Flat Rock Academic Virtual Academy

Flat Rock Academic Virtual Academy is a small, alternative high school in Flat Rock, MI, serving 107 students in grades 9-12 within the Flat Rock Community Schools district, offering a flexible, virtual learning path for students who may need a non-traditional setting.

This school serves a high-need population, with over 60% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The biggest challenges are student engagement and completion. The graduation rate is 68.5%, well below the state average of 84% and far lower than the 97.1% rate at Flat Rock Community High School, which sits just down the road. Nearly half of the students (48%) are chronically absent, and the dropout rate of 9.2% is more than double the state average. The student-teacher ratio is also very high at 31.1, meaning students may have limited one-on-one time with teachers. These struggles are common for alternative schools—Maple Grove Alternative High School in a nearby district shows a similar pattern with a 32.1% graduation rate and 67.8% chronic absenteeism.

There are some positive signs, though. The school’s state ranking has improved from the 3rd percentile to the 24th percentile over the past few years, and the graduation rate has climbed from a low of 51.1% a few years ago. Test scores remain below state averages—for example, only 33.3% of 11th graders were proficient in reading on the SAT, compared to 52.1% statewide—but the small class sizes make year-to-year results swing widely. Per-student spending is $14,279, which is less than what the district spends at its traditional high school. For parents considering this option, it’s important to understand that this academy is designed for students who need a second chance or a different path, but it comes with real risks around attendance and completion that require strong family support.