Photo: Dave Parker · CC BY 3.0Southfield’s public schools score below 60% of Michigan districts on tests and graduation
In Southfield, 15% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Michigan average (34%). The grade covers the public school district serving Southfield, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Michigan, not nationally.
From Michigan state tests taken in spring 2022, when 97% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Southfield’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 1257 Michigan towns with household incomes within a quarter of Southfield’s, its schools beat 20%, lower than their 40% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 36% of tested students were proficient in reading and 15% in math, against 45% and 34% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 82% across Michigan. Districts ↓
Charters enroll a large share of students
Charter schools located in Southfield enroll 3,224 students, against the district’s 4,413. Each is graded on its own results; none is part of the district grade. Every school ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $22,199 per student, against $16,528 across Michigan (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then three middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is down 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Southfield’s grade
C+: better than 40% of Michigan school districts, #581 of 699 Michigan towns. Graduation is above the Michigan average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Southfield, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Southfield · depends on your address
Thompson K8 International Academy
Grades K–8 · 544 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Alice M Birney K8 School
Grades PK–8 · 452 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Glenn W Levey Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 354 students · 14:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Southfield · depends on your address
Thompson K8 International Academy
Grades K–8 · 544 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Alice M Birney K8 School
Grades PK–8 · 452 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Glenn W Levey Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 354 students · 14:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Southfield · depends on your address
Thompson K8 International Academy
Grades K–8 · 544 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Alice M Birney K8 School
Grades PK–8 · 452 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Glenn W Levey Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 354 students · 14:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Southfield
Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology
Grades 9–12 · 1,049 students · 16:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Southfield
Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology
Grades 9–12 · 1,049 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Southfield’s public schools are run by Southfield Public School District, which also serves Lathrup Village. Parts of Southfield (3% and 3% of its land) are served by Birmingham City and Oak Park City instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Southfield vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Michigan towns that share Southfield’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Southfield | C+ | Southfield Public |
| Southfield Township | A+ | Birmingham City |
| Beverly Hills | A+ | Birmingham City |
| Bingham Farms | A+ | Birmingham City |
| Oak Park | D | Oak Park City |
| Franklin | A+ | Birmingham City |
| Farmington Hills | A− | Farmington Public |
| Detroit | C− | Detroit Public Schools Community District |
Every school in Southfield
23 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Michigan’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Southfield’s schools
Are Southfield’s schools good?
On Michigan’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Southfield children attend score below 60% of Michigan’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #581 of 699 Michigan towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 20%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Southfield in?
Southfield Public School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,413 students in 11 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Southfield are served by Birmingham City and Oak Park City.
Where do Southfield kids go to high school?
Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology, with 1,049 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Southfield’s graduation rate?
85% of the class of 2023 in Southfield Public School District graduated in four years, against 82% across Michigan.
How much does Southfield spend per student?
$22,199 in Southfield Public School District (FY2024), against $16,528 across Michigan. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Southfield?
Yes: Southfield Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 606 students), Yeshiva Beth Yehuda (religious · all-boys, grades K–8, 470 students), Yeshivas Darchei Torah-Girls (religious · all-girls, grades PK–12, 277 students), Farber Hebrew Day School (religious, grades PK–12, 238 students), Childrens Prep Academy (religious, grades K–6, 22 students) and Faith Christian Academy (religious, grades PK–K, 18 students). Southfield also has 8 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Southfield families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Southfield → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Michigan. Stars are from neighbors.