Average
#1721 of 3,192 schools in MI
Macdowell Preparatory Academy
Elementary School · MacDowell Preparatory Academy
4201 WEST OUTER DR, Detroit, MI 48221
Enrollment
368
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
6.1
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
368
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
6.1
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#1,721 of 3,192
In Detroit
#95 of 178
public schools
Academic growth
9.1 / 10
Excellent
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Macdowell Preparatory Academy
Elementary School in Detroit · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Bates Academy
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Macdowell Preparatory Academy
Macdowell Preparatory Academy is a public elementary school in Detroit, MI, part of MacDowell Preparatory Academy. Macdowell Preparatory Academy serves approximately 368 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 19.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Macdowell Preparatory Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,721 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Macdowell Preparatory Academy show 6% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022) and 17% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022).
- This school 6.1 · Average
- MI avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
Test scores at Macdowell Preparatory Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.
Macdowell Preparatory 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.
55% of students at Macdowell Preparatory 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
Macdowell Preparatory Academy — Students at Macdowell Preparatory Academy score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 18%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
91.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 34 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 9.1/10.
How Macdowell Preparatory Academy Compares
See how Macdowell Preparatory Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
4201 WEST OUTER DR, Detroit, MI 48221
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Macdowell Preparatory Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Bates Academy (rated 8.8/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Bagley Elementary School of Journalism and Technology (rated 7.1/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy (rated 7.1/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Detroit, see our Detroit schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 48221 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,583
Median Home Value
$138,700
Median Rent
$1,174/mo
Population
41,750
College Educated
29.3%
Homeownership
65.1%
Avg Commute
27 min
Poverty Rate
19.8%
Median Age
38.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Addison Elementary School Addison, MI | 6.1 |
| Ardmore Elementary School Saint Clair Shores, MI | 6.1 |
| Bruce Collins Elementary School Sterling Heights, MI | 6.1 |
| Carter Elementary School Montrose, MI | 6.1 |
| Donald J Yacks Elem School Harrison Township, MI | 6.1 |
| Dresden Elementary School Sterling Heights, MI | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Macdowell Preparatory Academy
What grades does Macdowell Preparatory Academy serve?
Macdowell Preparatory Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Macdowell Preparatory Academy?
Macdowell Preparatory Academy has an enrollment of approximately 368 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Macdowell Preparatory Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Macdowell Preparatory Academy is 19.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Macdowell Preparatory Academy rank in MI?
Macdowell Preparatory Academy ranks #1,721 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Macdowell Preparatory Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Macdowell Preparatory Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 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 Macdowell Preparatory Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Macdowell Preparatory Academy has 6% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022) and 17% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022).
Is Macdowell Preparatory Academy a charter school?
Yes, Macdowell Preparatory Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Macdowell Preparatory Academy a Title I school?
No, Macdowell Preparatory Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Macdowell Preparatory Academy?
91.6% of students at Macdowell Preparatory 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
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 368
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 19
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 91.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Wayne County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 55.2%
- Phone
- (313) 494-8141
Resources & Links
District
MacDowell Preparatory Academy- District Enrollment
- 368
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,910
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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