Cranbrook Schools

While Cranbrook Schools is certainly an excellent school even by the standards of typical American domestic students, it is an exceptionally good choice, especially for international students. With a safe environment, friendly staff, high academic standards, proximity to major airports, and unique club activities, Cranbrook Schools has many advantages.

Academics: Students can take various types of subjects according to their level. AP classes are also available for those aiming for university entrance exams. English programs for international students are also offered, providing careful guidance.
Dormitory Life: Male students are assigned single rooms, ensuring a comfortable living experience. The dorm offers various events and opportunities for interaction, creating an environment where students can make friends from diverse backgrounds.
Transportation: The school is conveniently located, approximately 30-40 minutes by car from Detroit International Airport. On weekends, the school provides transportation to nearby supermarkets, so students have no difficulty with shopping.

I am from Shanghai. I attended Cranbrook for high school from 2006 to 2009, which covered grades 10 to 12. After graduating from Cranbrook, I enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania for my undergraduate studies. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Cranbrook and believe it had a significant positive impact and transformation on me. This year, I will be taking my three-and-a-half-year-old son to Cranbrook's youngest age group, the ToT Summer Camp.

Here’s a brief introduction to my experience at Cranbrook:

1) Academics: The school's academic curriculum is quite challenging. Students can choose courses based on their ability, with dedicated course selection advisors available for consultation and guidance. Graduation requirements are generally not an issue for most Chinese students; the real challenge lies in choosing more demanding courses to excel and secure better university application options. The teachers are of a very high caliber and are deeply concerned about international students' adaptation and academic performance. Chinese graduates typically matriculate at least to the University of Michigan, with many also gaining admission to Ivy League schools.

2) Campus Life: The school food is very good, and there's a nearby town for shopping and leisure; the school usually provides shuttle services (school rides) for which students can sign up. The school also maintains close communication with parents, at least on a quarterly basis. Although the school is located in Michigan, it is in the very affluent and safe Bloomfield Hills. Heating is provided by the school. As a boarding school, there are internet cutoff and lights-out times; the internet cutoff is mandatory, while lights-out is based on self-discipline and occasional checks.

3) Extracurricular Activities and Clubs: The school offers a wide array of club activities, including various sports and interest-based groups. During the summer after twelfth grade, the school also offers Wilderness activities, similar to outdoor survival. Cranbrook's ice hockey and swimming programs are exceptionally strong, and other sports also rank highly. Chinese students enjoy participating in various club activities, and social interaction through sports is an important way to integrate with American classmates.

I really love Cranbrook and have recommended it to many friends for application. I also intend for my own children to apply to Cranbrook in the future.

I am a Cranbrook alumna/alumnus. I graduated 25 years ago and now I have the hope of sending my child to the same school.
As a top boarding school in the U.S., I believe it offers high academic standards, yet it's a very balanced school, unlike those on the East Coast.
Living on its magnificent and beautiful campus naturally fosters a sense of pride in the school. It's quiet and safe, yet surrounded by a well-equipped urban environment, making it a great place to live. The programs are well-structured to allow students to exercise creativity even amidst friendly competition. Students can gain experience in various fields such as art and sports, and the high caliber of teachers ensures an excellent educational environment. Admission to a prestigious university like the University of Michigan within the same state is relatively smooth, and all students strongly aspire to attend Ivy League schools.