Holly Academy

Holly Academy is a single, highly-rated K-8 public charter school in Holly, Michigan, serving 520 students as its own district. The school holds a 5-star rating and ranks in the 93rd percentile statewide, consistently landing in the top 8% of Michigan schools over the past three years.

Academically, Holly Academy far exceeds state averages in nearly every subject and grade. For example, English Language Arts proficiency ranges from 67% to 75% across grades 3-7, compared to state averages in the high 30s to low 40s. Math proficiency is similarly strong, with 3rd graders hitting 73.7% proficiency—about 31 points above the state—though scores dip to 48.8% by 6th grade before recovering slightly in 7th. Science and social studies also shine, particularly 8th grade social studies at 77.5% proficiency, which is 27 points above the state average. The school’s strongest recent gains came in 4th grade, where ELA jumped nearly 16 points and math rose almost 13 points year-over-year, suggesting targeted interventions are working.

However, there are areas to watch. Science scores fell sharply from 2024-2025 to 2025-2026—5th grade dropped 14.6 points and 8th grade fell 19.4 points—which may reflect cohort changes or curriculum shifts. Math also shows a "middle school dip," with proficiency declining as students advance. On the positive side, the school benefits from a low free/reduced lunch rate (19.8%), a favorable 14.5:1 student-teacher ratio, and chronic absenteeism at 16.2%—well below the state’s 27.9%. Per-student spending is robust at $13,382. Overall, Holly Academy delivers exceptional results, though families should note the volatility in science and the need for continued support in middle-grade math.