Discover the 6 Oldest Schools in Michigan

Michigan, the Wolverine State, was the 26th state added to the union on January 26, 1837. As with every state in the U.S., Michigan’s education system has evolved throughout the decades. With such a vast background and storied history, Michigan has some aged educational institutions. Let’s discover the six oldest schools in Michigan.

1. Public Elementary School: Bridge School (1828)

The oldest public elementary school in Michigan is the Bridge School, which was founded in 1828. Located in pastoral Raisinville Township in Monroe County, the school’s first building was a log structure made from walnut. However, in 1868, the building was rebuilt with red brick and features a limestone foundation and a tin roof.

Bridge School only contained two rooms when it was first built. However, in 1910, a significant annexation was added using the same brick design.

The area lacked an educational school at the time, so Bridge School was created for the children of farmers and trappers to fill that gap. Previously, Michigan’s Legislative Council enacted a public school law in 1827 that required education to be a responsibility of the local governments. At the time of this legislation, the Michigan Territory only possessed two formally organized counties: Monroe and Wayne.

Monroe County’s population at the time consisted of only 336 people according to the 1820 census. Buckner Bridge, near the River Raisin and only 500 feet north of the schoolhouse, is where the school got its name.

Even though the Bridge School closed in 1946, the town has continued to enjoy this legendary site as its Raisinville Township Hall since 1982. Additionally, in 1987, it became officially listed as a Michigan State Historic Site.

2. Private Elementary School: Most Holy Trinity Catholic Academy (1838)

A large majority of private schools historically and currently sprout from a religious institution, and Most Holy Trinity Catholic definitely fits into that category. Founded in 1838, Most Holy is a K-8 school that is still serving the Detroit area today.

Touted as providing individualized, differentiated instruction, Most Holy is ranked in the top 20% of Michigan schools for having the highest percentage of students of color (87%). Additionally, it maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1 along with affordable tuition including financial assistance. Most Holy has extracurricular clubs and basketball, with a new 10,000-square-foot gym that was finished in 2020.

3. Public High School: Pioneer High School (1856)

Founded in 1856, Pioneer High School has held various names and has been housed in various buildings. Interestingly, Pioneer received its mascot and school name in 1936 through a local essay contest run by The Ann Arbor News. In 1950, as Pioneer’s population grew, the school bought what was formerly game-day parking for the University of Michigan’s football stadium as its new school site.

Pioneer is lauded for its athletics and theater. Its football team has won two state championships, and its women’s track and field and cross country have produced 20 team state championships and more than 50 All-Americans. As well, the theater department has earned two Class A state championships.

Another fun fact is that many famous and respected people attended Pioneer! Musician Bob Seger, director Ken Burns, and current Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh also attended this school.

4. Private High School: Academy of the Sacred Heart (1851)

Founded in 1851, Academy of the Sacred Heart earns an overall Niche grade of A+ and is ranked as the 3rd best private school in Michigan. They also boast a 100% graduation rate and an incredible 6:1 student-teacher ratio. Pioneer enjoys a robust alumni association, and outreach through local missions and community involvement are chief priorities of the school.

5. Public University: The University of Michigan (1817)

Founded in 1817, The University of Michigan is the oldest school on this list! It was established as Catholepistemiad Michigania, which roughly translates as “School of Universal Knowledge,” under the Michigan Territory Act of 1817.

Not only is the University of Michigan the oldest school in the state, but it is also the biggest, with a 2022 enrollment of 51,225 students. Michigan has divided its Ann Arbor Campus into four main sectors, and its property covers 860 acres of land.

A co-ed college since 1871, Michigan features 19 colleges and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 250 academic areas. U. S. News & World Report‘s projected 2024 rankings put Michigan as #21 in national universities and #3 in top public schools.

The University of Michigan claims a number of esteemed alumni in a variety of fields. Some of these include famed lawyer Clarence Darrow, former President Gerald Ford, playwright Arthur Miller, actor James Earl Jones, journalist Mike Wallace, musician Madonna (who did not graduate), football player Tom Brady, and renowned swimmer Michael Phelps.

6. Private University: The University of Olivet (1844)

Missionaries founded the school in 1844. Subsequently, The University of Olivet is associated with the United Church of Christ. Even though classes began in 1844, it remained a two-year school until it received charter approval in 1859.

The university offers 32 academic programs in undergraduate and graduate areas, with its most popular being criminal justice/safety studies, psychology, business administration & management, insurance, nursing, and exercise science & kinesiology.

Michigan continues to revere the longevity of its public and private schools.