John J. Pershing High School is a four-year public high school in Detroit, Michigan. It is in Conant Gardens in proximity to the residential areas and also serves Krainz Woods.
Serving 378 students in grades 9-12, Pershing High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 11-19% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 378 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 65-69% (Btm 50% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pershing High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Pershing High School's student population of 378 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has grown by 41% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
378 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Year Founded
1930
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Students Rise. We All Rise.
School Rankings
Pershing High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pershing High School is 0.02, which is less 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
#2857 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
1%
9%
Black
99%
18%
White
n/a
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
65-69%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
87%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Doughboys
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pershing High School's ranking?
Pershing High School is ranked #2857 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Pershing High School often compared to?
Pershing High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ottawa Hills High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 11-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Pershing High School?
The graduation rate of Pershing High School is 65-69%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Pershing High School?
378 students attend Pershing High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of Pershing High School students are Black, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Pershing High School?
Pershing High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Pershing High School offer ?
Pershing High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Pershing High School part of?
Pershing High School is part of Detroit Public Schools Community.
In what neighborhood is Pershing High School located?
Pershing High School is located in the Conant Gardens neighborhood of Detroit, MI.
School Reviews
Review Pershing 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
Bullying, Name-Calling & Put-Downs: Parent Guide 2025
Practical tips for parents to address bullying, name-calling, and put-downs—with 2025 data, policies, and expert strategies.
What Is a Magnet School? (2025 Guide)
Explore what a magnet school is, how it works, and its benefits in 2025. Clear explanation for parents, students, and educators.
Cooperative Learning in 2025: Evidence, Best Practices & Challenges
Explore cooperative learning in 2025—new data, updated practices, expert insights for educators and families.
