Martin Luther King Junior Education Center Academy

Overall, this is an excellent school. The teachers are passionate, dedicated, and are very involved. I originally had my son in a Montessori School, which I paid $7k annually for, but I was unsatisfied with the outcome. I switched him to MLKECA in kindergarten and the improvement was substantial. There are a few seedy elements that I've noticed throughout my son's time thus far (parents w/scarves on their head, parents w/pajamas on, and graduation is more like the Maury Show), but these elements have nothing to do with the quality of education, but are mere footnotes in the overall grand scheme of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

The parent who claims that the school does not challenge the students is uninformed. This is a new parent who is obviously clueless about the way the school operates. in October the students prepare for the MEAP test. The test which is administered in October is based on the previous grade's work. Therefore from september until the test starts the students use workbooks that are state certified for the purpose of review. Once the MEAP test is completed, the students move on to grade level work. Although the students might take home work from the previous year (the reason for the workbooks a year behind) it does not account for the fact that the grade level books are in the classroom at the beginning of the year. If the parent does not understand the process of education, she should ask to have things explained rather than jump to incorrect conclusions. Such parents shuffle their children from school to school and this can inhibit the children's abilities in performance and forming secured foundations for learning. This school is exceptional.

MLKJECA. Students are not being challenged with their abilities. 6th graders are working out of 5th grade books,7th grade is using 6th grade books. sad.... a mind is a terrible thing to waste,
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the kindergarten and my niece is in the pre-school program. They are in different buildings but the love is spread from pre-school to eighth grade. The teachers have a great relationship with the parents and caregivers as well as the administration is involved with all the students. You see the connection, cohesiveness and coordination of all parties from the classroom to the special events/programs and even with the field trips. I am always greeted at the front door upon entrance and exit with smiles and respect. The teachers challenge the students and parents to maintain involvement. This is a successful school for multiple reasons and will remain one because of its faith based background.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son went to this school for kindergarden in 2005 and it was an excellent experience. Mrs. Lee did an excellent job with our son and the rest of the kids as the kids built a strong bond with each other. The principal and vice principle were very competent and nice and they really cared for kids. I was even impressed with the secretary Mrs. Ely who always treated everyone with respect and was always very professional. Academically, MLK is great, the teachers challenge the kids while letting them have fun at the same time. We are now strongly considering putting our son back in MLK.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my son and daughter love the school. They came from Cornerstone School which was great academically but the principal lacked professionalism and had a hard time directing her staff especially the teacher assistants. My daughter was accepted to Bates and I decided on Martin Luther King educational center. What an excellent choice. The student/teacher ratio is small and both 2nd grade male teachers are excellent and have no problem controlling the learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in this school four years. When we first started there it was great, but after first grade I became less enthusiastic. The classrooms aren't managed well, the administration isn't involved enough with the children or supportive of the teachers. This school needs new administration, more creative arts, more teachers, and an exciting atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been there since pre-k and loved it. i left last year though. most parents dislike it but i love it. they have alot of subjjects and curriculm. they have alot of family get togethers so i don;t know what the problem is with these parents. overall that is a great school.

My boys have attended this school for two years. The Directors are nonexistent they do not have any involvement with the parents. The education is good but they allow student to do what they want and the teachers get no support from the administration when it comes to dealing with behavior problems in the classroom. This was an excellent school that Rev. Green started some years ago it was exceptional, but it has changed and not for the best. My sons will not attend this school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters second year pre-k.First year i was really impressed with the school and teachers. With the progress of my child and the developement of the skills that were already taught at home.SEcond year i see big difference younger staff,no involvement with the children,ebonics being used,and teacher being absent from their classroom.Resulting in students being shuffled around.My case child is grouped with children that are just entering the center.Progression of learning is impaired.Have yet to meet the principal.$220 bi weekly is a small price to pay for my childs education,but to be educated is what is missing this year.There are some good points about the school, there are activities that parents,teachers and students are involved in.Parent turn-outs,donations,are great.I have done more than my share the first year.Being called upon by the school.Education is the key to a sucessful life..Next year she will not attened M.L.K
—Submitted by One who cares about my childs tomorrow., a parent

My problem with MLKEC does not lie with academics, but with classroom management. The majority of Teacher lack in this area. Although, academics are strickly enforced, students soon become problematic due to the lack of classroom management. The principal seems disinterested in the children and teachers, in general. She seems to have money on her mind, at all times. Latchkey is at an all time rate of $55 per week per student, and this is costly being that only half-day kindergarten and headstart is offered.
—Submitted by Parent, a parent

Good School the teachers are young and hip. Lacking Academic games and arts...there's no Science Lab, Library, music, band. 1 teacher teaches Math, English, Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies, spelling. They need a variety of classrooms. The afternoon Latchkey is poor. Young kids are watching the children (18-21) They need a muture and elder person to do this. There's a lot of hitting, and too much horseplay. Teachers aren't strict discplinarians. My child has been here since k-2. Now I'm re-looking else`where.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's first year there and boy am I glad I enrolled her. The teachers are great and really love the art of teaching. Not many schools in Detroit can say that, but MLK can and mean it!
—Submitted by a parent