Summary:
The James and Grace Lee Boggs School is a single K-8 charter school in Detroit, MI, serving 172 students as its own district, with a predominantly low-income population (68.6% free/reduced lunch) and a student-teacher ratio of 18.1:1.
This school shows a clear split between strong literacy and challenging early math. In English Language Arts, it beats the state average in four of five tested grades, with standout results in 4th grade (52.4% proficient vs. 41.3% state) and 6th grade (47.8% vs. 37.5%). However, math proficiency in grades 3-5 lags significantly, especially in 4th grade where only 14.3% of students are proficient—a 25.1-point deficit. The picture flips by 6th grade, where math proficiency jumps to 43.5%, outpacing the state by 11.6 points, suggesting either effective interventions or a particularly strong cohort. The 8th grade is exceptional across subjects: Social Studies proficiency hits 72.7% (22.4 points above state), Science reaches 45.5%, and PSAT Math hits 45.5%—all well above state averages.
For parents, the key takeaway is that this school excels in reading and writing, especially in upper grades, but early-grade math needs attention. The school’s state ranking improved dramatically from the 45th to 55th percentile in one year, earning a 3-star rating. However, chronic absenteeism is high at 35.4% (vs. 27.9% state), which may impact learning. With only 20-30 students per grade, year-to-year scores can swing widely, so focus on the consistent ELA strength and the remarkable 8th-grade performance rather than any single year’s fluctuation. Per-student spending is $12,457, and the school’s ability to beat state ELA averages despite high poverty is a positive sign for families prioritizing literacy.
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