About the Dexter, Michigan Area 

Historical Information First settled in 1824, the Dexter community was first called “Mill Creek Settlement.”  Its name was changed to Dexter in 1830, after the Hon. Samuel W. Dexter who founded the community. The historicity is clear to see in Dexter, where 14 original 1800’s buildings have been beautifully maintained for both residents and visitors to appreciate, including private residences, inns, and churches. Many buildings downtown still have the original window ornamentation and icons typical of the architecture of that time.

Small Town Appeal Dexter is a growing community that maintains its small town appeal.  Dexter residents are proud of their Village, and are happy to share its joys with both newcomers and visitors.  They appreciate the unique Victorian architecture, the abundant parks and the friendly community.  The rural setting is great for raising family, and peaceful, quiet living.  It offers all the benefits of a small town, as well as close proximity and easy accessibility to all that metropolitan Ann Arbor has to offer. Eight nearby parks range from ½ an acre to hundreds of acres in size.  There’s something for everyone with rivers, lakes, trails, play equipment, picnic facilities, a golf course, sport courts, fishing, and so much more. Detailed information about the Village of Dexter is available on their website.

Quality Education Dexter educators are proud of their mission:  "To Provide a Quality Education Program for All Students" Awards • Mill Creek Middle School is a 2006 National Recipient of the Schools to Watch Award, a program that identifies outstanding Middle Schools throughout the country. Mill Creek was the only school selected this year in Michigan! • Dexter's Athletic Program is rated #1 in the State of Michigan by Ann Arbor News Article (12-22-06). They hold the most Team and State Titles in 2006. • At Columbia University in New York on March 17, 2005, The Squall received a Gold Crown award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, CSPA's highest award. The Squall was the only school newspaper in Michigan and one of only 25 nationwide (out of more than 1400 who entered the competition) to receive a Gold Crown. Also, individual Squall staff members also received awards from CSPA in their Gold Circle competitions. More than 12,000 entries were received nationwide in the Gold Circle competitions.

Recent MEAP Scores — Fall of 2006 Dexter  AA  Dexter    AA Math  Math  Reading Reading Gr. 3  95.1  95.5  95.5    92.9 Gr. 4  92.4  92.6  94.9    92.7 Gr. 5  88.6  91.5  94.9    93 Gr. 6  89.1  87.3  95.2    93.5 Gr. 7  87.5  85.1  92.2    90.6 Gr. 8  83.1  86.4  88.9    90.1 For more information, visit the Dexter Community Schools website. Dexter High School

Business is Booming Washtenaw County, and specifically the Dexter Area, is one of the fastest growing areas in MI.  The past 2 decades in particular have seen an increase in business, beginning with a Research and Development Park opening in 1988.  More recently residents have seen the building of a local shopping mall, as well as the beautiful Monument Park Building in 2006, which houses a restaurant on Main Street with offices above.  A new Farmers’ Market recently opened on Alpine Street, which will also be home to the new Dexter District Library.  The Village Council appointed a Downtown Development Authority over 10 years ago, and they have worked hard to create a vibrant downtown experience. Local businesses are proud of where they are established.  Matt LaFontaine, president of the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce states that the local Chamber members “champion the growth of our business sector and actively work with our local government to foster a world class business environment where success is achievable through dedicated leadership.”  Check out the Chamber of Commerce for additional information!

Visit the Village of Dexter on the Web!