Universal Academy is a charter school in western Detroit, Michigan, serving grades K-12. In April 2016 the school sacked eight teachers without prior notification or rationale.
Serving 684 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Universal Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 7% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 9% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 684 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 6%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Top 50% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Universal Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Universal Academy's student population of 684 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
684 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
2003
School Calendar
School Motto
Promoting Academic Excellence, Leadership & Cultural Diversity
School Rankings
Universal Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Universal Academy is 0.11, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2927 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
5%
9%
Black
1%
18%
White
94%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-89%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
97%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Universal Academy's ranking?
Universal Academy is ranked #2927 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Universal Academy often compared to?
Universal Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Dearborn High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
7% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Universal Academy?
The graduation rate of Universal Academy is 80-89%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Universal Academy?
684 students attend Universal Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Universal Academy students are White, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Universal Academy?
Universal Academy has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Universal Academy offer ?
Universal Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Universal Academy part of?
Universal Academy is part of Universal Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is Universal Academy located?
Universal Academy is located in the Claytown neighborhood of Detroit, MI. There are 2 other public schools located in Claytown.
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