Kuumba Academy Charter School

Summary:

Kuumba Academy Charter School is an elementary school in Wilmington, Delaware that serves 643 students from kindergarten to 8th grade, with a predominantly African American student population of around 90%. Despite its relatively low student-teacher ratio of 11:1, the school has consistently ranked in the bottom quarter of Delaware elementary schools and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating it is among the lowest-performing schools in the state.

Kuumba Academy faces significant challenges, including high chronic absenteeism rates reaching as high as 42.5% in the 2020-2021 school year, and consistently low academic performance, with only 33.33% of 3rd graders proficient in English Language Arts in the 2023-2024 school year, compared to the state average of 39.45%. The school's performance is particularly low for male students, African American students, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with these subgroups ranking in the bottom half or bottom quarter of Delaware elementary schools.

Compared to nearby schools like Johnson (Joseph E. Junior) Elementary School, Lewis (William C.) Dual Language Elementary School, and Harlan (David W.) Elementary School, which are part of higher-performing school districts, Kuumba Academy's performance lags significantly. The school also spends less per student ($14,625) than some nearby schools, such as The Bayard School ($22,651 per student) and Stubbs Early Education Center ($23,146 per student), suggesting that additional resources and interventions may be needed to support student learning and achievement.


Detail:

Public, Charter K-8

 1200 North French Street
       Wilmington, DE  19801


(302) 472-6450

District: Kuumba Academy Charter School

SchoolDigger Rank:
90th of 106 Delaware Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,625 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  11.0 Help
Number of students:  643

Racial breakdown:

African American:
89.7%
Hispanic:
5.0%
Two or more races:
2.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  71.6% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Kuumba Academy Charter School ranks worse than 84.9% of elementary schools in Delaware. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 17.13. (See more...)
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Compare Details Kuumba Academy Charter School ranks worse than 70.4% of middle schools in Delaware. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 28.7. (See more...)
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Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (89.7%), Hispanic (5%), two or more races (2.8%). (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Kuumba Academy Charter School is 11. (See more...)
Help
Compare Kuumba Academy Charter School employs 58 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Kuumba Academy Charter School is $14,625.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Kuumba Academy Charter School:

SchoolDigger ranks Kuumba Academy Charter School 90th of 106 Delaware public elementary schools. (See Kuumba Academy Charter School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:

SchoolDigger ranks Kuumba Academy Charter School 38th of 54 Delaware public middle schools. (See Kuumba Academy Charter School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
African American students:


Kuumba Academy Charter School:

SchoolDigger ranks Kuumba Academy Charter School 27th of 32 Delaware school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Kuumba Academy Charter School?

Rank History for Kuumba Academy Charter School

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Compare

Rank History for all elementary school students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2015 38.28 71st 108 34.3%
2019 19.47 84th 105 20.0%
2021 13.29 88th 95 7.4%
2022 15.18 90th 104 13.5%
2023 12.53 94th 103 8.7%
2024 17.13 90th 106 15.1%
See the entire list of Delaware Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 29.67 68th 92 26.1%
2022 32.83 45th 62 27.4%
2023 9.36 65th 66 1.5%
2024 17.83 60th 66 9.1%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 27.49 75th 99 24.2%
2022 32.41 65th 90 27.8%
2024 26.99 70th 97 27.8%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 15.17 84th 99 15.2%
2022 18.79 76th 90 15.6%
2024 5.72 95th 97 2.1%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school African American students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 35.19 46th 72 36.1%
2021 19.44 21st 22 4.5%
2022 28.40 46th 60 23.3%
2023 18.44 55th 60 8.3%
2024 25.87 51st 62 17.7%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Data source: test scores: Delaware Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Kuumba Academy Charter School

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Rank History for all middle school students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 38.57 35th 52 32.7%
2021 27.05 35th 47 25.5%
2022 32.49 34th 51 33.3%
2023 29.74 36th 53 32.1%
2024 28.70 38th 54 29.6%
See the entire list of Delaware Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 63.75 11th 41 73.2%
2021 65.00 5th 19 73.7%
2022 66.28 7th 38 81.6%
2023 60.01 9th 40 77.5%
2024 60.83 12th 39 69.2%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 33.01 36th 49 26.5%
2022 39.82 28th 50 44.0%
2023 36.22 32nd 50 36.0%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 42.21 32nd 49 34.7%
2022 32.18 31st 50 38.0%
2023 31.38 34th 50 32.0%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school African American students at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools DE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 64.15 11th 44 75.0%
2021 50.26 9th 20 55.0%
2022 61.25 12th 41 70.7%
2023 52.78 15th 43 65.1%
2024 50.47 18th 42 57.1%
See the entire list of Best Delaware Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Data source: test scores: Delaware Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Kuumba Academy Charter School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
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Data source: Delaware Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
Facebook Profile Picture by a parent on FaceBook
Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Open Quote This was our first year attending Kuumba Academy. My son took part of their kindergarten program and it was a success. When my son first entered Kuumba he did not know the basics, reading, writing, spelling or simple math. By the end of the school year my son became top of his class for math, excellent reader, speller and can write basic sentences as well as comprehend his readings. The dedication from the staff and the work that we did at home made his experience an excellent one. Kindergarten is the breaking point for kids to find out if they like or not school and I am happy to say my son loves it. Having Spanish as the school language program is a plus. Doors of opportunities are endless when you are bilingual. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Kuumba Academy Charter School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2002 1 203 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 205
2003 1 203 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 205
2004 0 235 0 1 2 n/a n/a 0 238
2005 0 239 0 1 1 n/a n/a 0 241
2006 0 237 0 6 0 n/a n/a 0 243
2007 1 249 0 4 0 n/a n/a 0 254
2008 1 238 0 4 0 n/a n/a 0 243
2009 1 249 0 3 0 n/a n/a 0 253
2010 1 247 0 5 0 n/a n/a 0 253
2011 0 249 0 4 0 0 0 0 253
2012 3 251 1 5 0 0 0 0 260
2013 0 249 2 11 0 0 1 0 263
2014 0 284 2 12 0 0 0 0 298
2015 2 387 2 30 2 0 1 0 424
2016 1 510 0 35 3 0 0 0 549
2017 3 574 0 45 6 1 0 0 629
2018 3 556 1 41 6 1 0 0 608
2019 5 601 1 40 12 1 1 0 661
2020 6 607 1 37 11 1 5 0 668
2021 6 582 1 36 10 1 8 0 644
2022 11 569 1 33 9 1 13 0 637
2023 6 577 1 32 9 0 18 0 643

