Summary:
Noor International Academy is a single elementary school (PK-6) in Sterling Heights, Michigan, serving 186 students as its own district entity. This small, high-poverty school (nearly 60% free/reduced lunch) delivers exceptional academic results, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 92nd percentile among Michigan districts.
For parents, the standout story here is consistent, often dramatic, outperformance of state averages across nearly every subject and grade. In 2025-26, 3rd and 6th grade English Language Arts proficiency ran 22-30 points above state levels, while 5th grade math (68.8% vs. 32.2% state) and science (75% vs. 40% state) showed massive advantages. The school also posted explosive year-over-year gains, including a 23.6-point jump in 4th grade ELA and a 21.7-point surge in 5th grade math. Even chronic absenteeism (18.3%) is far better than the state’s 27.9%, suggesting strong family engagement despite economic challenges. The one clear weakness is 4th grade math (42.9% proficiency), which lags other grades and barely edges the state average—though 5th grade results suggest students recover the following year.
The school’s state ranking improved dramatically from the 80th percentile (2023-24) to the 88th percentile (2025-26), with a notable jump of 168 positions in the latest year. At $12,808 per student, spending is near state averages, yet outcomes place the school among Michigan’s elite—pointing to efficient resource use and effective instruction. With a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio and only 186 students, class sizes allow for personalized attention, though small cohorts mean year-to-year swings may partly reflect the strengths of individual classes. Overall, Noor International Academy is a compelling example of high achievement in a high-poverty setting, with the 4th grade math dip as the primary area for targeted improvement.
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