Summary:
Paragon Charter Academy is a single PK-8 charter school in Jackson, Michigan, serving 627 students and operating as part of the Paragon Charter Academy district.
This school stands out for its exceptional upper-grade performance, particularly in mathematics. While 3rd graders score only slightly above state averages, the gap widens dramatically by 7th and 8th grade. For example, 7th grade math proficiency is 54.3% versus the state’s 33.3%—a 21-point advantage—and 8th grade PSAT math scores are 56.9% proficient compared to 33.2% statewide. English language arts follows a similar pattern, with 7th graders achieving 56.5% proficiency versus 38.4% statewide. The school also shows strong year-over-year growth in most subjects, with 5th grade math jumping 17.9 points and 4th grade ELA improving by 12.8 points. However, not all trends are positive: 3rd grade math dropped sharply by 12.7 points, and science and social studies scores declined across several grades, with 5th grade social studies falling to 21.7%—now below the state average.
Despite serving a population where 63.8% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, the school delivers strong academic results, suggesting effective instruction when students are present. That said, chronic absenteeism is a concern at 33.0%, exceeding the state average by 5.1 points. The school’s overall district ranking has improved from the 56th to the 67th percentile over three years, and its per-student spending of $12,738 appears to yield solid returns. For parents, this school offers a clear strength in math and upper-grade academics, but the 3rd grade math decline and attendance issues are worth monitoring. The 8th grade PSAT results—82.4% in ELA and 56.9% in math—signal strong college readiness, making this a compelling option for families seeking a school that excels in preparing students for high school.
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