Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Elementary Schools in Detroit, MI (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Detroit Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 134 public elementary schools serving 59,022 students in Detroit, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Detroit, MI are Pembroke Academy, Keidan Special Education Center and Bates Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Detroit, MI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 11% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 17% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Detroit have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Detroit, MI (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pembroke Academy
Charter School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
19940 Mansfield St
Detroit, MI 48235
(313) 243-0092
Gr: K-8 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #22.
Keidan Special Education Center
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
4441 Collingwood St
Detroit, MI 48204
(313) 873-9400
Gr: PK-8 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #33.
Bates Academy
(Math: 50% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
19701 Wyoming St
Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 494-7000
Gr: PK-8 | 773 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #44.
Chrysler Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1445 E Lafayette St
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 494-8440
Gr: PK-5 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #5 - 75. - 7.
Capstonewayne Co Juvenile Detention Fac
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3501 Hamtramck Dr
Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 831-3510
Gr: 4-12 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #5 - 75. - 7.
Detroit Lions Academy
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2001 W Warren Ave
Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 852-9677
Gr: 6-12 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #5 - 75. - 7.
Turning Point Academy
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
18501 Waltham St
Detroit, MI 48205
(313) 347-8900
Gr: K-12 | 42 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #88.
Moses Field Center
Special Education School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1100 Sheridan St
Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 866-5790
Gr: PK-8 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #99.
Detroit Prep
Charter School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
8411 Sylvester St
Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 343-1495
Gr: K-8 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #1010.
Oakland International Academy Prek1
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4001 Miller St
Detroit, MI 48211
(313) 923-0790
Gr: PK-1 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 49:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1111.
Way Academy Chicago Site
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
19321 W Chicago St
Detroit, MI 48228
(313) 444-9398
Gr: 6-12 | 76 students
Rank: #1212.
The James And Grace Lee Boggs School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
7600 Goethe St
Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 923-2301
Gr: K-8 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #1313.
Edmonson Montessori
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1300 W Canfield St
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 873-7441
Gr: PK-8 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #1414.
Clippert Academy
(Math: 29% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1981 Mckinstry St
Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 849-5009
Gr: 6-8 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1515.
Foreign Language Immersion And Cultural Studies
(Math: 24% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
6501 W Outer Dr
Detroit, MI 48235
(313) 651-2400
Gr: PK-8 | 715 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #1616.
Detroit Enterprise Academy
Charter School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
11224 Kercheval St
Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 823-5799
Gr: K-8 | 686 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #1717.
Oakland International Academy 28
Charter School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
8228 Conant St
Detroit, MI 48211
(313) 925-1000
Gr: 2-8 | 1,034 students Student-teacher ratio: 80:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #1818.
The School At Marygrove
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
8425 W Mcnichols Rd
Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 335-1331
Gr: K-12 | 606 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1919.
Detroit Edison Public School Academy
Charter School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1903 Wilkins St
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 833-1100
Gr: PK-8 | 901 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Rank: #2020.
University Preparatory Science And Math Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2251 Antietam Ave
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 782-4400
Gr: K-5 | 476 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
Rank: #2121.
Detroit Merit Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1091 Alter Rd
Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 331-3328
Gr: K-8 | 719 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #2222.
University Preparatory Science And Math Psad Middle School
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
5100 John R St
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 832-8400
Gr: 6-8 | 513 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2323.
Bagley Elementary School Of Journalism And Technology
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
8100 Curtis St
Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 494-7175
Gr: PK-6 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #2424.
Charles Wright Academy Of Arts And Science
(Math: 19% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
19299 Berg Rd
Detroit, MI 48219
(313) 538-3024
Gr: PK-8 | 692 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
Rank: #2525.
Warrendale Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
19400 Sawyer St
Detroit, MI 48228
(313) 240-4200
Gr: K-8 | 680 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2626.
Way Academy Vernor Site
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
8701 W Vernor Hwy
Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 444-8082
Gr: 6-12 | 135 students Student-teacher ratio: 68:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #2727.
Legacy Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4900 E Hildale St
Detroit, MI 48234
(313) 368-2215
Gr: K-8 | 738 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #2828.
Golightly Education Center
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
5536 Saint Antoine St
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 494-2538
Gr: PK-8 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Rank: #2929.
University Preparatory Art Design Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
10225 3rd St
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 826-1159
Gr: K-5 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #3030.
Regent Park Scholars Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
15865 E 7 Mile Rd
Detroit, MI 48205
(313) 371-1300
Gr: K-8 | 707 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Rank: #3131.
Barton Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
8530 Joy Rd
Detroit, MI 48204
(313) 873-7441
Gr: PK-7 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Rank: #3232.
Cesar Chavez Academy Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
6782 Goldsmith St
Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 842-0006
Gr: 6-8 | 615 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #3333.
Pasteur Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
19811 Stoepel St
Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 494-7314
Gr: PK-6 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #3434.
Burton International Academy
(Math: 13% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2001 Martin Luther King Jr Blv
Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 596-3800
Gr: PK-8 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #3535.
Detroit Premier Academy
Charter School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
7781 Asbury Park
Detroit, MI 48228
(313) 945-1472
Gr: K-8 | 706 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Show 99 more public schools in Detroit, MI (out of 134 total schools)
Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Detroit, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Detroit, MI include Pembroke Academy, Keidan Special Education Center and Bates Academy.
How many public elementary schools are located in Detroit?
135 public elementary schools are located in Detroit.
What is the racial composition of students in Detroit?
Detroit public elementary schools minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Detroit are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
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
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
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (MI):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
 School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights
Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights
 Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
 What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?

More Articles

Public School Policies
Scholarships
About Public Schools
Parenting and Learning Issues
Opinion