If you are looking into living in Independence Township, you are going to hear the name “Clarkston” a lot. While Independence Township is the official government entity, the community identifies heavily with Clarkston Community Schools (CCS). For many locals, the school district and the township are practically synonymous, even if the boundaries don’t line up perfectly.
However, it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. While the vast majority of the township falls under the Clarkston umbrella, there are pockets on the edges that are served by neighboring districts. It is a bit of a geography puzzle, but understanding how it works is crucial before you put an offer on a house.
The area is known for strong community support for its schools, which you can see in the packed stands at football games and the recent bond measures passed to upgrade facilities. Whether you are looking for a rigorous arts program or Friday night lights, the schools here are a central part of the local lifestyle.
Clarkston Community Schools: The Primary District
For most residents, Clarkston Community Schools is the main event. This district serves over 6,700 students and is the reason many people start looking for homes for sale in Clarkston School District in the first place.
One thing that catches newcomers off guard is the grade configuration. Most districts follow a standard Elementary, Middle, High School path. Clarkston does things a little differently to manage student population and development stages. The district breaks down like this:
- Elementary: Grades K-5
- Middle School: Grades 6-7
- Junior High: Grades 8-9
- High School: Grades 10-12
That separation of grades 8 and 9 into a dedicated “Junior High” is rare, but the district uses it to bridge the gap between the middle school years and the independence of high school. It is also worth noting that the community recently supported a major bond issue in 2022. A big chunk of that investment is going toward rebuilding and renovating Clarkston Junior High, with phases of the new facility expected to start opening in Fall 2026.
Elementary Schools (Grades K-5)
The district has several elementary schools scattered throughout the township and the City of the Village of Clarkston. If you have younger children, you will likely be zoned for one of the following based on your specific neighborhood:
- Independence Elementary: Located right on Hubbard Rd, this is a central fixture in the township.
- Bailey Lake Elementary: Often noted by residents for having a very active parent community.
- North Sashabaw Elementary: Situated comfortably in the northern section of the township.
- Pine Knob Elementary: Located near the famous music theatre and ski hill.
- Springfield Plains Elementary and Andersonville Elementary: These serve various neighborhoods and offer the same curriculum standards as the rest of the district.
For the youngest learners, the district handles early childhood education separately at the Clarkston Early Childhood Center (ECC), rather than in the main elementary buildings.
Middle, Junior High, and High School
Once students leave elementary school, the path converges.
Sashabaw Middle School (Grades 6-7) This school is designed to be a “soft landing” out of elementary school. It focuses specifically on that initial transition, helping students get used to changing classes without throwing them into a massive secondary school environment immediately.
Clarkston Junior High (Grades 8-9) This is where things are getting exciting regarding local development. As mentioned earlier, this building is undergoing a massive transformation. The new construction is designed to create modern collaborative spaces specifically for this age group. It serves as the bridge before the final leap to the high school.
Clarkston High School (Grades 10-12) The high school is the flagship of the district. Because it only serves three grades, it allows for a more focused “young adult” environment. The school is well-known for its athletics – the wrestling and football programs frequently place at the state level – and its arts programs. A unique local tradition is the graduation ceremony, which is often held at the Pine Knob Music Theatre, making for a memorable send-off.
For students who thrive in a different environment, Renaissance High School offers an alternative education path for grades 9-12 within the district.
Waterford & Lake Orion District Overlaps
This is the part where you need to double-check the map. Just because a house has a “Clarkston, MI” mailing address does not guarantee it is in the Clarkston School District.
If you are looking at homes on the southern edge of Independence Township, you might actually fall into the Waterford School District. Residents in these areas might be zoned for schools like Beaumont Elementary. It is a completely different district with its own tax rates and transportation schedules.
Similarly, the eastern edge of the township borders the Lake Orion Community Schools zone. Homebuyers in this slice of the township might be assigned to Carpenter Elementary or Scripps Middle School, eventually feeding into Lake Orion High School.
If a specific district is non-negotiable for you, do not rely solely on the listing description. We always recommend checking the official county GIS maps or the district’s own “School Finder” tools to verify exactly where the boundary line falls.
Private and Charter School Options
If you are exploring options outside the public school system, there are several established institutions right here in the township or just a short drive away.
- Everest Collegiate High School & Academy: This is a prominent private option located directly in Independence Township. It offers a Catholic education from preschool all the way through 12th grade on a single campus.
- Springfield Christian Academy: Located nearby, this is another private option serving many families in the township.
- Waterford Montessori Academy: For those interested in the Montessori method, this charter option is located in neighboring Waterford but is accessible to township residents.
How Schools Impact Independence Township Real Estate
Real estate and school districts are deeply connected, and that is definitely true here. Generally speaking, homes located within the Clarkston Community Schools boundary tend to see high demand. The reputation of the district acts as a stabilizer for property values, even during slower market shifts.
The new construction at the Junior High is also becoming a selling point. Buyers are often attracted to areas where they can see visible investment in public infrastructure. It signals that the community cares about maintaining its standards.
It is also important to remember that when you buy a home in Independence Township, your property taxes support these districts. However, millage rates can vary slightly depending on whether your property sits in the Clarkston, Waterford, or Lake Orion overlay. It’s a small detail, but it’s part of understanding your monthly payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school district is Independence Township in?
Independence Township is primarily served by Clarkston Community Schools. However, small sections of the township fall within the boundaries of the Waterford School District (to the south) and Lake Orion Community Schools (to the east).
Does Independence Township have its own school district?
No, there is no “Independence Township School District.” The main district serving the area is Clarkston Community Schools, which covers the majority of the township and the City of the Village of Clarkston.
What high school do Independence Township students attend?
Most students in the township attend Clarkston High School, which specifically serves grades 10-12. Students in the Lake Orion or Waterford zones of the township would attend Lake Orion High School or Waterford Kettering/Mott respectively.
Is Clarkston Junior High a middle school?
Not in the traditional sense. Clarkston Junior High serves grades 8 and 9. It functions as a bridge between Sashabaw Middle School (grades 6-7) and the High School (grades 10-12), which is a unique structure compared to many other Michigan districts.
