Waterford Montessori Academy

Public, Charter PK, KG-5

 4860 Midland Ave
       Waterford, MI  48329-1743


(248) 674-2400

District: Waterford Montessori Academy

SchoolDigger Rank:
1025th of 1,470 Michigan Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,086 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  14.4 Help
Number of students:  191

Racial breakdown:

White:
71.7%
Hispanic:
15.7%
Two or more races:
5.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  32.5% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Waterford Montessori Academy ranks worse than 69.7% of elementary schools in Michigan. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 27.85. (See more...)
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Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (71.7%), Hispanic (15.7%), two or more races (5.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 32.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Waterford Montessori Academy is 14.4. (See more...)
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Compare Waterford Montessori Academy employs 13.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Waterford Montessori Academy is $12,086.
Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

Waterford Montessori Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Waterford Montessori Academy 1025th of 1470 Michigan public elementary schools. (See Waterford Montessori Academy in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Waterford Montessori Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Waterford Montessori Academy 198th of 606 Michigan school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Waterford Montessori Academy?

Rank History for Waterford Montessori Academy

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Waterford Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2015 61.67 590th 1580 62.7%
2016 49.59 805th 1548 48.0%
2017 48.85 705th 1466 51.9%
2018 50.20 789th 1448 45.5%
2019 27.33 1015th 1408 27.9%
2021 38.25 699th 1153 39.4%
2022 45.20 692nd 1344 48.5%
2023 27.85 1025th 1470 30.3%
See the entire list of Michigan Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Waterford Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 34.54 980th 1397 29.8%
2021 57.41 265th 749 64.6%
2023 44.32 728th 1350 46.1%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Waterford Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 46.17 828th 1443 42.6%
2021 41.33 523rd 902 42.0%
2022 35.88 703rd 1106 36.4%
2023 34.82 848th 1321 35.8%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Waterford Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 40.36 897th 1446 38.0%
2021 30.22 664th 915 27.4%
2023 22.41 1034th 1334 22.5%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Waterford Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.53 831st 1253 33.7%
2019 15.01 1025th 1128 9.1%
2021 40.53 593rd 1005 41.0%
2022 30.36 783rd 1102 28.9%
2023 16.63 1050th 1198 12.4%
See the entire list of Best Michigan Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Michigan Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Waterford Montessori Academy Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Michigan Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.8)
62%

0%

12%

0%

25%

  

by a parent
Sunday, September 12, 2021

Open Quote 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

Open Quote 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

Open Quote 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

Open Quote 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

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


by a parent
Sunday, September 3, 2017

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


by a parent
Monday, January 16, 2017

Open Quote 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



Enrollment information for Waterford Montessori Academy

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2014 77 2 2 4 0 0 3 0 88
2015 136 1 3 8 0 0 10 0 158
2016 175 2 4 12 0 0 8 0 201
2017 209 4 2 13 0 0 11 0 239
2018 221 4 2 12 0 0 14 0 253
2019 172 7 2 18 0 0 12 0 211
2020 177 21 2 19 0 0 13 0 232
2021 170 18 3 29 0 1 12 0 233
2022 137 8 3 29 0 2 11 0 190
2023 137 9 3 30 1 0 11 0 191

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Waterford Montessori Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2014 88 5.0 17.6 11.4
2015 158 8.0 19.7 10.8
2016 201 10.0 20.1 20.4
2017 239 12.8 18.5 15.1
2018 253 14.7 17.1 28.9
2019 211 11.2 18.7 29.9
2020 232 12.3 18.8 35.3
2021 233 12.2 19.0 36.1
2022 190 12.4 15.3 34.2
2023 191 13.2 14.4 32.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Waterford Montessori Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2014 88 5.0 17.6 11.4
2015 158 8.0 19.7 10.8
2016 201 10.0 20.1 20.4
2017 239 12.8 18.5 15.1
2018 253 14.7 17.1 28.9
2019 211 11.2 18.7 29.9
2020 232 12.3 18.8 35.3
2021 233 12.2 19.0 36.1
2022 190 12.4 15.3 34.2
2023 191 13.2 14.4 32.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Waterford Montessori Academy

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $359 (4.1%) $8,329 (95.9%) $8,688
2020 $195 (2.4%) $8,028 (97.6%) $8,223
2021 $667 (7.9%) $7,786 (92.1%) $8,453
2022 $834 (6.9%) $11,251 (93.1%) $12,086

Data source: Michigan Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Waterford Montessori Academy

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 1015th of 1408 Elementary schoolsRanks 1025th of 1470 Elementary schools
 2.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Waterford Montessori Academy)37.518.5
 19%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Waterford Montessori Academy)38.134.7
 3.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.140.9
 4.2%
3rd Grade Math (Waterford Montessori Academy)28.125.9
 2.2%
   3rd Grade Math (Waterford Montessori Academy)26.230.6
 4.4%
   3rd Grade Math (Michigan)46.742.9
 3.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Waterford Montessori Academy)39.440
 0.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Waterford Montessori Academy)39.450
 10.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)45.844.3
 1.5%
4th Grade Math (Waterford Montessori Academy)36.426.7
 9.7%
   4th Grade Math (Waterford Montessori Academy)36.430
 6.4%
   4th Grade Math (Michigan)41.838.6
 3.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Waterford Montessori Academy)33.335.5
 2.2%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Waterford Montessori Academy)33.340.9
 7.6%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Michigan)46.243.9
 2.3%
5th Grade Math (Waterford Montessori Academy)22.225
 2.8%
   5th Grade Math (Waterford Montessori Academy)22.224.2
 2%
   5th Grade Math (Michigan)34.830
 4.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students211191
 9.5%
African American79
 28.6%
American Indian01
Asian23
 50%
Hispanic1830
 66.7%
Pacific Islander00
White172137
 20.3%
Two or More Races1211
 8.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients29.9%32.5%
 2.6%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Waterford Montessori Academy

In the 2022-23 school year, 191 students attended Waterford Montessori Academy.

Students at Waterford Montessori Academy are 72% White, 16% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 5% African American, 2% Asian.

Waterford Montessori Academy ranks 1025th of 1470 Michigan elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.


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

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.





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