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 695 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 17:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 695 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- 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
School Overview
Universal Academy's student population of 695 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
695 students
Total Classroom Teachers
40 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 0.57. 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
17:1
16:1
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%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)15.1%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
97%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
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?
695 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 17:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
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.
School Reviews
Review Universal Academy. 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
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
