Best Public Schools in Howell, MI

The city of Howell, Michigan, is served by 14 schools spanning elementary through high school, including traditional public schools, charter academies, and alternative programs across four districts, with a total enrollment of roughly 7,420 students.

For parents, the standout academic performer is Charyl Stockwell Academy, a charter school that consistently outpaces both Howell Public Schools and state averages by 15-25 percentage points in elementary subjects—all while spending less per student than most neighboring schools. At the secondary level, Howell High School is a strong choice, boasting a 94.7% graduation rate and a 77th percentile state ranking, well above the state average. Among elementary schools, Challenger Elementary School shows impressive momentum, jumping from the 53rd to 73rd percentile in two years, while Northwest Elementary School and Voyager Elementary School lead in 3rd and 4th grade math respectively. However, families should note that several Howell elementary schools—including Southwest Elementary School (44.4%) and Voyager Elementary School (43.2%)—have chronic absenteeism rates well above the state average of 27.9%, a factor that can impact learning.

The alternative schools present a nuanced picture. Innovation Academy and Legacy High School post lower test scores but maintain strong graduation rates (97.7% and 88.8%), suggesting they effectively serve students who might otherwise drop out. Pathway School, with a 2.4:1 student-teacher ratio, provides intensive services for special needs students. Notably, Parker Middle School (labeled elementary but serving K-8) shows dramatic year-over-year test swings, while Hartland Virtual Academy remains difficult to assess with only 22 students. Spending does not predict success—Northwest Elementary School spends the most ($19,237/student) yet achieves mid-pack results, while Charyl Stockwell Academy spends the least among top performers. Overall, Howell offers solid options, but parents should weigh school-specific data on attendance, test scores, and graduation rates rather than relying solely on district rankings.