If you are looking at homes in Troy, chances are high that education is at the very top of your wish list. As a local real estate professional, I can tell you that the Troy School District (TSD) isn’t just a nice perk—it is the primary driver of property demand in this city.
The district consistently ranks as an A+ institution and sits comfortably among the top districts in Michigan year after year. But what really makes Troy stand out is the diversity of the student body. With over 80 languages spoken in the district, the environment offers a global perspective that is hard to find elsewhere in Metro Detroit.
Before we dive in, let’s clear up a very common confusion I see on search engines. If you are looking for “Troy University,” you are likely looking for the school in Alabama. If you are looking for the K-12 academic powerhouse in Oakland County, Michigan, you are in the right place.
Troy School District Overview
When we talk about the Troy School District, we are talking about a massive operation that feels surprisingly tight-knit. The district serves approximately 12,000 students across a service area that covers most of the city of Troy and small sections of neighboring communities.
The reputation here is built on consistency. Whether you look at Niche or GreatSchools, TSD maintains A+ and 9/10 to 10/10 ratings across the board. The district utilizes a “World Class” curriculum approach, which essentially means there is a heavy investment in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Honors tracks, and deep resources for college prep.
The results speak for themselves. The district boasts a graduation rate hovering around 99%, with a massive percentage of those students matriculating to universities. For a homebuyer, this consistency protects property values; even if you don’t have students in the house, the district’s reputation keeps the local housing market robust.
High Schools in Troy: Top-Tier Options
In many cities, there is one “good” high school and one “other” high school. In Troy, that is not the case. You have three distinct, high-performing options, though access to them works differently.
Troy High School
Troy High is the one you likely hear about most often in national rankings. It frequently lands at #2 or #3 in the entire state of Michigan. It has a massive reputation for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and incredibly high AP enrollment numbers. If your student thrives in a competitive, academically rigorous environment, this is often the target.
Athens High School
Do not make the mistake of overlooking Athens. It is also an A-rated school with impressive college acceptance rates. Locally, Athens is often celebrated for having a slightly different culture than Troy High—many residents feel it has particularly strong community feel—many residents feel it has particularly strong arts and athletics programs. While Troy High often grabs the headlines for test scores, Athens provides an elite education with a strong community feel.
International Academy (IA East)
This is where things get unique. The International Academy (IA) is a public, tuition-free magnet school focused entirely on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. IA East is located right here in Troy.
However, you cannot simply buy a house in a specific neighborhood to guarantee a spot here. Admission is handled through a lottery and application process. It is often ranked the #1 high school in Michigan and top 10 nationally by US News, but it requires a separate commitment to a very rigorous, globally-focused curriculum.
Elementary and Middle Schools
While the high schools get the glory, the K-8 foundation is just as strong. In real estate terms, we often talk about “feeder patterns.” This means the specific neighborhood you buy in determines your track—for example, attending Boulan Park Middle School usually tracks you toward Troy High.
Middle Schools There are four middle schools in the district: Boulan Park, Smith, Baker, and Larson. All four are known for strong alignment with the high school curriculum, ensuring students are ready for AP coursework the moment they hit 9th grade.
Elementary Schools Troy operates 12 elementary schools. While all perform well above state averages, you will often hear specific names come up in high-demand searches, such as:
- Schroeder Elementary
- Wattles Elementary
- Barnard Elementary
- Bemis Elementary
- Wass Elementary
When looking for homes, it is smart to check the specific school assignment for that address, as boundaries can sometimes shift or weave through neighborhoods unexpectedly.
Troy School District School of Choice (2026 Policy)
This is one of the most frequent questions I get from buyers looking just outside the city limits: “Can I live nearby and still get my kids into Troy schools?”
The short answer is: Yes, but it is limited and competitive.
Current Status: For the 2026-2027 school year, TSD is accepting “Limited Schools of Choice” applications. This is not a free-for-all; the district opens a specific number of spots based on capacity.
Availability: For the upcoming year, spots are very tight. We are looking at approximately 50 spots for Kindergarten and roughly 25 spots for 1st Grade.
The Process:
- Application Window: You must apply online between March 5 and March 24, 2026.
- Lottery: If applications exceed the number of open spots (which they almost always do), a lottery will be held on April 9, 2026.
- Sibling Preference: If you already have a child in the district, your younger children generally get preference.
Important Restriction: If you enter the district through School of Choice, you do not necessarily get to pick your high school track. Historically, choice students are assigned to Athens High School regardless of where they live, though this policy can be subject to change based on enrollment numbers.
Private and Charter School Options
If you prefer private education, you don’t have to leave the city. There are several reputable institutions right within Troy’s borders.
- Bethany Christian School: Offers K-12 education with a Baptist affiliation.
- Troy Adventist Academy: A PK-8 option for younger students.
- Montessori: For early education, options like Brookfield Academy and Oakland Children’s Academy are popular local choices.
It is also worth noting that because of Troy’s central location in Oakland County, many residents choose to send their children to prestigious private schools just outside city limits, such as Detroit Country Day or Cranbrook Schools, both of which are a short commute away.
Colleges and Higher Education in Troy
Finally, education in Troy doesn’t stop at grade 12. The city is a hub for higher education and professional development.
Walsh College has its main campus right here on Livernois Road. It is a top-tier option for Business, Accountancy, and Technology degrees.
Michigan State University operates the Management Education Center in Troy, which hosts executive MBA courses and professional events. You will also find a Chamberlain University campus here, which is focused on nursing and healthcare degrees.
And once more for the record—if you are looking for “Troy University” with the Trojans football team, you are looking for the one in Alabama!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Troy School District School of Choice open for 2026?
Yes, the application window is open from March 5, 2026, through March 24, 2026. However, spots are limited (mostly Kindergarten and 1st Grade), and admission is determined by a lottery system if applications exceed capacity.
Is Troy High School better than Athens High School?
Both schools are A+ rated and offer exceptional education. Troy High often ranks slightly higher in national STEM rankings and has higher AP participation, while Athens is renowned for a strong community feel, arts, and athletics.
Does Troy University have a campus in Michigan?
No. Troy University is located in Alabama. In Troy, Michigan, the primary local higher education institutions are Walsh College and the MSU Management Education Center.
What is the International Academy in Troy?
The International Academy (IA East) is a public magnet high school focused on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. It is not a neighborhood school; students from the district must apply to enter a lottery for a spot.
What are the best elementary schools in Troy MI?
While all 12 elementary schools in the district are highly rated, schools like Schroeder, Wass, and Bemis frequently receive top scores on third-party sites like Niche and GreatSchools for test scores and student progress.
