Henry Ford Academy

Henry Ford Academy is a single public charter high school in Dearborn, Michigan, serving grades 9 through 12 with 476 students, and it operates as its own district, Henry Ford Academy.

For parents considering this school, the most encouraging news is that Henry Ford Academy graduates students at a very high rate—91.7% compared to the state average of 84.0%—and keeps its dropout rate low at 5.1%. This suggests the school is effective at keeping students on track to finish high school, even though it serves a population where 58% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. However, academic proficiency tells a different story. The school consistently scores below state averages in nearly every subject, with the biggest weakness in math. For example, only 17.3% of 9th graders are proficient in PSAT math, which is less than half the state rate of 33.5%. Reading and writing scores are closer to state averages, with 11th graders hitting 49.5% on SAT Reading/Writing versus 52.1% statewide, making literacy a relative strength.

A major concern is chronic absenteeism, which sits at 39.4%—meaning nearly 4 in 10 students miss significant school time. This likely contributes to the lower test scores and the school’s 2-star rating, despite its strong graduation record. On the positive side, the school has a favorable 10.6:1 student-teacher ratio and spends $15,031 per student, which are resources that could support improvement. Its state ranking has also inched upward from the 36th to 40th percentile over three years, showing slow but steady progress. If your child needs extra help in math or struggles with attendance, this school may require proactive support, but for families prioritizing high school completion in a small, well-staffed environment, Henry Ford Academy offers a stable and supportive setting.