Needs Improvement
#3039 of 3,190 schools in MI
Universal Academy
School · Universal Academy
4833 Ogden, Detroit, MI 48210
Enrollment
684
Student-Teacher
18.5:1
Score
3.9
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
684
Student-Teacher
18.5:1
Score
3.9
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Detroit
#138 of 150
public schools
Michigan schools
#268 of 279
Academic growth
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Universal Academy
Universal Academy is a charter school located in Detroit, Michigan, serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 684 students and a student-teacher ratio of 18.5:1, the school aims to provide personalized attention to each learner. The faculty consists of 37 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting their students' educational needs.
According to MySchoolScout ratings, Universal Academy currently holds a score of 2.4 out of 10 and ranks at 3083 out of 3204 schools in Michigan, placing it near the bottom quartile in terms of state ranking. In academic performance, only 7% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts (ELA) and Reading, while a slightly higher percentage of 4% are proficient or above in Math. The school is situated within Detroit's urban landscape, offering opportunities for diverse community engagement and real-world learning experiences.
While the current academic scores indicate areas where improvement is needed, Universal Academy continues to focus on student development and growth.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Universal Academy are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Universal 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 metricsView breakdown
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Universal Academy — Students at Universal Academy score 6% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 12%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 18 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: 7.5/10.
How Universal Academy Compares
See how Universal Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 4% (2019) to 5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 11% (2019) to 6.68% (2022).
Location
4833 Ogden, Detroit, MI 48210
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Universal Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. AL-FURQAN QURAN ACADEMY (rated 6.7/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Advanced Technology Academy (rated 2.7/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby Dearborn), a more accessible option. For more schools in Detroit, see our Detroit schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| AL-FURQAN QURAN ACADEMY Detroit | 0.2 mi | 6.7 |
| SER Metro YouthBuild Learning Academy Dearborn | 0.4 mi | — |
| Priest ElementaryMiddle School Detroit | 0.6 mi | 4.8 |
| Munger ElementaryMiddle School Detroit | 0.9 mi | 6.1 |
| Cesar Chavez Academy Intermediate Detroit | 1.0 mi | 3.2 |
| GREAT REVELATIONS ACADEMY Dearborn | 1.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Salina Elementary P 3 Dearborn | 1.5 mi | 4.9 |
| Salina Intermediate 4 8 Dearborn | 1.5 mi | 6.9 |
| WAY Academy Vernor Site Detroit | 1.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Academy of the Americas at Logan Detroit | 1.2 mi | 3.1 |
| Cesar Chavez Academy Elementary Detroit | 1.4 mi | 5.3 |
| McDonald Elementary School Dearborn | 1.5 mi | 8.8 |
| Advanced Technology Academy Dearborn | 1.3 mi | 2.7 |
| Bennett Elementary School Detroit | 1.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Harms Elementary School Detroit | 1.4 mi | 4.2 |
| Iris Becker Elementary School Dearborn | 1.4 mi | 4.8 |
| Voyageur Academy Detroit | 1.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Miller Elementary School Dearborn | 1.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Riverside Academy Dearborn | 1.5 mi | 6.5 |
| Voyageur College Prep Detroit | 1.4 mi | 4.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 48210 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$38,900
Median Home Value
$60,100
Median Rent
$968/mo
Population
26,925
College Educated
9.2%
Homeownership
57.3%
Avg Commute
22.7 min
Poverty Rate
37.6%
Median Age
28.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Universal Academy has a median household income of $38,900. It is a community where 9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $60,100, with a median rent of $968/month. The area has a poverty rate of 37.6%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| Uplift Michigan Academy Stephenson, MI | 3.8 |
| Universal Learning Academy Westland, MI | 3.7 |
| Frontier International Academy Detroit, MI | 4.2 |
| LAnse Area School Lanse, MI | 4.3 |
| Dearborn Public Schools Virtual K12 Dearborn, MI | 3.4 |
| The School at Marygrove Detroit, MI | 4.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Universal Academy
What grades does Universal Academy serve?
Universal Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.
How many students attend Universal Academy?
Universal Academy has an enrollment of approximately 684 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Universal Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Universal Academy is 18.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Universal Academy rank in MI?
Universal Academy is ranked #3039 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Universal Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Universal Academy has a composite rating of 3.9 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 Universal Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Universal Academy has 4.4% math proficiency and 7.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Universal Academy a charter school?
Yes, Universal Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Universal Academy a Title I school?
No, Universal Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Universal Academy?
99.6% of students at Universal 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (6,148/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Detroit). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 12th
- Enrollment
- 684
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Wayne County
- Phone
- (313) 581-5006
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Universal Academy- District Enrollment
- 684
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,971
- 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 methodologyRelated reading
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