Summary:
Academy of Dover Charter School is the sole school in the Academy of Dover Charter School district, serving 443 students in grades K-8 in Dover, Delaware, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.2:1.
This K-8 charter school stands out for its exceptional student attendance—a chronic absenteeism rate of just 1.0% compared to the state's 17.1%—yet it faces significant academic hurdles. The school's state ranking has declined steadily from the 35th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 23rd percentile in 2025-2026, dropping from a 2-star to a 1-star rating. The most concerning areas are 8th-grade Social Studies (11.63% proficiency vs. 37.84% statewide) and 8th-grade Mathematics (13.95% vs. 29.39% statewide). Social Studies is a systemic weakness across all grades, with gaps ranging from -3.84 to -26.67 percentage points below state averages. The 4th grade is the clear bright spot: students scored 38.18% in ELA (just -2.66 points from the state average) and 34.55% in Math (-5.82 points), suggesting a strong teacher or effective intervention at that level.
Year-over-year data reveals troubling volatility, including a 49% relative decline in 3rd-grade ELA proficiency (from 38.98% to 19.7%) and a 44% drop in 3rd-grade Math (from 40.68% to 22.73%). However, 5th-grade Science improved from 11.9% to 18.37% proficiency. The school's ability to get students to class is commendable, but the academic results suggest instructional quality or support systems need attention. Missing data—including free/reduced lunch rates and several grade-level Math scores—limits a full assessment. For parents, this school offers a safe, well-attended environment, but the downward academic trajectory and persistent gaps in upper grades warrant careful consideration, especially for families prioritizing strong middle-school preparation.
Thank you for your feedback!