High Schools in Detroit Public Schools Community District

The Detroit Public Schools Community District operates 22 high schools serving students in grades 9-12. These schools vary significantly in size, academic performance, and resources, with some standout institutions like Cass Technical High School and Renaissance High School ranking among the top 25% of Michigan high schools, while others struggle with low test scores and high chronic absenteeism rates.

The district-wide four-year graduation rate is 82.8%, and the dropout rate is 7.6%, suggesting a consistent approach across the schools. However, test scores vary widely, with Cass Technical High School having 76% of 11th-graders proficient or better in SAT/Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, compared to just 18.1% at Southeastern High School. The high rates of chronic absenteeism, ranging from 29.5% to 29.5% across all schools, are a significant concern.

The district's high schools also serve a predominantly low-income population, with the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch ranging from 54.23% at Renaissance High School to 91.37% at Detroit Lions Academy. This socioeconomic factor likely plays a significant role in the academic performance of these schools. Additionally, the wide range in per-student spending, from $16,103 at Cass Technical High School to $197,002 at Randolph Career and Technical Center, suggests significant inequities in the distribution of resources across the district.