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Waterford Montessori Academy

Q: Is Waterford Montessori Academy a good school?

Waterford Montessori Academy ranks 924 th of 1492 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public, Charter Grades PK, KG-5

924^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,492 Michigan Elementary Schools

Better than 38% of Michigan elementary schools

Summary

Waterford Montessori Academy is a small, public Montessori elementary school in Waterford, MI, serving 213 students in grades PK-5 and operating as its own independent district. The school’s biggest draw is its distinct Montessori teaching model, which sets it apart from the traditional elementary schools in the nearby Waterford School District. It also serves a comparatively more affluent student body, with 38.5% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch, versus 50-65% at nearby schools like Beaumont Elementary School and Knudsen Elementary School. Notably, the school spends less per student ($13,642) than all comparable local schools, which range from $15,554 to $23,272.

Academically, the school has shown a promising upward trend, improving its state ranking for three straight years—from the 24th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 38th percentile in 2025-2026. Early grades are a bright spot: 3rd-grade ELA proficiency (42.1%) now exceeds the state average (38.2%), and 4th-grade scores are on par with state levels. However, a significant "upper-grade cliff" is a major concern. In math, proficiency holds steady at roughly 31% in 3rd and 4th grades but plummets to just 10% by 5th grade—less than a third of the state average (32.2%). This pattern has persisted for multiple years, suggesting the Montessori approach may work well in early grades but struggles to transition students to more advanced concepts. Chronic absenteeism (23%) is better than the state average (27.9%) but still affects nearly one in four students.

Compared to top-performing neighbors in the Clarkston Community School District, such as Clarkston Elementary School and Pine Knob Elementary School—which rank in the 85th-91st percentile with 50-70% proficiency—Waterford Montessori Academy lags well behind. The school’s recent gains also aren’t uniform: while overall rank improved, White students rank in the 19th percentile and male students in the 36th, indicating that progress is driven by specific subgroups. For parents, this school offers a unique educational philosophy and improving early-grade results, but the steep decline in upper-grade performance and persistent absenteeism are critical factors to weigh.

213

Students ?

15.6

Student/teacher ratio ?

$13,642

Per pupil spending ?

38.5%

Free/discounted lunch ?

4860 Midland Ave
Waterford, MI 48329-1743

(248) 674-2400

District: Waterford Montessori Academy

Racial breakdown:

White:

67.6%

Hispanic:

15.5%

African American:

8.5%

See top rated Michigan elementary schools

Compare Waterford Montessori Academy to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Rebounding — 24th percentile in 2024 → 38th in 2026

Strengths

✓Ranking is rebounding — up to 38th (2026) from a 24th-percentile low (2024)

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Michigan average (30% vs 38% meeting standards)

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

!Math scores 15 pts below the Michigan average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school30%

District avg29%

Michigan avg38%

924^th of 1,492

Michigan public elementary schools ?

Bottom 38%▼ down 10 pts since 2016

From bottom 48% (2016) to bottom 38% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Michigan Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

1^st of 2Elementary Schools in the Waterford Montessori Academy

311^th of 625Waterford Montessori Academy among Michigan districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	35.4	924 of 1492	38.1%	★★☆☆☆
2025	23.8	1096 of 1488	26.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	23.0	1125 of 1486	24.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	27.8	1025 of 1470	30.3%	★★☆☆☆
2022	45.2	692 of 1344	48.5%	★★☆☆☆
2021	38.2	699 of 1153	39.4%	★★☆☆☆
2019	27.3	1015 of 1408	27.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	50.2	789 of 1448	45.5%	★★☆☆☆
2017	48.9	705 of 1466	51.9%	★★★☆☆
2016	49.6	805 of 1548	48.0%	★★☆☆☆
2015	61.7	590 of 1580	62.7%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	37.6	790 of 1343	41.2%	★★☆☆☆
2025	25.6	988 of 1338	26.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	31.0	927 of 1342	30.9%	★★☆☆☆
2023	34.8	848 of 1321	35.8%	★★☆☆☆
2022	35.9	703 of 1106	36.4%	★★☆☆☆
2021	41.3	523 of 902	42.0%	★★☆☆☆
2018	46.2	828 of 1443	42.6%	★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	31.1	935 of 1352	30.8%	★★☆☆☆
2025	45.1	708 of 1346	47.4%	★★☆☆☆
2023	44.3	728 of 1350	46.1%	★★☆☆☆
2021	57.4	265 of 749	64.6%	★★★☆☆
2018	34.5	980 of 1397	29.8%	★★☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	33.9	882 of 1372	35.7%	★★☆☆☆
2025	24.3	1013 of 1366	25.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	17.2	1129 of 1347	16.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	22.4	1034 of 1334	22.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	30.2	664 of 915	27.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	40.4	897 of 1446	38.0%	★★☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	21.9	976 of 1199	18.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	16.1	1063 of 1206	11.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	14.7	1073 of 1204	10.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	16.6	1050 of 1198	12.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	30.4	783 of 1102	28.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	40.5	593 of 1005	41.0%	★★☆☆☆
2019	15.0	1025 of 1128	9.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	37.5	831 of 1253	33.7%	★★☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Female (2026)41st percentile+3 vs school

