Pioneer High School is a public high school in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 1856, the school was previously called the Union School and Ann Arbor High School. In 2010, Pioneer was listed as a "Silver Medal School" by the U.S. News & World Report.
Serving 1,683 students in grades 9-12, Pioneer High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 81% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,683 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 46%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 20% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 65% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 81% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 51% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pioneer High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Pioneer High School's student population of 1,683 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 104 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,683 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
104 teachers
Year Founded
1856
Colors
White, Purple
School Rankings
Pioneer High School ranks within the top 5% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pioneer High School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#99 out of 3025 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
13%
4%
Hispanic
10%
9%
Black
13%
18%
White
54%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
94%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
20%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Woody The Pioneer
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pioneer High School's ranking?
Pioneer High School is ranked #99 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Pioneer High School often compared to?
Pioneer High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Skyline High School, Huron High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 81% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Pioneer High School?
The graduation rate of Pioneer High School is 94%, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Pioneer High School?
1,683 students attend Pioneer High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of Pioneer High School students are White, 13% of students are Asian, 13% of students are Black, 10% of students are Hispanic, and 10% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Pioneer High School?
Pioneer High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Pioneer High School offer ?
Pioneer High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Pioneer High School part of?
Pioneer High School is part of Ann Arbor School District.
In what neighborhood is Pioneer High School located?
Pioneer High School is located in the Dicken neighborhood of Ann Arbor, MI. There are 5 other public schools located in Dicken.
School Reviews
2 11/22/2010
Pioneer is a joke!! Doesnt prep students for real life. Is way too relaxed about laziness and attendance and grades. More worried about length of shorts than important matters. Needs to address drugs and underage drinking more! hash bash is glorified....
Review Pioneer High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.