Summary:
Linden Charter Academy is a single K-8 charter school in Flint, Michigan, serving 789 students in a highly economically disadvantaged community where 92% qualify for free or reduced lunch.
This school presents a fascinating split between its lower and upper grades. In the 2025-2026 school year, 7th and 8th graders are outperforming state averages in several key areas. Most notably, 8th grade social studies proficiency is 66.7% compared to the state's 50.3%, and 8th grade PSAT math is 41.4% versus 33.2% statewide. The 7th grade has also beaten state averages in both ELA and math for two consecutive years. However, grades 3-5 tell a different story, with proficiency rates running 10-20 points below state averages. Fifth grade math is particularly concerning at just 12.3% proficiency, and 5th grade social studies sits at only 8.2%.
The 8th grade class showed extraordinary year-over-year improvement, jumping 22.8 points in social studies, 21.2 points in PSAT math, and 17.8 points in science. This suggests either a highly effective intervention program or a particularly motivated cohort. Meanwhile, chronic absenteeism at 54.1%—nearly double the state rate—remains the school's biggest obstacle, especially for younger students building foundational skills. The school spends $13,255 per student, above the state average, yet maintains a high student-teacher ratio of 21.8:1, suggesting funds may go toward programs rather than smaller classes. For parents, this school offers strong upper-grade academics worth investigating, but the early-grade gaps and attendance challenges are critical factors to consider when evaluating the full educational experience at Linden Charter Academy.
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