Summary:
Oakland International Academy 28 is the sole middle school option within the Oakland International Academy district, serving grades 2 through 8 in Detroit, MI, with a large enrollment of 1,034 students and a majority low-income population (62% free/reduced lunch).
This school stands out for its remarkable strengths in mathematics. While English language arts scores trail the state by roughly 3 to 13 percentage points across grades 3-7, math proficiency is competitive or better in several grades—3rd, 6th, and 7th graders match or exceed state averages, with 6th grade posting a +4.0 point advantage. The most impressive result is on the 8th grade PSAT, where math proficiency (42.2%) exceeds the state average by a full 9 points. These math gains are not static; from 2024-2025 to 2025-2026, the school improved math scores by 3 to 10 points in nearly every grade level, including a dramatic +10.4 point jump in 3rd grade. The school also shows strong momentum in its state ranking, climbing from the 35th to 46th percentile over three years, and maintains a chronic absenteeism rate (14.5%) that is nearly half the state average (27.9%)—a notable achievement given its poverty levels.
However, significant challenges remain. Science proficiency is a critical weakness, with only 16-18% of 5th and 8th graders proficient versus roughly 40% statewide—a gap of over 20 points. Social studies scores are similarly low, particularly in 8th grade (27.4% vs. 50.3% state). The school also operates with a very high student-to-teacher ratio of 78:1, which may strain resources despite per-student spending of $10,008. For parents, this school offers a clear picture: if your child needs strong math support or excels in that area, this is a promising environment with proven year-over-year growth. But if science and social studies are priorities, you may need to supplement at home. Overall, the school’s consistent improvement and excellent attendance suggest a positive, upward trajectory worth watching.
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