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Kuumba Academy Charter School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 205 13.0 15.8 54.1
2003 205 13.0 15.8 54.1
2004 238 16.0 14.9 55
2005 241 17.0 14.2 62.2
2006 243 15.5 15.7 61.7
2007 254 19.0 13.4 60.6
2008 243 18.0 13.5 63.4
2009 253 19.0 13.3 71.5
2010 253 21.5 11.7 71.1
2011 253 22.0 11.5 75.9
2012 260 19.0 13.6 48.8
2013 263 19.0 13.8 87.8
2014 298 20.0 14.9 63.1
2015 424 28.0 15.1 63.4
2016 549 41.0 13.3 71.6
2017 629 43.0 14.6 n/a
2018 608 49.0 12.4 n/a
2019 661 52.0 12.7 n/a
2020 668 51.0 13.0 n/a
2021 644 51.0 12.6 n/a
2022 637 56.0 11.3 n/a
2023 643 58.0 11.0 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Kuumba Academy Charter School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 205 13.0 15.8 54.1
2003 205 13.0 15.8 54.1
2004 238 16.0 14.9 55
2005 241 17.0 14.2 62.2
2006 243 15.5 15.7 61.7
2007 254 19.0 13.4 60.6
2008 243 18.0 13.5 63.4
2009 253 19.0 13.3 71.5
2010 253 21.5 11.7 71.1
2011 253 22.0 11.5 75.9
2012 260 19.0 13.6 48.8
2013 263 19.0 13.8 87.8
2014 298 20.0 14.9 63.1
2015 424 28.0 15.1 63.4
2016 549 41.0 13.3 71.6
2017 629 43.0 14.6 n/a
2018 608 49.0 12.4 n/a
2019 661 52.0 12.7 n/a
2020 668 51.0 13.0 n/a
2021 644 51.0 12.6 n/a
2022 637 56.0 11.3 n/a
2023 643 58.0 11.0 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Kuumba Academy Charter School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,500 (10.3%) $13,687 (93.6%) $14,625

Data source: Delaware Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Kuumba Academy Charter School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 84th of 105 Elementary schoolsRanks 94th of 103 Elementary schools
 11.3%
Ranks 35th of 52 Middle schoolsRanks 36th of 53 Middle schools
 0.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Kuumba Academy Charter School)17.925.9
 8%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Delaware)50.538.4
 12.1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Kuumba Academy Charter School)13.427.1
 13.6%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Delaware)5342.2
 10.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Kuumba Academy Charter School)25.67.1
 18.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Delaware)53.539.9
 13.6%
4th Grade Mathematics (Kuumba Academy Charter School)15.910
 5.9%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Delaware)50.839.1
 11.7%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Kuumba Academy Charter School)48.213.9
 34.3%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Delaware)56.944.1
 12.8%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Kuumba Academy Charter School)41.219.1
 22.1%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Delaware)51.935
 16.9%
6th Grade Mathematics (Kuumba Academy Charter School)51.527.1
 24.4%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Delaware)37.625.1
 12.5%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Kuumba Academy Charter School)40.350.9
 10.6%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Delaware)54.642.6
 12%
7th Grade Mathematics (Kuumba Academy Charter School)25.830.2
 4.4%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Delaware)4128.9
 12.1%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Kuumba Academy Charter School)5027
 23%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Delaware)52.141.3
 10.8%
8th Grade Mathematics (Kuumba Academy Charter School)44.29.5
 34.7%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Delaware)3824.3
 13.7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students661643
 2.7%
African American601577
 4%
American Indian129
 25%
Asian11
Hispanic4032
 20%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White56
 20%
Two or More Races118
 1700%


Schools Near Kuumba Academy Charter School









Frequently Asked Questions about Kuumba Academy Charter School

Students at Kuumba Academy Charter School are 90% African American, 5% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races, 1% American Indian.

Kuumba Academy Charter School ranks in the bottom 15.1% of Delaware elementary schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 643 students attended Kuumba Academy Charter School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Delaware Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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