Best High Schools in Zip Code 48336

Zip code 48336 is home to two high schools within the Farmington Public School District, serving grades 9-12 and 12th grade respectively, in a suburban area northwest of Detroit.

Farmington High School is the clear academic leader and the traditional comprehensive option for families. With 1,470 students, it ranks 118th out of 800 Michigan high schools (85th percentile) and earned a 4-star rating. The school improved dramatically, jumping 94 positions in state ranking from the prior year. Its graduation rate is excellent at 94.1%, well above the state average of 84.0%, and its dropout rate is just 3.1% compared to the state's 7.1%. Test scores consistently beat district and state averages across all subjects, with particular strength in English language arts—proficiency ranges from 67.8% to 72.6% on SAT and PSAT exams. Math proficiency is notably lower, hovering between 39.9% and 45.3%, revealing a persistent 25-30 point gap between humanities and STEM subjects. The school also has a moderate poverty level with about 25% of students receiving free or reduced lunch.

By contrast, Visions Unlimited is a small alternative program serving only 48 twelfth-grade students with a 4.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Its metrics look concerning—a 0% graduation rate and 33.3% dropout rate—but this school serves students who have struggled in traditional settings, likely as a credit-recovery intervention. Per-student spending is $88,252, over five times that of Farmington High, reflecting intensive individualized support. The student population is more economically disadvantaged, with 41.67% receiving free or reduced lunch. While Farmington High outperforms its district in nearly every metric, its chronic absenteeism rate of 27.0% matches the state average and exceeds the district's 22.3%, a hidden concern despite strong academics. For parents, Farmington High offers a proven, improving education, while Visions Unlimited serves a specialized purpose for students needing alternative pathways to graduation.