Needs Improvement
#3094 of 3,190 schools in MI
Universal Learning Academy
School · Universal Learning Academy
28015 JOY RD, Westland, MI 48185
Enrollment
754
Student-Teacher
18:1
Score
3.7
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
754
Student-Teacher
18:1
Score
3.7
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Westland
#14 of 14
public schools
Michigan schools
#271 of 279
About Universal Learning Academy
Universal Learning Academy serves students from preschool through 12th grade in Westland, a large suburban area of Wayne County. The charter school currently enrolls 754 students with 42 full-time equivalent teachers, creating a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. Academically, Universal Learning Academy is working with significant challenges.
The school's MySchoolScout Rating is 2.5 out of 10, and it ranks in the bottom percentile of Michigan schools at #3061 out of 3204 statewide. Test results show that only 21% of students across all grades are proficient or above in ELA and Reading, while mathematics proficiency is even lower at 11% across grade levels. These figures indicate the school is focused on strengthening core academic foundations across its student population.
Universal Learning Academy is a public charter school, meaning it operates independently while remaining part of Michigan's public education system. For families considering this school, it's important to note that the data reflects areas where the school has room for growth in student achievement. Parents interested in the school would benefit from learning more about its specific initiatives and support programs aimed at improving academic outcomes.
The school is conveniently located at 28015 Joy Road for families in the Westland area.
What Parents Should Know
Universal Learning 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 Learning Academy — Students at Universal Learning Academy score 16% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 18%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
90.3%
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
↓ 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: 4.6/10.
How Universal Learning Academy Compares
See how Universal Learning Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 16% (2019) to 11.21% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 31% (2019) to 20.81% (2022).
Location
28015 JOY RD, Westland, MI 48185
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Universal Learning Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Hayes Elementary School (rated 8.7/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Cleveland Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 0.4 miles away, in nearby Livonia), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Thomas Jefferson Elem School (rated 7.5/10, 0.9 miles away, in nearby Redford), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Westland, see our Westland schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 48185 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,085
Median Home Value
$183,500
Median Rent
$1,123/mo
Population
48,364
College Educated
23.4%
Homeownership
56.3%
Avg Commute
23.5 min
Poverty Rate
13%
Median Age
38.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Universal Learning Academy has a median household income of $59,085. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $183,500, with a median rent of $1,123/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.0%. The average commute for residents is 24 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 Academy Detroit, MI | 3.9 |
| Dearborn Public Schools Virtual K12 Dearborn, MI | 3.4 |
| Frontier International Academy Detroit, MI | 4.2 |
| LAnse Area School Lanse, MI | 4.3 |
| International Academy of Flint K12 Flint, MI | 3.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Universal Learning Academy
What grades does Universal Learning Academy serve?
Universal Learning Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.
How many students attend Universal Learning Academy?
Universal Learning Academy has an enrollment of approximately 754 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Universal Learning Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Universal Learning Academy is 18:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Universal Learning Academy rank in MI?
Universal Learning Academy is ranked #3094 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Universal Learning Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Universal Learning Academy has a composite rating of 3.7 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 Learning Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Universal Learning Academy has 11.2% math proficiency and 21.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Universal Learning Academy a charter school?
Yes, Universal Learning Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Universal Learning Academy a Title I school?
No, Universal Learning Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Universal Learning Academy?
90.3% of students at Universal Learning 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 (1,818/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Westland). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 12th
- Enrollment
- 754
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 42
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 90.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Wayne County
- Phone
- (734) 402-5900
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Universal Learning Academy- District Enrollment
- 754
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,801
- 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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