Male (2026)36th percentile~ school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)31st percentile-7 vs school

White (2026)19th percentile-19 vs school

By subject vs Michigan (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts40%~ state avg

Science35%-5 vs state

Math23%-15 vs state

Social Studies18%-10 vs state

3.8

8 ratings · 7 written reviews

5★5

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2★0

1★2

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What people are saying

by a parent
Sunday, September 12, 2021

We love WMA. Caring staff. Individualized curriculum/instruction. What is best for students is always the priority. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, May 10, 2019

The ratings on this website are not a fair representation of this school. My child is completing his first year at WMA, and it has been a wonderful experience. His reading and math skills are far above average, and the school provides a wonderful community for teacher, administrative, and parent communication. The montessori program is a different approach to learning than the public school setting, and we feel our child is thriving here. Class sizes are appropriate, and our child has fun learning. We are happy at this school and look forward to enrolling our second child inn the near future. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, September 20, 2018

Has an ok curriculum for lower elementary. Class rooms are clean and follow standard Montessori learning environment. School overall was disorganized and management of school did not seem to be accountable for parents concerns. I would rate this similar to an average public school. The small size classroom learning environment was good. The program is big on independence of the child and self learning. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, May 13, 2018

Better hope your child doesn't require any extra assistance. My child needed some extra help in kindergarten. Instead was ostracized from the group, made to color all day so the teacher didn't have to put forth an effort. It was recommended my child get tested for sensory issues and autism. The whole time feeling like we were bad parents. Turns out they are just bad teachers. We pulled our child out and inserted him in public school where he now thrives. Just be aware that if your child isn't perfect the school will single him out and make you feel helpless about their situation. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, March 8, 2018

Top 4 Montessori schools in the state of Michigan! Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, September 3, 2017

Enrollment is up, parents are happy, scores are good and the children are excelling! Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, January 16, 2017

This school is everything but Montessori. They have Montessori materials and a management company which includes the name Montessori, but that's as far as it extends.

Authoritarian comes to mind, as a much more accurate representation of how the school functions, not a educational philosophy (Montessori) that is child-centric and has respect for the child at its heart not a building full of adults who are dedicated to teaching children to love learning!

A bullying problem exists, which isn't surprising based on how certain staff members respond to the children.

Recess withholding, severe rules and restrictions (at recess kids are not allowed to play chase, jump off things, push each other on swings, pick up nature), physical exercise is used as punishment, teachers threatening to make students uncomfortable if they don't comply, delayed punishments, detention after school for unfinished or missed homework (which the school admits is solely to acclimate he kids with state test questions) - this includes grades 1-3! This last policy stated that the school would text parents to let them know if their child would have to stay after school because of missed or incomplete homework.

The school director, when asked why disciplinary measures that were outside and contrary to the discipline code in the school handbook, stated he'd only just found out, and then blamed "new, inexperienced, frustrated teachers," yet, weeks later, physical exercise and threats were still occurring.

If you're looking for a Montessori school, as we were - run. If you're hoping, as we were, for an improvement over local schools, a smaller school, and caring, involved and supportive teachers - run.

I must also say, although it has been shown hat parent involvement improves student outcomes and school success, this school does everything possible to keep parents as far away as possible. There are "certain" parents allowed through this barrier, but most have "been there from the beginning," or have some connection to a board member or the owner(s). Also, it should be mentioned that the school owner, also owns the management company, which resides in the building. PVG group is operated BY the school, funding is all managed by the school and the fundraising is all expected to come from parents - enough so that they may as well ask for tuition. Close Quote

