Summary:
Zip code 48121, located in Dearborn, MI, is served by a single public charter high school, Henry Ford Academy, which operates as its own district, Henry Ford Academy, and enrolls 476 students in grades 9 through 12.
As the only school in this zip code, Henry Ford Academy presents a mixed picture for parents. The most encouraging statistic is its graduation rate of 91.7%, which is well above the state average of 84.0%, and its dropout rate of 5.1% is lower than the state’s 7.1%. This suggests the school is effective at keeping students on track to earn a diploma. However, academic proficiency is below state averages in every core subject. For example, only 22.3% of 11th graders are proficient in SAT math compared to 26.5% statewide, and 9th grade PSAT math proficiency is just 17.3% versus 33.5% statewide. Science and social studies scores also lag, with 24% and 36% proficiency respectively, compared to state averages of 35.2% and 43.2%. The school holds a stable 2-star rating and ranks in the 36th to 40th percentile statewide, indicating a consistent, mid-tier performance.
A key concern is the high chronic absenteeism rate of 39.4%, which is significantly above the state average of 27.9%. This paradox—high graduation rates despite frequent absences—may point to flexible credit recovery options, but it also raises questions about the depth of learning. Additionally, the school spends a substantial $15,031 per student and maintains a favorable 10.6:1 student-teacher ratio, yet these resources do not translate into above-average test scores. With 58.19% of students economically disadvantaged, the school faces notable challenges. Overall, parents should weigh the strong graduation outcomes against the below-average academic proficiency and attendance issues when considering this school.
Thank you for your feedback!