Summary:
American Montessori Academy Upper Elementary is the sole middle school option within the American Montessori Academy district, serving grades 2 through 8 in Westland, Michigan, with 289 students and a majority low-income population (60.9% free/reduced lunch).
This school is on a clear upward trajectory, jumping from the 23rd percentile in state rankings (2023-2024) to the 41st percentile (2025-2026) — a 168-position improvement that moved it from a 1-star to a 2-star rating. The most impressive story is the 8th grade cohort, which outperforms earlier grades dramatically. In 2025-2026, 8th graders scored at the state average in Science (39.3% vs. 39.2%), nearly matched the state in Social Studies (46.4% vs. 50.3%), and exceeded the state average in PSAT English Language Arts (71.4% vs. 64.8%). These same 8th graders showed massive year-over-year gains, with Social Studies proficiency jumping from 14.3% to 46.4% and PSAT ELA from 47.2% to 71.4%. This suggests the Montessori approach may yield cumulative benefits for students who stay through the upper grades, particularly in literacy and analytical subjects.
However, significant challenges remain. Math proficiency lags 20-27 points behind state averages across all grades, with 8th grade PSAT Math at just 10.7% proficiency versus the state's 33.2%. Chronic absenteeism is a concern at 37.0%, well above the state average of 27.9%. The school spends a relatively high $14,554 per student, yet outcomes in lower grades still trail state averages — for example, 5th grade Social Studies proficiency is just 8.9% versus the state's 27.5%. For parents, this school offers a strong upper-grade experience, especially in ELA and Science, but requires attention to math support and attendance. The improving trajectory suggests recent instructional changes are taking hold, making this a school worth watching for families seeking a Montessori education in the Westland area.
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