Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is proud to announce that Great Lakes Bay Early College (GLBEC) has been named one of the best high schools in Michigan for a third consecutive year, and the No. 1 high school in the Bay City metro area in the 2026–2027 Best High Schools rankings published by U.S. News & World Report.
GLBEC also earned a ranking of No. 158 among Michigan high schools and No. 4,350 nationally. With an overall score of 75.76, GLBEC placed among the top quarter of the 17,945 public high schools ranked nationwide.
“This recognition reflects the hard work of our students and staff, as well as the support of their families and our regional partners,” said Michael Lytle, Saginaw ISD Executive Director of Instructional Services and Interim GLBEC Program Director. “GLBEC gives students the chance to experience college, explore their future, and earn meaningful college credit while they are still in high school. We are proud to see their commitment recognized nationally.”
This year’s recognition also reflects the leadership and contributions of former GLBEC Program Director Rodney Woods, whose commitment to students and support of the program helped strengthen the GLBEC community during his time with Saginaw ISD.
GLBEC provides incoming 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students with the opportunity to begin college while continuing their high school education. Through partnerships with both Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, students can earn up to 60 or more college credits at no cost to their families.
Depending on their individual academic pathways, students may complete the program with an associate degree, the Michigan Transfer Agreement, an advanced certificate, or a substantial number of transferable college credits. Students also receive a high school diploma from their home district, a Michigan Early Middle College Association certificate, and an official transcript from Saginaw Valley State University or Delta College.
Unlike a traditional high school experience, GLBEC students learn directly on college campuses and gradually transition into college-level coursework. GLBEC teachers provide instruction in core academic areas, while faculty from Saginaw Valley State University and Delta College teach the college courses. Students also receive personalized academic guidance and support as they navigate the expectations of both high school and college.
The program includes an additional 13th year, giving students more time to complete their college coursework and credentials. Students remain connected to their home high schools and may participate in commencement ceremonies with their original graduating class before completing their final year of the early college program.
“Great Lakes Bay Early College expands what students can imagine and accomplish before they ever leave high school,” said Saginaw ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier. “This ranking is an example of purpose in action. Through collaboration among students, families, educators, local districts, and college partners, GLBEC is creating pathways that make higher education more accessible and prepare students for long-term success. Our staff are game-changers, and our students are champions.”
Great Lakes Bay Early College is a regional partnership involving Saginaw ISD, Bay-Arenac ISD, Midland County Educational Service Agency, participating local school districts, Delta College, and Saginaw Valley State University. This collaborative model allows students from across the Great Lakes Bay Region to access rigorous academics, personalized support, and meaningful college and career pathways.
For its 2026–2027 Best High Schools rankings, U.S. News & World Report evaluated approximately 27,000 eligible public high schools and nationally ranked 17,945. The rankings use data from the 2023–2024 school year, the reporting period used by U.S. News for this edition, and consider college readiness, curriculum breadth, state assessment performance, outcomes for underserved students, and graduation rates.
Community members can learn more about GLBEC, its academic pathways, and enrollment opportunities by visiting www.sisd.cc/page/great-lakes-bay-early-college.
ABOUT GREAT LAKES BAY EARLY COLLEGE
Great Lakes Bay Early College is a program of Saginaw Intermediate School District offered in partnership with Bay-Arenac ISD, Midland County Educational Service Agency, Delta College, Saginaw Valley State University, and participating local school districts. GLBEC provides incoming 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students with the opportunity to earn up to 60 or more college credits at no cost to their families while completing their high school education. Students may work toward an associate degree, the Michigan Transfer Agreement, an advanced certificate, or transferable college credits while receiving personalized academic guidance and experiencing college life firsthand.
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District is an educational service agency that provides leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD supports local schools through career and technical education, early childhood services, finance, human resources, instructional services, pupil accounting, special education, technology, transportation, and other shared services. The district also operates educational programs serving students from birth through age 26, including Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start and Early Head Start, Great Start Readiness Program and Pre-K for All classrooms, Great Lakes Bay Early College, the 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, supporting approximately 26,000 students across Saginaw County.
MEDIA CONTACT
Coty Kuschinsky
Chief of Staff and Communications Director