George Crockett Academy

George Crockett Academy is the sole elementary public charter school serving grades PK-8 in Detroit, Michigan, with a total enrollment of 355 students. The school's student population is predominantly African American, comprising 99.44% of the student body, and all students come from low-income households, with a 100% free and reduced-price lunch rate.

Despite higher-than-average per-student spending and a lower student-teacher ratio, George Crockett Academy has consistently ranked in the bottom 10-15% of Michigan elementary schools over the past three school years, with proficiency rates on state assessments significantly below the state average across all grade levels and subject areas. The school's performance in English Language Arts, Math, and Science is particularly concerning, with proficiency rates ranging from 14.7% to 22.2% in ELA, 7.5% to 12.5% in Math, and just 20% in 5th-grade Science, compared to state averages of 37.5% to 44%, 32.6% to 43.4%, and 40.4%, respectively.

The school's high chronic absenteeism rate of 72.9% for the 2022-2023 school year, which is significantly higher than the state average, likely contributes to the school's poor academic performance. Additionally, the school's overwhelmingly African American student population raises questions about equity and access to educational opportunities for students of color in the area. Despite the school's higher-than-average funding and resources, the persistent underperformance suggests the need for a comprehensive review and implementation of evidence-based strategies to improve student outcomes at George Crockett Academy.