Best Public Schools in Hazel Park, MI

The city of Hazel Park, Michigan, is served by 9 schools spanning elementary through high school, including traditional public schools, alternative programs, and virtual academies, all operating within a district facing significant socioeconomic challenges. Hazel Park School District of the City of ranks in the 9th percentile statewide, but the data reveals a more nuanced picture than that single ranking suggests.

For parents, the standout traditional option is Hazel Park High School, which graduates 89% of its students—above the state average of 84%—despite serving a population where 65% qualify for free/reduced lunch. This is a remarkable achievement compared to the district's overall 46.5% graduation rate, which is dragged down by alternative and virtual programs. Among virtual options, Michigan Cyber Academy posts the strongest academics, with SAT reading/writing proficiency at 56% (above the state's 52.1%), yet it has a troubling 15.2% graduation rate. Meanwhile, Michigan Virtual Charter Academy shows the opposite pattern—moderate graduation (62.1%) but very low test scores. For younger students, United Oaks Elementary School outperforms Hoover Elementary School in 5th grade ELA (24.6% vs. 17.8% proficiency), though both trail state averages.

The most pressing district-wide issue is chronic absenteeism, which exceeds the state's 27.9% rate at every traditional school—Hazel Park Junior High School hits a staggering 58.1%. This likely explains the sharp academic decline students experience after elementary school. Spending does not predict success: Hazel Park High School spends $20,570 per student while Michigan Cyber Academy achieves better test scores at nearly half that cost. Alternative programs also vary widely—Invest Roosevelt Alternative High School graduates 51.6% of students, while Advantage Alternative Program graduates just 24.1% but has remarkably low absenteeism (9.1%). Viking Virtual Academy, with only 39 students, posts an 80.7% graduation rate, suggesting small virtual programs can work well for some families.