Detroit Leadership Academy is a free public charter school located in Detroit, Michigan. The school was opened in 2012 through the YMCA and currently serves students in Pre-K - 11th grade at two campuses on the city's west side and is managed by Equity Education.
Serving 486 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Detroit Leadership Academy K8 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 3% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 486 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Detroit Leadership Academy K8 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Detroit Leadership Academy K8's student population of 486 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
486 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Rankings
Detroit Leadership Academy K8 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Detroit Leadership Academy K8 is 0.02, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3016 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
n/a
9%
Black
99%
18%
White
n/a
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
90%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Detroit Leadership Academy K8's ranking?
Detroit Leadership Academy K8 is ranked #3016 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
3% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 6% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Detroit Leadership Academy K8?
486 students attend Detroit Leadership Academy K8.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of Detroit Leadership Academy K8 students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Detroit Leadership Academy K8?
Detroit Leadership Academy K8 has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Detroit Leadership Academy K8 offer ?
Detroit Leadership Academy K8 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Detroit Leadership Academy K8 part of?
Detroit Leadership Academy K8 is part of Detroit Leadership Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is Detroit Leadership Academy K8 located?
Detroit Leadership Academy K8 is located in the Castle Rouge neighborhood of Detroit, MI.
School Reviews
Review Detroit Leadership Academy K8. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
