Needs Improvement
#3043 of 3,192 schools in MI
Detroit Merit Charter Academy
Elementary School · Detroit Merit Charter Academy
1091 ALTER RD, Detroit, MI 48215
Enrollment
718
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
3.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
718
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
3.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#3,043 of 3,192
In Detroit
#163 of 178
public schools
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Detroit Merit Charter Academy
Elementary School in Detroit · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Pierce Middle School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
George Defer Elementary School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Detroit Merit Charter Academy
Detroit Merit Charter Academy is a public elementary school in Detroit, MI, part of Detroit Merit Charter Academy. Detroit Merit Charter Academy serves approximately 718 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 22.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Detroit Merit Charter Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #3,043 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Detroit Merit Charter Academy show 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
- MI avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
Detroit Merit Charter Academy runs 22.4:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Detroit Merit Charter Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.
54% of students at Detroit Merit Charter Academy were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Detroit Merit Charter Academy — Students at Detroit Merit Charter Academy score 24% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 16%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
94.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 40 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 2.2/10.
How Detroit Merit Charter Academy Compares
See how Detroit Merit Charter Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
1091 ALTER RD, Detroit, MI 48215
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Detroit Merit Charter Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. George Defer Elementary School (rated 8.7/10, 0.5 miles away, in nearby Grosse Pointe Park), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lewis Maire Elementary School (rated 8.6/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby Grosse Pointe), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST CLARE OF MONTEFALCO SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Grosse Pointe Park), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Detroit, see our Detroit schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 48215 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$33,741
Median Home Value
$105,400
Median Rent
$897/mo
Population
10,238
College Educated
19.4%
Homeownership
49%
Avg Commute
26.4 min
Poverty Rate
39.2%
Median Age
38.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| AdamsYoung Building Detroit, MI | 3.4 |
| Carrollton Elementary School Saginaw, MI | 3.4 |
| Dye Elementary School Flint, MI | 3.4 |
| Academy of Warren Warren, MI | 3.5 |
| Adlai Stevenson Elementary School Southfield, MI | 3.3 |
| Cesar Chavez Academy Intermediate Detroit, MI | 3.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Detroit Merit Charter Academy
What grades does Detroit Merit Charter Academy serve?
Detroit Merit Charter Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Detroit Merit Charter Academy?
Detroit Merit Charter Academy has an enrollment of approximately 718 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Detroit Merit Charter Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Detroit Merit Charter Academy is 22.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Detroit Merit Charter Academy rank in MI?
Detroit Merit Charter Academy ranks #3,043 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Detroit Merit Charter Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Detroit Merit Charter Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Detroit Merit Charter Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Detroit Merit Charter Academy has 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Detroit Merit Charter Academy a charter school?
Yes, Detroit Merit Charter Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Detroit Merit Charter Academy a Title I school?
No, Detroit Merit Charter Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Detroit Merit Charter Academy?
94.6% of students at Detroit Merit Charter 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.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 718
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 32
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 94.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Wayne County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 53.8%
- Phone
- (313) 331-3328
Resources & Links
District
Detroit Merit Charter Academy- District Enrollment
- 718
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,543
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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