Summary:
There are four elementary schools serving grades K-8 in Detroit's 48202 zip code, enrolling roughly 1,700 students across the University Preparatory Academy (PSAD), University Preparatory Art & Design, and Detroit Public Schools Community District.
For families seeking the strongest academics, Golightly Education Center is the clear standout. It ranks in the 28th percentile statewide, far ahead of the University Preparatory campuses, and posts the best middle school results in the area—its 7th-grade reading proficiency (48.6%) is more than double the district average and even exceeds the state average. Golightly also spends the most per student ($21,146) and maintains the lowest student-teacher ratio (15.7:1), which likely contributes to its success. Among the charter options, University Preparatory Elementary Mark Murray Campus is the most consistent, ranking in the 21st percentile with the lowest chronic absenteeism (41.9%) in the group. University Preparatory Art Design Elementary shows promise with a rising trajectory, but University Preparatory Elementary Ellen Thompson Campus is the biggest concern—it ranks in just the 7th percentile, has the highest absenteeism (51.5%), and only 8.7% of its 3rd graders are proficient in math.
All four schools face serious challenges: chronic absenteeism runs between 42% and 52%, roughly double the state average, and proficiency rates in every subject lag well behind Michigan averages. Science and social studies are particularly weak, with 5th-grade science proficiency ranging from just 7.8% to 18.2% versus a 40% state average. The data also shows significant year-to-year swings, so single-year results can be misleading. For parents, Golightly Education Center offers the best overall outcomes, especially for grades 6-8, while Mark Murray provides the most stable elementary experience among the charter schools.
Thank you for your feedback!