Northridge Academy

Northridge Academy is a single PK-8 school in Flint, Michigan, serving 263 students as its own district, and it has seen a sharp decline in its state ranking over the past three years.

For parents, the most important takeaway is that Northridge Academy is struggling academically, particularly in math. The school’s ranking has fallen from the 37th percentile to the 17th percentile in just three years, dropping it to a 1-star rating. Math proficiency is critically low in early grades—only 9.38% of 3rd graders are proficient, compared to the state average of 42.9%. This gap persists through 8th grade, where PSAT math proficiency is just 15.38% versus the state’s 33.2%. English Language Arts performance is more mixed, with 7th grade actually exceeding the state average (39.5% vs. 38.4%), but 3rd and 6th grades lag significantly behind. The school also faces challenges with chronic absenteeism, affecting 28.6% of students, slightly above the state rate.

There are a few bright spots worth noting. The 7th grade shows relative strength in both ELA and math, suggesting some interventions may be working by middle school. Additionally, 8th grade PSAT ELA proficiency (61.5%) is close to the state average (64.8%). However, the school’s overall trajectory is concerning, with dramatic year-to-year swings in test scores—such as 3rd grade ELA dropping from 32% to 15.6% in one year—indicating instability. Serving a population where 97.72% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, the school spends $12,699 per student, yet outcomes remain well below state averages. Parents should be aware that while the school faces significant systemic challenges, particularly in math instruction and attendance, the 7th and 8th grade results suggest some progress is possible in later years.