Crescent Academy Elementary

Crescent Academy Elementary in Southfield, MI, is a small public charter school serving 265 students in grades 4-6 within the Crescent Academy district, where nearly all students (98.49%) come from economically disadvantaged households.

Parents should know that the biggest challenge facing this school is chronic absenteeism. In the 2024-2025 school year, 56.1% of students were chronically absent—meaning they missed significant amounts of school. That's more than double the state average of 27.9% and far higher than nearby Berkshire Middle School (12.2%) or Anderson Middle School (18.3%). This isn't a new problem either; absenteeism has stayed above 53% since 2021, suggesting deep-rooted issues with engagement or family circumstances that need long-term solutions.

Academically, test scores are generally well below state averages. For example, 6th-grade math proficiency was just 14.3% compared to the state's 31.9%, and 5th-grade science was 10.8% versus 40% statewide. However, there's a notable bright spot: 4th-grade and 6th-grade English Language Arts proficiency (34.5% and 37.1%) were close to or above state averages, suggesting some effective reading instruction happening. The gap with wealthier neighboring districts is stark—Berkshire Middle School posted 6th-grade math proficiency of 55.8%, nearly four times higher. Interestingly, Crescent Academy spends less per student ($11,589) than nearby schools like Glenn W Levey Middle School ($25,870), yet its performance isn't drastically worse, suggesting that poverty and attendance—not just funding—are the primary obstacles. For parents considering this school, understanding these challenges and the relative strength in reading can help set realistic expectations.