Paramount Charter Academy

Paramount Charter Academy is a public charter school in Kalamazoo, MI, serving 373 students in grades PK-8, operating as its own district and serving a predominantly low-income community where 95% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Paramount faces significant challenges, most notably a chronic absenteeism crisis. In the 2024-2025 school year, nearly 40% of students were chronically absent—well above the state average of 28%. This is a serious barrier to learning, though it's actually an improvement from recent years when rates exceeded 46%. Academically, the school ranks in the bottom quarter of Michigan elementary schools, though it showed meaningful improvement this year, jumping from the 13th to 25th percentile. There are some bright spots worth noting: African American students at Paramount perform in the 53rd percentile statewide—the school's strongest subgroup performance—and 7th graders nearly matched the state average in English language arts. Female students significantly outperform male students, with girls ranking in the 35th percentile versus boys at just the 11th percentile. The school also spends substantially more per student ($19,207) than many nearby higher-performing schools, which raises questions about resource allocation.

Compared to nearby options, Paramount's results are mixed. ParkwoodUpjohn Elementary School, less than a mile away, dramatically outperforms Paramount while serving a more affluent population. However, Washington Writers Academy, which serves a similarly high-poverty population, performs even worse. The most encouraging news is the school's trajectory—recent improvements in test scores and attendance suggest interventions may be gaining traction. For parents considering this school, it's important to weigh the significant challenges around attendance and overall achievement against the recent signs of progress and the school's notable success with certain student groups.