Denby High School

12800 Kelly Rd
Detroit, MI 48224
1/
10
Bottom 50%
The Edwin C. Denby High School is a public secondary education school located at 12800 Kelly Road in northeastern Detroit, Michigan, United States. Denby High opened in 1930, and the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. It is a part of Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Serving 464 students in grades 9-12, Denby High School 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤5% (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 16:1.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 464 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • : 65-69% (Btm 50% in MI)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : ≤5% (Btm 50%)
  • : ≤5% (Btm 50%)
  • : ≤5% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

School Overview

Denby High School's student population of 464 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
464 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Year Founded
1930
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Calendar

School Rankings

Denby High School 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 Denby High School is 0.02, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (MI)
#2980 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
≤5%
35%
≤5%
45%
≤5%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
1%
9%
Black
99%
18%
White
n/a
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.02
65-69%
81%
(22-23)
100%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
89%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Denby High School's ranking?
Denby High School is ranked #2980 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Denby High School often compared to?
Denby High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cody High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Denby High School?
The graduation rate of Denby High School is 65-69%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Denby High School?
464 students attend Denby High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of Denby High School students are Black, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Denby High School?
Denby High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Denby High School offer ?
Denby High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Denby High School part of?
Denby High School is part of Detroit Public Schools Community.
In what neighborhood is Denby High School located?
Denby High School is located in the Denby neighborhood of Detroit, MI.

School Reviews

Review Denby High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 464 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • : 65-69% (Btm 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : ≤5% (Btm 50%)
  • : ≤5% (Btm 50%)
  • : ≤5% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

Request Information

Related School Videos

Quick Links