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Below Average

#2535 of 3,192 schools in MI

Way Academy Vernor Site

High School · W-A-Y Academy

8701 West Vernor Highway, Detroit, MI 48209

Charter

Enrollment

115

Student-Teacher

115:1

Score

4.9

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#2,535 of 3,192

In Detroit

#136 of 178

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

W-A-Y Academy

Academic growth

9.8 / 10

Excellent

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Way Academy Vernor Site

4.9/10

High School in Detroit · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Bennett Elementary School

6.9/10

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

Cesar Chavez Academy Elementary

7.6/10

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

About Way Academy Vernor Site

Way Academy Vernor Site is a public high school in Detroit, MI, part of W-A-Y Academy. Way Academy Vernor Site serves approximately 115 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 115:1 student-teacher ratio. Way Academy Vernor Site has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,535 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Way Academy Vernor Site show 11% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022) and 21% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022).

How it compares0.4 pts below district
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.3
  • MI avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 115 students, Way Academy Vernor Site is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Way Academy Vernor Site runs 115:1 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.

Way Academy Vernor Site 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.8Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data9
Annual Change+0.97 pts/yr
Data Period2012–2022
TrendStable
Academics6.7Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-11.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-35 pts
Overall Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)13% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+12.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile52th
College Readiness1.7Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate≤20%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio115:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,759

Way Academy Vernor Site — Students at Way Academy Vernor Site score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 13%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 10.5% (multi-year average, 2012-2022)
School
State
36.6% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 20.5% (multi-year average, 2012-2022)
School
State
60.0% (2022 EdFacts)

Based on 20 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2012
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2013
Math
5%
ELA
24.5%
2014
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2015
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2016
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2018
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2019
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2022
Math
25%
ELA
25%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.8/10.

How Way Academy Vernor Site Compares

See how Way Academy Vernor Site performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
21th percentile in MI
Academic
6.7/10
Average
Growth
9.8/10
Excellent
Environment
1.4/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
99%
Teaching Staff
115:1 student-teacher ratio
1 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses2 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

8701 West Vernor Highway, Detroit, MI 48209

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Way Academy Vernor Site may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Voyageur College Prep (rated 5.7/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Cesar Chavez High School (rated 5.6/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Detroit, see our Detroit schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Bennett Elementary School Detroit 0.1 mi 6.9
Cesar Chavez Academy Elementary Detroit 0.2 mi 7.6
Harms Elementary School Detroit 0.5 mi 7.0
Salina Intermediate 4 8 Dearborn 0.8 mi 6.1
Roberto Clemente Learning Academy Detroit 0.8 mi 6.2
Salina Elementary P 3 Dearborn 0.9 mi 5.2
Cesar Chavez Middle School Detroit 0.9 mi 4.8
Cesar Chavez High School Detroit 1.0 mi 5.6
Cesar Chavez Academy Intermediate Detroit 1.4 mi 3.5
Academy of the Americas at Logan Detroit 1.4 mi 2.8
Universal Academy Detroit 1.5 mi 4.5
AL-FURQAN QURAN ACADEMY Detroit 1.6 mi 6.7
Voyageur Academy Detroit 1.7 mi 2.6
Neinas Dual Language Learning Academy Detroit 1.4 mi 7.3
Voyageur College Prep Detroit 1.8 mi 5.7
Munger ElementaryMiddle School Detroit 1.9 mi 6.5
Academy of The Americas High School Detroit 1.7 mi 5.2
SER Metro YouthBuild Learning Academy Dearborn 1.7 mi
Priest ElementaryMiddle School Detroit 2.0 mi 6.4
Hope of Detroit Academy Elementary Detroit 2.0 mi 4.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 48209 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$42,152

Median Home Value

$82,800

Median Rent

$843/mo

Population

27,534

College Educated

9.6%

Homeownership

58.5%

Avg Commute

25.2 min

Poverty Rate

30.1%

Median Age

30.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Academic and Career Education Academy Midland, MI 4.9
Ackerson High School Napoleon, MI 4.9
ClimaxScotts Virtual Academy Climax, MI 4.9
Davison Alternative Education Davison, MI 4.9
Northview Next Learning Center Grand Rapids, MI 4.9
Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan Benton Harbor, MI 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Way Academy Vernor Site

What grades does Way Academy Vernor Site serve?

Way Academy Vernor Site serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Way Academy Vernor Site?

Way Academy Vernor Site has an enrollment of approximately 115 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Way Academy Vernor Site?

The student-teacher ratio at Way Academy Vernor Site is 115:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Way Academy Vernor Site rank in MI?

Way Academy Vernor Site ranks #2,535 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Way Academy Vernor Site's MySchoolScout rating?

Way Academy Vernor Site has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Way Academy Vernor Site?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Way Academy Vernor Site has 11% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022) and 21% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022).

Is Way Academy Vernor Site a charter school?

Yes, Way Academy Vernor Site is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Way Academy Vernor Site a Title I school?

No, Way Academy Vernor Site is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Way Academy Vernor Site?

99.1% of students at Way Academy Vernor Site 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
79 Very Walkable
Transit Score
37 Some Transit
Bike Score
67 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
115
Student-Teacher Ratio
115:1
Teachers (FTE)
1
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.1%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large City
County
Wayne County
4-Year Graduation
≤20%

District

W-A-Y Academy
District Enrollment
200
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,759
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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