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Below Average

#2677 of 3,192 schools in MI

Universal Learning Academy

School · Universal Learning Academy

28015 JOY RD, Westland, MI 48185

Charter

Enrollment

754

Student-Teacher

18:1

Score

4.6

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#2,677 of 3,192

In Westland

#6 of 15

public schools

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Universal Learning Academy

4.6/10

School in Westland · grades Pre-K – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cleveland Elementary School

5.6/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Cooper Upper Elementary School

4.7/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Universal Learning Academy

Universal Learning Academy is a public school in Westland, MI, part of Universal Learning Academy. Universal Learning Academy serves approximately 754 students, and covers grades Pre-K-12th, and has a 18:1 student-teacher ratio. Universal Learning Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks #2,677 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Universal Learning Academy show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.6 pts below MI schools
  • This school 4.6 · Below Average
  • MI avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Universal Learning 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.

34% of students at Universal Learning 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.5Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.51 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.6Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency11.2% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency20.8% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-30.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-21.1 pts
Overall Proficiency16% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)18% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-2.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile27th
College Readiness6.5Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
AP Participation2.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,801
Chronic Absenteeism34.1%

Universal Learning Academy — Students at Universal Learning Academy score 16% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 18%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

90.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 24.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
34.4% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 34.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
44.3% (2022 EdFacts)

Based on 40 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
92%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
84%
ELA
71%
2011
Math
27%
ELA
46%
2012
Math
34%
ELA
53%
2013
Math
31%
ELA
56%
2014
Math
29%
ELA
49%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
36%
2016
Math
28%
ELA
35%
2017
Math
20%
ELA
27%
2018
Math
16%
ELA
31%
2019
Math
16%
ELA
31%
2020*
Math
7%
ELA
17%
2021*
Math
7%
ELA
17%
2022
Math
11.1%
ELA
20.6%

* 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: 2.5/10.

How Universal Learning Academy Compares

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

Overall Score
4.6/10
16th percentile in MI
Academic
4.6/10
Below Average
Growth
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.6/10
Below Average
Sports
9
4 boys' · 5 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
90%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.1%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics9sports offered
4 boys'·5 girls'·9 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

28015 JOY RD, Westland, MI 48185

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Universal Learning Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Tipton Academy PK3 (rated 8.0/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Garden City), which scores notably higher. Another option is Franklin High School (rated 7.3/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Livonia), which scores notably higher. Additionally, DREAMY ISLAMIC ACADEMY (rated 7.2/10, 1.1 miles away, in nearby Dearborn Heights), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Westland, see our Westland schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Cleveland Elementary School Livonia 0.4 mi 5.6
Cooper Upper Elementary School Westland 0.4 mi 4.7
Westfield Charter Academy Redford 0.6 mi 7.0
Emerson Middle School Livonia 0.9 mi 5.4
DREAMY ISLAMIC ACADEMY Dearborn Heights 1.1 mi 7.2
Thomas Jefferson Elem School Redford 0.9 mi 5.8
CONCORDIA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Redford 1.1 mi
American Montessori Academy Upper Elementary Westland 1.0 mi 3.7
Douglas Elementary 34 Campus Garden City 1.4 mi 7.0
Cambridge Alternative High School Garden City 1.4 mi 4.8
Garden City High School Garden City 1.5 mi 6.6
Franklin High School Livonia 1.4 mi 7.3
Riverside Middle School Dearborn Heights 1.5 mi 6.2
Hayes Elementary School Westland 1.5 mi 6.3
John D Pierce Middle School Redford 1.5 mi 4.2
Blended Learning Academies Credit Recovery High School Liv Livonia 1.6 mi
Fisher Elementary School Redford 1.8 mi 4.3
Tipton Academy PK3 Garden City 2.3 mi 8.0
Lee M Thurston High School Redford 2.2 mi 6.1
ST LINUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Dearborn Heights 2.0 mi 6.6

Neighborhood 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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
NORTHPOINTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Grand Rapids, MI 4.6
Cardinal Elementary Muskegon, MI 4.5
Universal Academy Detroit, MI 4.5
Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac Pontiac, MI 4.3
David Ellis Academy West Redford, MI 4.3
Keys Grace Academy Madison Heights, MI 4.9

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 ranks #2,677 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Universal Learning Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Universal Learning Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 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 Universal Learning Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Universal Learning Academy has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
58 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
45 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.1%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Universal Learning Academy
District Enrollment
754
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,801
District Rank
#1 of 1

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