Best High Schools in Zip Code 48240

Zip code 48240 in Redford, Michigan is served by three high schools within the Redford Union Schools District No. 1, which together enroll 633 students across grades 6-12 and face significant socioeconomic challenges, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 63% to 91%.

For families, Redford Union High School is the traditional anchor, serving 510 students in grades 9-12 with the highest graduation rate (78.3%) and most comprehensive data, though its proficiency rates are dramatically below state averages—just 8.5% in science and 8.2% in SAT math. The two alternative options present clear trade-offs: Redford Union Virtual Learning offers flexibility for 67 students in grades 6-12 but posts a concerning 48.7% graduation rate and 50.4% chronic absenteeism, while Veritas serves just 56 students with the highest poverty concentration (91% free/reduced lunch) yet achieves a 74% graduation rate—notably better than the virtual option despite receiving $10,844 less per student than the traditional high school.

All three schools fall below Michigan's 84% graduation average, and chronic absenteeism runs nearly double the state rate (about 50% vs. 27.9%). Math proficiency is critically low across all grades, with only 6-8% of students proficient compared to 26-31% statewide. The district itself ranks in the bottom 11% of Michigan districts, earning a 1-star rating. Notably, Redford Union High School spends about $28,568 per student—well above typical Michigan levels—yet outcomes remain poor, suggesting funding alone isn't solving underlying challenges. Meanwhile, Veritas demonstrates that a school serving intensely disadvantaged students can still outperform its district average, though data gaps for the virtual and alternative programs limit full comparison. For most families, the traditional high school offers the most complete educational experience, while the alternatives serve specific needs with significant outcome risks.