Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is proud to announce that Great Lakes Bay Early College (GLBEC) has once again been recognized nationally in the 2025 Best High Schools rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. Achieving a ranking in the top 40% of high schools nationwide, GLBEC continues to demonstrate its commitment to educational excellence and innovation, proudly earning the right to display the U.S. News Best High Schools award badge.
Rodney Woods, Program Director, shared, “This recognition is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence that our students and staff display every day in the classroom. Our early college model empowers students to take college courses while in high school, allowing them to explore career pathways, build professional networks, and gain real college experience, all while reducing the cost of higher education. We are proud to be part of a learning community that puts students first and prepares them for long-term success.”
This national honor highlights the strength of GLBEC’s innovative approach to education and its mission to prepare students for college, careers, and beyond. Through unique partnerships with Saginaw Valley State University and Delta College, students can earn up to 60 college credits tuition-free while completing their high school studies. GLBEC also offers a 13th year option, allowing students to continue college coursework while participating in their high school graduation ceremonies.
“The 2025 Best High Schools rankings showcase schools across the nation where students are achieving at high levels,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor of education at U.S. News. “Our data provides families with important insights as they navigate today’s educational landscape and plan for their students’ future.”
As GLBEC celebrates this achievement, community members are encouraged to visit its U.S. News profile page for more details about the ranking and the methodology used to evaluate schools across the country.
ABOUT GREAT LAKES BAY EARLY COLLEGE
Great Lakes Bay Early College, a pioneering program of Saginaw ISD, offers incoming 10th and 11th-grade students the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credits at no cost through partnerships with Saginaw Valley State University and Delta College. GLBEC integrates a rigorous curriculum that includes a 13th year to meet academic and experiential criteria, allowing students to participate in their high school graduation ceremonies while completing college coursework. This unique approach provides significant advantages such as reduced student loan debt, enhanced employment opportunities, and access to advanced educational resources, preparing students for success in both their careers and further education.
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, Saginaw ISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.
Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, five public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
MEDIA CONTACT
Coty Kuschinsky – Saginaw ISD Chief of Staff and Communications Director