Summary
Flagship Charter Academy is a K-8 school in Detroit, MI, serving 655 students in a highly economically disadvantaged area, where over 93% of families qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. While the school’s overall state ranking places it in the bottom 14% of Michigan schools, a closer look reveals a more complex story—especially when compared to the schools immediately surrounding it.
One of the most striking findings is that Flagship outperforms most of its closest neighbors, despite its low statewide percentile. In the most recent school year, Flagship ranked 1281 out of 1492 Michigan schools, which is significantly better than nearby Mackenzie ElementaryMiddle School (1471), Burns ElementaryMiddle School (1408), and Noble ElementaryMiddle School (1377). For example, in 5th-grade reading, Flagship’s proficiency rate of 29.1% is more than double Mackenzie’s 7.14% and nearly triple Noble’s 10.4%. Flagship also achieves these results while spending about $14,000 per student—roughly $8,000 less than nearby Detroit Public Schools, suggesting a higher level of efficiency. Another notable strength: Flagship ranks in the 41st percentile statewide for its African American students, earning a 2-star rating for this group, a stark contrast to its overall 1-star rating.
However, significant challenges remain. Chronic absenteeism hovers around 64-66%, more than double the state average, though this is a widespread issue in the area—nearby schools report rates near 71-80%. There is also a pronounced gender gap, with female students ranking in the 11th percentile and male students in the 8th percentile statewide. Academic performance varies widely by grade and subject, from a bright spot in 5th-grade reading (29.1% proficient) to very weak results in 3rd-grade reading (8%) and 6th-grade math (9.1%). On a positive note, the school’s state percentile has improved from the 4th percentile in 2016-2017 to the 14th percentile in recent years, suggesting gradual progress. For families in this area, Flagship stands out as a relatively stronger and more efficient option than its immediate peers, with particular success in serving its African American students—a foundation the school can build on.
Thank you for your feedback!