Best Public Schools in Zip Code 48128

Zip code 48128, covering the Dearborn, MI area, is home to eight schools within the Dearborn City School District and the independent The Dearborn Academy district, serving elementary through high school students with a mix of traditional, early college, and specialized programs.

For parents, the standout options are clear. Henry Ford Early College and Henry Ford Early CollegeAdvanced Manufacturing are both 5-star high schools ranking in the 98th percentile statewide, with SAT proficiency rates nearly double the state average and graduation rates above 96%. At the elementary level, Howard Elementary School is the only 5-star school in the zip code, ranking in the 91st percentile with the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (11.1%). In contrast, The Dearborn Academy is a stark outlier, earning a 0-star rating and ranking in the 13th percentile, with proficiency rates 20-30 points below state averages. The remaining schools—Bryant Middle School, Haigh Elementary School, and Charles A Lindbergh Elementary School—perform above district averages but generally align with state norms.

Key takeaways for families: the early college model is exceptionally effective, even with over 65% of students economically disadvantaged. Spending does not predict success—top-performing Howard Elementary School spends less per student than lower-rated peers, and Henry Ford Early CollegeAdvanced Manufacturing spends half of what Henry Ford Early College does yet achieves similar results. Attendance is a reliable indicator of achievement, with low absenteeism correlating with high scores. Finally, Dearborn Newcomer College Prep Academy serves a unique role for immigrant students, boasting a 0% dropout rate despite a smaller enrollment of 24, suggesting students persist toward graduation over a longer timeline.