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Very Good

#1003 of 3,190 schools in MI

Top 31% in state

Central Academy

School · Central Academy

2459 SOUTH INDUSTRIAL HWY, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Charter

Enrollment

559

Student-Teacher

16:1

Score

7.0

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Ann Arbor

#21 of 35

public schools

Michigan schools

#125 of 279

School environment

7.9 / 10

Very strong

About Central Academy

Central Academy is a charter school located in the heart of Ann Arbor, Michigan, offering education from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 559 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, Central Academy provides personalized attention to each child's learning needs. The school boasts 35 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting the academic development of its diverse student body.

Central Academy currently holds a MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks 48th percentile among Michigan schools, placing it at #1670 out of 3204 schools in the state. Academically, Central Academy focuses on ELA/reading proficiency, where 37% of students are rated as proficient or above. In math, 22% of students meet or exceed proficiency standards.

While these scores indicate room for improvement, Central Academy is committed to enhancing its academic programs and supporting student growth. Central Academy's setting in Ann Arbor offers a vibrant community with numerous cultural and educational resources nearby, making it an enriching environment for learning and personal development.

What Parents Should Know

Central Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.1Above Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.78 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics7.1Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency20.2%
Reading/ELA Proficiency36.3%
Math vs. State Avg-21.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.6 pts
Overall Proficiency28%
Expected (poverty-adj.)12%
vs. Expected+16.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile58th
College Readiness7.1Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.9Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,102

Central Academy — Students at Central Academy score 28% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 12%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 21.6%
School
State
34.4%
ELA Proficiency 37.3%
School
State
44.3%

Based on 18 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
31%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
24.5%
ELA
44.5%
2022
Math
19.9%
ELA
36.3%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.1/10.

How Central Academy Compares

See how Central Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.0/10
69th percentile in MI
Academic
7.1/10
7.1/10
Growth
6.1/10
Above average
Environment
7.9/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
35 teachers

Location

2459 SOUTH INDUSTRIAL HWY, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. ANN ARBOR ACADEMY (rated 8.1/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CLONLARA SCHOOL (rated 4.2/10, 0.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Ann Arbor, see our Ann Arbor schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
CLONLARA SCHOOL Ann Arbor 0.2 mi 4.2
ANN ARBOR CHILDREN'S HOUSE Ann Arbor 0.5 mi
Pathways To Success Academic Campus Ann Arbor 0.6 mi 6.0
Pattengill School Ann Arbor 0.7 mi 5.9
HEBREW DAY SCHOOL OF ANN ARBOR Ann Arbor 0.9 mi 5.9
Burns Park Elementary School Ann Arbor 1.1 mi 7.1
ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL Ann Arbor 1.0 mi 6.8
Tappan Middle School Ann Arbor 1.1 mi 7.6
Progress Park Ann Arbor 1.3 mi
John Allen School Ann Arbor 1.1 mi 8.8
ANN ARBOR ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY Ann Arbor 1.2 mi
Clifford E Bryant Comm School Ann Arbor 1.5 mi 8.7
Angell School Ann Arbor 1.7 mi 8.0
Pioneer High School Ann Arbor 1.4 mi 9.5
ANN ARBOR ACADEMY Ann Arbor 1.6 mi 8.1
Uriah H Lawton School Ann Arbor 1.7 mi 8.7
SUMMERS-KNOLL SCHOOL Ann Arbor 1.7 mi 7.5
Bach Elementary School Ann Arbor 2.1 mi 9.0
Community High School Ann Arbor 2.4 mi 8.8
Eberwhite School Ann Arbor 2.2 mi 8.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 48104 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,341

Median Home Value

$481,600

Median Rent

$1,548/mo

Population

43,762

College Educated

81.5%

Homeownership

36.1%

Avg Commute

19 min

Poverty Rate

36.3%

Median Age

22.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Central Academy has a median household income of $63,341. It is a well-educated community where 82% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $481,600, with a median rent of $1,548/month. The area has a poverty rate of 36.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Cardinal Elementary Muskegon, MI 6.9
Elmer A Knopf Learning Center Flint, MI 7.1
Ivywood Classical Academy Plymouth, MI 7.1
Merritt Academy New Haven, MI 6.9
PARKWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sterling Heights, MI 7.1
Perry Innovation Center Grand Blanc, MI 7.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central Academy

What grades does Central Academy serve?

Central Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

How many students attend Central Academy?

Central Academy has an enrollment of approximately 559 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Central Academy is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central Academy rank in MI?

Central Academy is ranked #1003 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Central Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Central Academy has a composite rating of 7.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Central Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Academy has 21.6% math proficiency and 37.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Central Academy a charter school?

Yes, Central Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Central Academy a Title I school?

No, Central Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Academy?

99.6% of students at Central Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (2,024/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Ann Arbor). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
559
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
Teachers (FTE)
35
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Washtenaw County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Central Academy
District Enrollment
559
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,094
District Rank
#1 of 1

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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