Best High Schools in Zip Code 48334

Zip code 48334, covering parts of Farmington Hills, MI, is home to three distinct high schools serving grades 9-12: a large traditional public school, a small selective early college program, and a small alternative education campus.

For most families, North Farmington High School in the Farmington Public School District offers the most balanced and reliable option. With 1,157 students, it consistently ranks in the top quarter of Michigan high schools, boasts a 95.7% graduation rate (well above the 84% state average), and has a very low 0.6% dropout rate. Its SAT reading/writing proficiency (57.6%) exceeds the state average, though math proficiency (25.3%) trails slightly. However, its state ranking dipped from the 79th to 65th percentile recently, and chronic absenteeism (29.6%) is slightly above the state norm—trends worth watching.

Oakland Early College, part of the West Bloomfield School District, is the academic standout. This small program (179 students) ranks 5th in the state (99th percentile) with a 100% graduation rate and exceptional test scores—62.2% proficient in SAT math versus 26.5% statewide. Yet its 59.6% chronic absenteeism rate is puzzling; students likely succeed through college courses and independent study not captured by traditional attendance metrics. Its ranking has fluctuated (5th, 165th, 15th over three years), typical for small schools where one cohort can swing results.

At the other extreme, Farmington Central High School (also in the Farmington Public School District) serves just 126 students as an alternative pathway for those who struggled in traditional settings. It faces significant challenges: a 57.3% graduation rate, 74.1% chronic absenteeism, and 55.6% economic disadvantage. Notably, it spends $43,773 per student—more than double the other schools—reflecting intensive support like its 7.1:1 student-teacher ratio. This spending does not translate to higher test scores, illustrating that funding alone cannot overcome the complex needs of an at-risk population.