Last month, I spoke with a family who moved to Ann Arbor and had concerns about school issues. They were shocked by the tuition costs while looking into sending their child to a private school. They mentioned that upon seeing the annual tuition exceeding $30,000, they initially considered giving up. This reaction is not uncommon. Among Korean parents, the first hurdle they encounter when exploring schools in the Ann Arbor area is indeed this tuition cost. However, when they actually receive school guidance counseling, they often find that the number displayed initially differs from the actual amount they need to pay.

A frequently mentioned school among Korean parents in Ann Arbor is Greenhills School. It is a private school for grades 6 through 12, located not far from downtown Ann Arbor. The annual tuition is around $33,540 (according to official Greenhills School data). To put it simply, this means that the tuition alone costs about the same as a decent used car. However, it's worth noting that the school allocates over $3 million each year to a Variable Tuition program, which can significantly change the actual financial burden based on family circumstances. The assessment is done annually, taking into account income, assets, and family size, so it's often not necessary to pay the maximum amount listed in the brochure.

When judging solely by tuition, it's also important to consider the school's academic performance. The graduation rate is 100%, and the average SAT score is 1410, with an ACT score of 32 (according to College Transitions data). The student-to-teacher ratio is low at 9 to 1, which is praised for allowing for individualized instruction. As these achievements accumulate, parents have come to recognize the school as one that prepares students well for college admissions. If the terminology is unfamiliar, think of it this way: SAT and ACT are standardized tests taken for college admissions, and higher scores are advantageous for applying to top-tier universities. Admission itself goes through a selection process with a 45% acceptance rate, so it's better to prepare application timing and documents in advance. For reference, evaluation sites like GreatSchools compare schools based on state standardized test scores, but private schools often do not disclose these test results separately. In such cases, it's more practical to gauge academic standards based on the average SAT, ACT scores, or college admission results that the school directly publishes.

So, what about the housing market near this school? The median home price in Ann Arbor is $489,157 (according to Zillow 2026 data, a 3.6% increase from the previous year). Among cities in Michigan, Ann Arbor, being home to the University of Michigan, has relatively high housing prices. Recent market trends show that areas convenient for school commuting often see properties selling immediately after being listed. Many families are contemplating whether to rent first and then buy later, or to purchase right away and settle in. If the duration of residence is short or there's a possibility of moving to another city in the future, starting with renting to thoroughly understand the area before making a decision is not a bad approach.

For families moving from out of state, one aspect that can be easily overlooked is property tax. Since tax rates vary by state and county in Michigan, estimating property taxes based on the previous state can lead to significant discrepancies. It is advisable to check the actual property tax bill of the listings directly. Additionally, mortgage rates can change depending on the timing of the contract, so it's good to be aware that the rate you get pre-approved for may differ from the rate at the actual closing time.

Ultimately, when considering private schools, it's not just about the tuition. By also considering the Variable Tuition program and scholarship support, the financial burden can often be less than the initial number suggests. Many families also compare public school districts, and since Ann Arbor is an educational city with the University of Michigan, the reputation of the public school district is generally not bad, making it a viable option to weigh both choices side by side. School district boundaries can change over time, so if you have a specific address in mind for potential purchase, be sure to verify the assigned school directly. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before making any actual contracts or admissions.