Schools Near Waterford Montessori Academy

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				M-Step English Language Arts (2026)			M-Step Math (2026)			M-Step Science (2026)	M-Step Social Studies (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	M-Step English Language Arts 3rd Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 4th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 5th Grade	M-Step Math 3rd Grade	M-Step Math 4th Grade	M-Step Math 5th Grade	M-Step Science 5th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Waterford Montessori Academy	Public, Charter	PK, KG-5	4860 Midland Ave	Waterford	48329	Oakland County	Waterford Montessori Academy	Yes	No	No	Yes	(248) 674-2400	213	14	15.6	38.5%	144 (67.6%)	18 (8.5%)	33 (15.5%)	3 (1.4%)	2 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (6.1%)	35.4	924^th of 1492 public elementary schools	38.1%		23.8	1096^th of 1488 public elementary schools	26.3%	172	42.1	41.5	37.5	31.6	31.7	10.0	35.0	17.5	$13,642	$899	$12,743
Grayson Elementary	Public, Magnet	K-5	3800 W Walton Blvd	Waterford	48329	Oakland County	Waterford School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(248) 674-0200	437	24	17.9	53.8%	263 (60.2%)	53 (12.1%)	80 (18.3%)	11 (2.5%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	27 (6.2%)	44.4	787^th of 1492 public elementary schools	47.3%		48.6	743^rd of 1488 public elementary schools	50.1%	44	27.0	55.2	45.7	31.1	43.3	27.1	37.1	18.6	$15,554	$1,465	$14,089
Schoolcraft Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6400 Maceday Dr	Waterford	48329	Oakland County	Waterford School District	No	No	No	Yes	(248) 623-6211	398	23	17.3	54.5%	307 (77.1%)	21 (5.3%)	47 (11.8%)	3 (0.8%)	1 (0.3%)	1 (0.3%)	18 (4.5%)	63	513^th of 1492 public elementary schools	65.6%		68.2	439^th of 1488 public elementary schools	70.5%	74	44.9	59.2	53.4	43.6	55.3	37.9	37.3	23.7	$17,791	$2,756	$15,035
Cooley Elementary School	Public	K-5	2000 Highfield Rd	Waterford	48329	Oakland County	Waterford School District	No	No	No	Yes	(248) 673-0300	377	21	17.5	50.4%	273 (72.4%)	29 (7.7%)	49 (13.0%)	13 (3.4%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (3.2%)	65.8	477^th of 1492 public elementary schools	68.0%		56.4	622^nd of 1488 public elementary schools	58.2%	145	43.1	55.2	58.5	48.6	43.3	34.0	56.6	30.2	$17,539	$1,633	$15,905
North Sashabaw Elementary School	Public	K-5	5290 Maybee Rd	Clarkston	48346	Oakland County	Clarkston Community School District	No	No	No	Yes	(248) 623-4100	313	29	10.9	51.4%	189 (60.4%)	5 (1.6%)	80 (25.6%)	7 (2.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	32 (10.2%)	39.8	865^th of 1492 public elementary schools	42.0%		42.4	829^th of 1488 public elementary schools	44.3%	36	22.7	37.7	44.9	40.9	37.7	30.6	34.7	16.3	$23,272	$1,515	$21,757
Pine Knob Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6020 Sashabaw Rd	Clarkston	48346	Oakland County	Clarkston Community School District	No	No	No	Yes	(248) 623-3901	487	34	14.3	28.1%	374 (76.8%)	25 (5.1%)	47 (9.7%)	13 (2.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (5.7%)	88	164^th of 1492 public elementary schools	89.0%		89.5	130^th of 1488 public elementary schools	91.3%	34	59.5	55.2	72.6	63.5	55.2	60.3	65.8	52.1	$16,602	$939	$15,663
Riverside Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	5280 Farm Rd	Waterford	48327	Oakland County	Waterford School District	No	No	No	Yes	(248) 674-0805	291	19	14.9	64.9%	178 (61.2%)	42 (14.4%)	47 (16.2%)	6 (2.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (6.2%)	23.8	1102^nd of 1492 public elementary schools	26.1%		21.1	1138^th of 1488 public elementary schools	23.5%	36	22.5	39.6	28.8	27.5	31.3	10.2	25.4	10.2	$21,553	$1,583	$19,970
Clarkston Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6589 Waldon Rd	Clarkston	48346	Oakland County	Clarkston Community School District	No	No	No	No	(248) 623-5100	416	30	13.8	14.4%	361 (86.8%)	11 (2.6%)	29 (7.0%)	4 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	11 (2.6%)	83.8	223^rd of 1492 public elementary schools	85.1%		84.2	218^th of 1488 public elementary schools	85.3%	5	46.7	64.2	59.3	53.3	70.1	55.6	59.3	50.0	$18,162	$895	$17,267
Beaumont Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6532 Elizabeth Lake Rd	Waterford	48327	Oakland County	Waterford School District	No	No	No	Yes	(248) 682-6822	298	18	16.7	61.1%	190 (63.8%)	55 (18.5%)	33 (11.1%)	12 (4.0%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.3%)	45.4	767^th of 1492 public elementary schools	48.6%		56.8	611^th of 1488 public elementary schools	58.9%	156	21.9	53.5	55.3	26.6	41.9	36.2	38.3	21.3	$17,439	$1,526	$15,913
Knudsen Elementary School	Public	K-5	5449 Crescent Rd	Waterford	48327	Oakland County	Waterford School District	No	No	No	Yes	(248) 682-7300	278	19	14.8	64.4%	190 (68.3%)	27 (9.7%)	41 (14.7%)	3 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	16 (5.8%)	43.2	805^th of 1492 public elementary schools	46.0%		33.7	960^th of 1488 public elementary schools	35.5%	155	52.3	42.6	41.9	50.0	32.6	14.0	32.6	7.0	$18,156	$1,440	$16,715

Frequently Asked Questions about Waterford Montessori Academy

What district is Waterford Montessori Academy in?

Waterford Montessori Academy

What is the racial makeup of Waterford Montessori Academy?

Students at Waterford Montessori Academy are 68% White, 15% Hispanic, 8% African American, 6% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

Is Waterford Montessori Academy a good school?

Waterford Montessori Academy ranks 924^th of 1492 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Waterford Montessori Academy?

In the 2024-25 school year, 213 students attended Waterford Montessori Academy.

Rate Waterford Montessori Academy!

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Latest Michigan data All new data »

2025–26 M-Step, PSAT & SAT test scoresSep 4, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

2024–25 attendance dataJan 6, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.