Summary:
Zip code 48217 is served by a single public school, Mark Twain ElementaryMiddle School, which enrolls 251 students in grades PK through 8 as part of the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
For parents considering this area, the most important takeaway is that Mark Twain is a high-need school facing significant academic challenges, but it also shows some specific pockets of strength. The school holds a 1-star rating and ranks in the bottom 11th percentile statewide, with proficiency rates in most subjects well below state averages. For example, 4th-grade math proficiency is just 9.09%, and 5th-grade social studies is only 7.14%. However, there are notable bright spots: 5th-grade math (14.3%), 6th-grade math (19.4%), and 7th-grade math (18.2%) all exceed district averages, as does 5th-grade science (19% vs. 13.1% district). In ELA, 5th and 7th graders also outperform the district. The school spends a substantial $24,774 per student, reflecting a strong investment in resources, and maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14.7.
The single biggest barrier to success here is chronic absenteeism, with 59.6% of students missing significant school time—more than double the state average of 27.9%. This directly impacts learning and helps explain why high spending hasn't translated into higher test scores. On a positive note, year-over-year data shows some improvement in upper-grade math and 7th-grade ELA, suggesting momentum in certain areas. For parents, this school offers dedicated instruction in specific subjects and grades, but the pervasive attendance crisis means that success will depend heavily on ensuring your child attends school consistently and seeking additional academic support at home. The school's high per-student spending indicates access to support services, but academic outcomes remain critically low overall.
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