River Rouge School District of the City of

The River Rouge School District of the City of operates 5 schools in River Rouge, Michigan, including 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 1 alternative school. The district faces significant challenges, with its schools consistently performing well below state averages on academic measures and serving a high proportion of economically disadvantaged and minority students.

Among the standout schools, the River Rouge STEM Academy at Dunn is the highest-performing elementary/middle school in the district, with relatively stronger test scores compared to the district and state averages. However, the school is still ranked in the bottom quartile of Michigan elementary/middle schools. The River Rouge Alternative Virtual Academy also stands out for its relatively stronger academic performance in English Language Arts, but it struggles with very low graduation rates and high dropout rates.

Overall, the schools in the River Rouge School District face significant challenges, with proficiency rates often less than half the state's average, high rates of chronic absenteeism, and low rankings compared to other schools in Michigan. While the district spends relatively high amounts per student, this does not seem to translate into improved outcomes, suggesting the need for more comprehensive strategies to address the underlying issues and support student success.