Community High School

Community High School is a small, highly selective public high school in Ann Arbor, MI, serving 513 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools district. This school stands out as an academic powerhouse, consistently ranking in the top 20 high schools in Michigan for over a decade—currently ranked 16th out of 800 schools statewide. Its test scores dramatically exceed both district and state averages, with 85.6% of students proficient in SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (compared to 76.9% for the district and 52.1% for the state) and near-universal proficiency in PSAT English Language Arts at 96%. The school also boasts a perfect 100% graduation rate and a 0% dropout rate, far surpassing the district averages of 87.5% and 4.2%, respectively.

What makes Community High School particularly unique is its counter-intuitive chronic absenteeism rate. Despite perfect graduation rates and top-tier test scores, 56.5% of students were chronically absent in 2024-2025—more than double the state average. This paradox suggests the school employs a flexible, project-based, or independent-study model where highly motivated students complete much of their learning outside traditional classrooms. The approach clearly works for this self-selected student population. Additionally, the school ranks 4th in Michigan for the academic performance of its Special Education students, demonstrating exceptional support across diverse learning needs. Interestingly, Community High School spends less per student ($16,959) than its larger district peers like Pioneer High School ($18,475) and Huron High School ($20,144), yet achieves vastly superior results—a testament to its efficient, specialized educational model.

For parents considering this school, it's important to understand that Community High School offers a distinctly different educational experience than the comprehensive high schools in the district. While Skyline High School (ranked 26th) and Pioneer (ranked 30th) are also excellent schools, Community High School's small size and alternative approach create an environment where students must be intrinsically motivated and self-directed. The school's success with its specific student population—where only 8.77% qualify for free or reduced lunch—demonstrates that this model works exceptionally well for students who thrive with independence and flexibility. However, families should carefully consider whether their child would flourish in this non-traditional setting or would benefit more from the structured, comprehensive offerings of the larger district high schools.