Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Alternative Public Schools in Michigan (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Michigan Alternative Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 316 alternative public schools serving 36,297 students in Michigan.
The top-ranked alternative public schools in Michigan are Algonac Alternative Education, Calhoun County Youth Center and Career Preparation. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Michigan alternative public schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 46% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).

Best Alternative Public Schools in Michigan (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 71. - 7.
Algonac Alternative Education
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
9541 Phelps Rd
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4911
Gr: 7-12 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1 - 71. - 7.
Calhoun County Youth Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
14555 18 12 Mile Rd
Marshall, MI 49068
(269) 789-3507
Gr: 4-12 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #1 - 71. - 7.
Career Preparation
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
41500 Gardenbrook Rd
Novi, MI 48375
(248) 449-1717
Gr: 9-12 | 26 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #1 - 71. - 7.
Grant Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
331 E State Rd
Grant, MI 49327
(231) 834-5622
Gr: 7-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1 - 71. - 7.
Pathfinders Alternative Education
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
501 N Paul St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 782-4471
Gr: 6-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #1 - 71. - 7.
Presque Isle Academy
Alternative School
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
20830 Cedar St
Onaway, MI 49765
(989) 733-6708
Gr: 9-12 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #1 - 71. - 7.
Saginaw County Juvenile Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3360 Hospital Rd
Saginaw, MI 48603
(989) 399-7461
Gr: 3-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #88.
Grand Rapids Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
435 Fulton St E
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 819-2010
Gr: 9-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #9 - 119. - 11.
Northview Next Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
5365 Plainfield Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 361-7396
Gr: 9-12 | 136 students Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #9 - 119. - 11.
Traverse City High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3962 3 Mile Rd N
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 933-5860
Gr: 9-12 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #9 - 119. - 11.
Virtual Learning Academyof St Clair County
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3403 Lapeer Rd
Marysville, MI 48040
(810) 364-1362
Gr: 6-12 | 187 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Atherton Vern Van Y Educational Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2400 Clarice Ave
Burton, MI 48519
(810) 591-0850
Gr: PK-12 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Carsonvilleport Sanilac Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
100 N Goetze Rd
Carsonville, MI 48419
(810) 657-9393
Gr: 6-12 | 53 students Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Charlotte Public Schools Project Success
Alternative School
Magnet School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
378 State St
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 541-5600
Gr: 9-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Covenant High School East
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
9100 Gratiot Ave
Detroit, MI 48213
(313) 267-4315
Gr: 9-12 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 43:1
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Fennville Alternative High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
5 Memorial Dr
Fennville, MI 49408
(269) 722-3580
Gr: 9-12 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Fruitport Alternative High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3255 Pontaluna Rd
Fruitport, MI 49415
(231) 865-3101
Gr: 9-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Hartford Alternative Education
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
115 School St
Hartford, MI 49057
(269) 621-7143
Gr: 6-12 | 122 students Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Ishpemingnegauneenice Comm Educational Division
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
325 S Pine St
Ishpeming, MI 49849
(906) 475-4173
Gr: 7-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Kalamazoo Covenant Academy
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
400 W Crosstown Pkwy
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 888-2700
Gr: 9-12 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Madison Preparatory High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
915 E 11 Mile Rd
Madison Heights, MI 48071
(248) 543-5465
Gr: 9-12 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Oxford Crossroads Day School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
810 James Hunt Dr
Oxford, MI 48371
(248) 969-1812
Gr: 6-12 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Spring Lake Alternative Education
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
14707 Leonard Rd
Spring Lake, MI 49456
(616) 847-7587
Gr: 9-12 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #12 - 2412. - 24.
Westwood North Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
25824 Michigan Ave
Inkster, MI 48141
(313) 565-0400
Gr: 7-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #25 - 2825. - 28.
Blended Learning Academies Credit Recovery High School Liv
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
30218 Plymouth Rd
Livonia, MI 48150
(248) 425-5868
Gr: 9-12 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #25 - 2825. - 28.
Chesaning Union Schools Alternative Education
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
850 N 4th St
Chesaning, MI 48616
(989) 845-2040
Gr: 9-12 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #25 - 2825. - 28.
Orchard View Community Education
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
35 S Sheridan Dr
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 760-1350
Gr: 9-12 | 134 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #25 - 2825. - 28.
Redford Union Virtual Learning
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
18255 Kinloch
Redford, MI 48240
(313) 242-3700
Gr: 6-12 | 67 students Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #29 - 6629. - 66.
Academic And Career Education Academy
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
884 E Isabella Rd
Midland, MI 48640
(989) 631-5202
Gr: 9-12 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #29 - 6629. - 66.
Adrian Community High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
801 E Maumee St
Adrian, MI 49221
(517) 263-1332
Gr: 9-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #29 - 6629. - 66.
Allegan Alternative High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
550 5th St
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-5433
Gr: 9-12 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #29 - 6629. - 66.
Caps Academy
Alternative School
Magnet School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
198 East St
Coopersville, MI 49404
(616) 997-3205
Gr: 9-12 | 22 students Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #29 - 6629. - 66.
Capstonewayne Co Juvenile Detention Fac
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3501 Hamtramck Dr
Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 831-3510
Gr: 4-12 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #29 - 6629. - 66.
Caro Alternative High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
217 N State St
Caro, MI 48723
(989) 673-6845
Gr: 7-12 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #29 - 6629. - 66.
Clara B Ford Academy Sda
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
20651 West Warren St
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
(313) 436-0020
Gr: 5-12 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Show 100 more Alternative public schools in Michigan (out of 316 total schools)
Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked alternative public schools in Michigan?
The top-ranked alternative public schools in Michigan include Algonac Alternative Education, Calhoun County Youth Center and Career Preparation.
How many alternative public schools are located in Michigan?
336 alternative public schools are located in Michigan.
What is the racial composition of students in Michigan?
Michigan alternative public schools minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (MI):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Michigan Top-Ranked Public Schools
Michigan Top-Ranked Public Schools
 What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
 The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
 Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights
Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights

More Articles

Local School Topics
About Public Schools
Parenting and Learning Issues
Teaching
Opinion