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Every age has a door

Detroit Education Resources for Every Age

How school choice works in Detroit, where adults can finish a diploma or earn a GED at no cost, what your library card gets you and where to go for college or trade training.

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K-12

Public, charter and private schools in Detroit

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)

DPSCD is the city's traditional public school district. Its enrollment page says families can choose from more than 100 schools. Along with neighborhood schools, the district runs specialty programs (application and Montessori schools), examination high schools and career and technical centers. Students must be accepted before enrolling in an application or examination school.

To enroll, DPSCD asks for a completed enrollment packet, a parent or guardian photo ID, the student's birth certificate or birth record, an immunization record or waiver, the most recent transcript or report card and two proofs of address. For help, the district lists (313) 240-4377.

Charter schools

The Michigan Department of Education explains that charter schools, also called public school academies, are public schools. They may not charge tuition and must enroll anyone who applies, up to capacity. Each one is overseen by an authorizer such as a public university, community college or school district, and must use certified teachers.

Private and parochial schools

Detroit and its suburbs also have private and faith-based schools. These charge tuition and set their own admission rules, so contact each school directly.

Suburban districts

Outside Detroit, each city or township is served by its own local district. Our school guide and city guides can help you compare areas before you move.

Adults

No-cost adult education and GED in Detroit

DPSCD's Office of Adult Education offers no-cost classes for adult learners. Its programs include:

  • Adult Basic Education: reading, writing and math skills for learners working below an 8th grade level.
  • High School Equivalency and GED prep: classes that prepare you to pass the GED exams.
  • High School Completion: finish the specific credits you still need for a diploma.
  • English as a Second Language: reading, writing, speaking and listening in English.
  • GED testing: DPSCD is an authorized GED test center.
  • Next step: after a diploma or GED, compare trade schools, apprenticeships and tuition help.

Libraries

Detroit Public Library, more than books

A Detroit Public Library card costs nothing and comes with perks the library lists on its site, including e-books through Hoopla and Libby, full access to LinkedIn Learning for job skills, and ABC Mouse for young children. Branches offer public computers and technology help, and the Main Library on Woodward hosts free events.

Call the library at (313) 481-1300 or visit detroitpubliclibrary.org for branch hours. Suburban residents can get a card from their own city or township library.

After high school

Colleges and training in Metro Detroit

A few of the public and private schools serving the area. Check each school's site for programs and admission.

Community colleges Examples Wayne County Community College District, Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College Good for Associate degrees, certificates, transfer credits and skilled trades training.
Universities in Detroit Examples Wayne State University, University of Detroit Mercy, College for Creative Studies Good for Bachelor's and graduate degrees in the city.
Universities nearby Examples Oakland University, Lawrence Technological University Good for Engineering, business, nursing and more in Oakland County.
Trade and apprenticeship programs Examples Union training centers and college trade programs Good for Earn while you learn. See trade schools and apprenticeships.

Schools

Schools in Detroit

Open schools with a Detroit address in the federal and state files. A school that teaches several bands counts in each. See every school on the map.

Public schools Schools 104
Charter schools Schools 82
Private schools Schools 18
Teach elementary grades Schools 148
Teach middle grades Schools 135
Teach high grades Schools 64

High schools

How Detroit high schools graduate

Four-year graduation rates for the class of 2025 from Michigan's CEPI, and how many students were in the class.

Detroit International Academy for Young Women Kind Public Graduated in 4 years 100.0% Students in the class 20
Renaissance High School Kind Public Graduated in 4 years 99.5% Students in the class 209
Universal Academy Kind Charter Graduated in 4 years 98.0% Students in the class 49
Detroit Edison Public School Academy - High School Kind Charter Graduated in 4 years 97.7% Students in the class 86
Cass Technical High School Kind Public Graduated in 4 years 97.6% Students in the class 509
Detroit School of Arts Kind Public Graduated in 4 years 97.3% Students in the class 112
Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School Kind Public Graduated in 4 years 96.4% Students in the class 165
The School at Marygrove Kind Public Graduated in 4 years 96.0% Students in the class 75
University Preparatory High School Kind Charter Graduated in 4 years 95.7% Students in the class 140
Communication and Media Arts High School Kind Public Graduated in 4 years 95.4% Students in the class 65
University Prep Science and Math High School Kind Charter Graduated in 4 years 94.9% Students in the class 97
Crockett Midtown High School of Science and Medicine Kind Public Graduated in 4 years 93.9% Students in the class 33
Voyageur College Prep Kind Charter Graduated in 4 years 93.4% Students in the class 122
University Preparatory Art & Design High School Kind Charter Graduated in 4 years 93.4% Students in the class 122
Davis Aerospace Technical High School Kind Public Graduated in 4 years 93.1% Students in the class 29

College

Community college from Detroit

Wayne County Community College District

Detroit residents pay the in-district rate, $112 a credit hour (Spring 2026). The nearest campus is Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus in Detroit, about 5 miles away.

See WCCCD

Pay for school

Michigan Reconnect, scholarships and the training money Michigan Works! agencies give.

Find funding

Detroit education FAQ

6 questions

How do I enroll my child in Detroit Public Schools?
Complete the DPSCD enrollment packet and bring a parent photo ID, the child's birth record, immunization record or waiver, latest report card and two proofs of address to your school of choice during school hours. Application and examination schools require acceptance first.
Are charter schools free in Michigan?
Yes. Charter schools, also called public school academies, are public schools that may not charge tuition and must enroll anyone who applies, up to their capacity.
Where can I get my GED in Detroit?
DPSCD's Office of Adult Education offers no-cost GED prep classes and is an authorized GED test center. It also offers high school completion classes for adults who need a few more credits.
Are there no-cost English classes for adults in Detroit?
Yes. DPSCD adult education offers no-cost English as a Second Language classes covering reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Does a Detroit Public Library card cost anything?
Yes. A library card costs nothing and includes e-books, LinkedIn Learning and other online perks, plus public computers at branches.
How can I pay for college or trade school?
Michigan Reconnect, the Detroit Promise and federal aid can cover much of the cost for many students. See our funding guide for who qualifies.

Ready to train for a career?

Compare trade schools and apprenticeship programs that prepare you for well paid local jobs.

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Sources

Updated September 2026. Rules and procedures change; confirm with the responsible office before a decision.

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