Start by reviewing objective performance data from the Michigan School Index System and the MI School Data website, where you can compare test scores, graduation rates, student growth, and college readiness indicators for Detroit schools. Check the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) website for school report cards and accountability ratings, and consult third-party sources such as GreatSchools, Niche, and SchoolDigger for parent reviews and rankings. It is also important to visit schools in person, speak with administrators and teachers, and observe classrooms when possible to assess school culture, safety, and instructional quality beyond the raw data.

Focus on a combination of academic and practical factors. Academically, review test scores, student growth metrics, graduation rates, and availability of advanced coursework such as AP, IB, or dual-enrollment programs. Practically, consider location, transportation options, school safety, building condition, class sizes, and student support services like counseling, tutoring, and special education. Evaluate the range of extracurricular activities, arts, and athletics, and ask about teacher qualifications, staff turnover, and family engagement opportunities. Finally, determine whether the school’s culture, expectations, and communication style align with your child’s needs and your family’s values.

Families in Detroit can choose from several types of schools. Detroit Public Schools Community District operates traditional neighborhood and magnet schools, including specialized programs focused on STEM, the arts, and college preparation. There are also numerous public charter schools authorized by entities such as universities and school districts, many of which offer unique curricula or extended learning time. In addition, Detroit has private and parochial schools, including Catholic, Christian, and independent schools, which typically charge tuition and may have specific admissions criteria. Some families also consider nearby suburban districts through school-of-choice programs, subject to availability and eligibility rules.

Detroit operates under a broad school-choice system, which allows families to apply to schools beyond their immediate neighborhood. For DPSCD schools, families typically complete a district enrollment or application process that may include online forms, proof of residency, and, for some magnet programs, additional requirements such as auditions or academic criteria. Public charter schools each manage their own application process and usually hold open enrollment periods and random lotteries when applications exceed available seats. Suburban school-of-choice options, when offered, require applying directly to the receiving district during specific windows. Because deadlines, eligibility rules, and required documents vary, it is important to review each school’s enrollment instructions well in advance.

Begin with official resources such as the Detroit Public Schools Community District website and the State of Michigan’s MI School Data portal, both of which provide school performance, demographic, and program information. Supplement this with third-party comparison sites like GreatSchools, Niche, and SchoolDigger to view ratings, parent reviews, and side-by-side comparisons. Local organizations and nonprofits focused on education in Detroit, such as regional education alliances or parent advocacy groups, often publish guides, host information sessions, and offer one-on-one support. You can also attend school fairs, open houses, and community meetings to ask questions directly and gather first-hand impressions from current families and staff.