Summary:
Thirkell ElementaryMiddle School is a public school in Detroit, Michigan, serving 501 students in grades PK-8. The school is part of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, which is ranked 563 out of 610 districts in the state and has a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger. With over 98% of students identifying as African American, Thirkell faces significant challenges, including extremely high chronic absenteeism rates, very low academic performance, and a student population that is predominantly from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
Thirkell's chronic absenteeism rates have consistently ranged from 43.2% to 84.3% over the past 5 years, significantly higher than the surrounding schools, which have rates ranging from 25.9% to 81.9%. Academically, the school's performance is extremely low, with only 4.55% of 3rd graders proficient in Math in 2023-2024, compared to 43.4% statewide and 15.1% in the district. While Thirkell has relatively high spending per student, ranging from $14,839 to $21,041 over the past 4 years, this does not appear to be the primary driver of the school's poor performance, as nearby schools like Edmonson Montessori and Golightly Education Center perform slightly better on academic measures, though still below state averages.
Addressing the root causes of Thirkell's struggles, such as attendance, family engagement, and instructional quality, will be crucial to improving outcomes for the school's students. While the school's funding and staffing levels are comparable to or higher than nearby schools, the school's performance lags far behind, suggesting that deeper systemic issues may be at play. Continued efforts to support and invest in Thirkell's students and community will be essential to ensuring they receive the high-quality education they deserve.
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