Forest Park Elementary School

Forest Park Elementary School in Eastpointe, MI, is a K-5 school serving 356 students within the Eastpointe Community Schools district, where a very high percentage of families (85%) qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Forest Park is currently facing significant academic challenges. The school ranks in the 2nd percentile statewide, meaning its test scores are among the lowest in Michigan. For example, only about 6% of 3rd graders are proficient in reading and math, compared to state averages of 38% and 43%. This is a tough situation for parents to hear, but it’s important to know what’s happening. One of the biggest issues is attendance: over half of the students (54.6%) are chronically absent, meaning they miss 10% or more of the school year. This rate is nearly double the state average and far higher than at nearby schools in other districts. For instance, Greenwood Elementary and Princeton Elementary in the Lakeview Public Schools (Macomb) district—located just a mile or two away—have chronic absenteeism rates between 12% and 20%, and they rank in the 62nd and 67th percentiles statewide. This stark contrast shows how much outcomes can vary between neighboring districts.

There is one bright spot worth noting: Forest Park’s 5th graders scored better in science (18.4% proficient) than the district average (13%) and even outperformed some nearby schools like Pleasantview Elementary and Bellview Elementary. This suggests a potential area of strength that could be built upon. Also, the school spends about $13,795 per student—similar to higher-performing schools nearby—so the issue isn’t a lack of funding. Rather, the combination of high poverty and persistent absenteeism appears to be the main driver of low scores. If you’re considering this school, it’s worth asking the principal about attendance support programs and how the school is working to improve reading and math instruction in the early grades.