Escuela Avancemos

Escuela Avancemos is a public K-8 school in Detroit, MI, serving 425 students as its own single-school district, where nearly all families face significant economic challenges.

The most remarkable thing about Escuela Avancemos is its attendance. Only 18.3% of students are chronically absent—far better than the state average of 27.9% and dramatically lower than nearby schools like Earhart ElementaryMiddle School (61.0%) or Burton International Academy (61.2%). This means kids are showing up consistently, which is a strong foundation for learning. Academically, the school struggles overall—test scores place it in the bottom 10% of Michigan schools—but there's a clear bright spot in the upper grades. By 8th grade, PSAT ELA proficiency reaches 43.9%, which is much closer to the state average (64.8%) than the 3rd-grade ELA rate of 15.8%. Social studies in 8th grade (38.1%) also approaches the state mark (50.3%). This suggests the school may be getting better at supporting students as they grow older.

Compared to a high-performing peer like Edmonson Montessori—just 1.94 miles away—the challenges are stark. Edmonson spends nearly twice as much per student ($25,084 vs. $13,510), has smaller classes (14.1 vs. 21.2 student-teacher ratio), and serves a much lower poverty population (38.55% vs. 99.76%). Its 3rd-grade ELA proficiency is 68.8% versus 15.8% at Escuela Avancemos. However, when compared to schools with similar poverty levels, like George Crockett Academy (100% poverty) or Voyageur Academy (96.45% poverty), Escuela Avancemos's 8th-grade scores are actually higher. One area of concern is support for Hispanic and English Language Learner students, where the school ranks in the bottom percentiles statewide—a critical focus given the school's name and community.