Number of schools: 10
• Grades served: Pre-K-12
• Why it stands out: Known for its tradition of academic excellence, Northville Public Schools (NPS) is dedicated to student-centered learning, leadership development, and preparing students for success in a global society.

Serving K-12 students across 10 schools, NPS fosters a diverse, inclusive, and innovative educational environment. The district prioritizes equity and access for all students, ensuring they develop the skills and confidence to reach their full potential. With a strong commitment to excellence, Northville Public Schools continues to be a top choice for families seeking a high-quality, future-focused education.

3. Troy School District, Troy (A+)

• Number of schools: 20
• Grades served: Pre-K–12
• Why it stands out: A leader in educational excellence, Troy School District (TSD) is known for its diverse community, innovative programs and commitment to student success.

Serving over 12,000 students, TSD includes 13 elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools, offering a world-class curriculum and career-focused programs. Students consistently outperform state and national averages on college entrance exams and earn national and state awards in academics, arts and athletics.

More top-rated school districts in Michigan

1. Oakland Schools, Waterford (A+)
2. Rochester Community School District, Rochester (A+)
3. Van Buren Intermediate School District, Lawrence (A+)
4. Bloomfield Hills Schools, Bloomfield Hills (A+)
5. Okemos Public Schools, Okemos (A+)
6. Birmingham Public Schools, Beverly Hills (A+)
7. St. Joseph Public Schools, Saint Joseph (A+)
8. New Buffalo Area Schools, New Buffalo (A)
9. Ann Arbor Public Schools, Ann Arbor (A+)
10. Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids (A+)
11. East Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids (A+)
12. Grosse Pointe Public Schools, Grosse Pointe (A+)
13. Berkley School District, Oak Park (A+)
14. Bryon Center Public Schools, Bryon Center (A+)
15. Black River Public School, Holland (A)
16. Saline Area Schools, Saline (A)
17. East Lansing School District, East Lansing (A)
18. Dexter Community School District, Dexter (A)
19. Brighton Area Schools, Brighton (A)
20. Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Ann Arbor (A)
21. West Ottawa Public School District, Holland (A)
22. Houghton-Portage Township School District, Houghton (A)

This article was recently updated on Feb. 20, 2026, by Metro Parent staff writers. The update included adding more details on the top school districts in Michigan, according to Niche. 

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