Serving 162 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Great Lakes Academy 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 162 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Great Lakes Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Great Lakes Academy's student population of 162 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has grown by 30% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
162 students
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
Year Founded
1997
Colors
Navy blue, white, light blue or burgundy
School Motto
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.
School Rankings
Great Lakes Academy 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 Great Lakes Academy is 0.33, 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
#2835 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
4%
Hispanic
12%
9%
Black
81%
18%
White
2%
63%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)96.9%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
86%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Great Lakes Academy's ranking?
Great Lakes Academy is ranked #2835 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?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Great Lakes Academy?
162 students attend Great Lakes Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Great Lakes Academy students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Great Lakes Academy?
Great Lakes Academy has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Great Lakes Academy offer ?
Great Lakes Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Great Lakes Academy part of?
Great Lakes Academy is part of Great Lakes Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is Great Lakes Academy located?
Great Lakes Academy is located in the Unity Park Neighborhood neighborhood of Pontiac, MI. There are 1 other public schools located in Unity Park Neighborhood.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
My children transferred to Great Lakes Academy from Southfield Public Schools. After leaving Great Lakes Academy my children attended public school in the Waterford School District. I am very pleased with the education my children received while at Great Lakes Academy. The teachers at Great Lakes Academy care about the children.
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