Summary
Great Oaks Academy is a public charter school in Warren, MI, serving 768 students in grades K-8, and it stands out as a high-performing option in an area where many nearby schools struggle. Despite serving a student body where over 90% qualify for free or reduced lunch, the school has climbed from the 11th percentile statewide in 2020-2021 to the 48th percentile in 2025-2026, earning a 2-star rating. This upward trend is remarkable, especially when you compare it to neighboring schools in the Hazel Park School District of the City of, Center Line Public Schools, and Fitzgerald Public Schools, which frequently post proficiency rates in the single digits and low twenties.
One of the most striking findings is the school's exceptional performance with specific student groups. For the 2025-2026 school year, Great Oaks Academy ranks in the 86th percentile for African American students and the 81st percentile for Multi-racial students, earning a 4-star rating for both groups. This indicates the school is exceptionally successful at serving these populations compared to schools across the entire state. The school also shows strong growth in upper grades—7th-grade ELA proficiency hit 64.9% (state average: 38.4%), and 8th-grade Social Studies reached 68.3% (state: 50.3%). In contrast, nearby Dove Academy of Detroit posted just 10.3% in 7th-grade ELA, and Mason Academy in the Detroit Public Schools Community District managed only 8.51%.
However, there are areas for improvement. Math proficiency in grades 4, 5, and 6 (35.7%, 27.5%, and 24.1%) falls below state averages, and chronic absenteeism is a concern at 37.5%—nearly 10 points higher than the state rate, though lower than many peers like Mason Academy (62.3%). On the positive side, the school achieves these results efficiently, spending $13,407 per pupil compared to $21,853 at Mason Academy and $20,438 at United Oaks Elementary School. For parents seeking a school that delivers strong academics despite economic challenges, Great Oaks Academy is a clear standout in the region.
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