Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Detroit Service Learning Academy

Charter | K-8 | 1122 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

35 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted May 26, 2010

I am extremely impressed with this school. The principal and support staff as well as the teachers are present themselves in a very professional manner. This is my son's 3rd school in 3 yrs and I hope to be his last through 8th grade. The learning and social responsibility curriculum are all very relevant to today's environment and culture. The homework is pertinent and an extension to what is being taught at that time and not just a packet of work that my child has no clue about because it was just breezed through in the classroom. I hope his 3rd grade year is as successful as his 2nd grade year was. I look forward to many more honor role certificates to come through my door!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 1, 2010

If you want your child to have the best, then Detroit Service Learning Acd is for you. The teachers are great in terms of providing your child with what they need. It is a technology base school, therefore, your child will far exceed in their knowledge of computer. They will be educated on social networking, search engines, and many other aspects of the computer. But wait! They will learn on regular PC, MAC, etc... The administration from top to bottom work for what is in the best interest of your child. M.E.A.P. scores, as well as, other national testing problems are very high. I can go on, but I will leave it to you to do your research.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 12, 2009

My daughter is a student at DSLA and so far it has been just ok. I would like for the school to have weekly classroom newsletters that highlight what is happening in the school and in the classrooms on a weekly basis. At the JA for 6-8 this is not in place and it should be. Also, teachers should be required to update grades in powerschool on a weekly basis and not wait until the end or weeks later so that parents can keep up to date with their child's grades. One more thing about the school is that I think they do a good job at preparing the students for the MEAP test and that is a plus.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 1, 2009

I love my school it is fun but is disiplined but you can learn stuff that most high school kids are learning now
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 10, 2009

I am Jazmine Williams. I am a former student. I gratuated from there in 2007. I have to say to the staff and parents that are reading this. DSLA is a real wonderful school for your child to attend. I have learn so much from the school, staff, students, and parents. I would like to say i am proud to be a DSLA former student.!!! 1999-2007 had lots of fun...! :)
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 28, 2009

i am a 6th grade student at the dsla and i love it the curriculum academics and the social activity is amazing whoever is in this school is up for an amazing life changing chance of education!
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 18, 2009

Our school is excellent and it is better than it was before.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 4, 2009

This school actually is not as good as it was before but they need to step it up and stop the non sense. My daughter is in the eighth grade which means this is her last year at this school and they were supposed to go to Cedar Pointe but the new J.A. Adminnistrator cancled it. I have to say they do change teachers inthe middle of the year and dont keep check of there uniforms. Your better of going to Taft Middle School down the block.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 24, 2009

I love this school. My son is in 1st grade and in his 2nd year at DSLA. The teachers are outstanding. The curriculum is great. I get a daily update on my son progress and anything that he is having trouble with. My son will attend DSLA until 8th grade. Anyone who sends there kids to this school will be pleased.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 24, 2009

This school is a nightmare...I am not sure what happened to the excellence i was reading in these posts, but by far this school is nothing to brag about. I have three children that attend there and of the three there is only one teacher who really keeps in contact with us regarding our child. I left DPS hoping to find something different, but after this year that is it. I will continue to put my trust in a district that has been around for years rather than one trying to get in the game. The school switches teacher's in the middle of the school year and never inform the parents. I would not recommend this school to anyone. I wish the government would stop pushing teaching exams but actually teaching the children. DSLA gets two thumbs down!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 12, 2009

This is my son second year, I found it through this site. They score high on the meap testing, and their curriculum is outstanding. No problem behavior is tolerated. They follow through on kids/parents complaints. They have band, robotics, etc..I just wish they had a high school. What am I'm to do now? They encourage parents involvement, and have great field trips such as colleges, movies, restaurants, up north camping etc.. Keep up the good work Mr. Wallace.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 20, 2008

This is my first year hear at DSLA and I am already loving it. I don't love it just because of the new people that I've met, it's because of the teaching it's way better than my old school. I just love it hear at DSLA!
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 16, 2008

i am a student. I am in the 6th grade and to me i love this school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 22, 2008

I have had my kids in the YMCA SLA for 8 years now. I recommended this school to family and friends, and would recommend it to anyone else. This is a great school with great kids, teachers and the rest of the staff. I can't wait till they get a high school. If you are looking for a great, safe, high achieving school for your child this is it! Go YMCA!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 22, 2008

AYO! What can i say! This school have did wonders to my life! I just graduated june 2, 2008 from the YMCA SLA's jr. academy. I've been attending this school 1999 when it was first built. I have history with this school. It is awesome! they have many activities such as cheerleading, boys basketball, girls basket ball, band, robotics, and they used to have a marching band! This school takes trips all over the state. So if you want your child to have a good education and want them to be successful in life, I would reccomend your child here!


Posted May 17, 2008

After Graduating from the YMCA SLA ive become a better student.I realize to trust in myself in doing things best to my abillities.In doing so my report card are really good.I want to thank all the teachers who have taught me through the years.Keep up the good work.


Posted May 13, 2008

This is my son's first year (kindergarten) at this school. And thus far I must say I am very pleased. The curriculum is great and so are the teachers. The only downfall I would say is the parking. But I have noticed someone in the parking lot lately directing the traffic. So I guess their working on improving it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 21, 2008

This is my daughter 1st year there and she's in kindergardent. I love ymca school they are very secure and concerned about the children learning and well being. I can actually say that im looking forward to my daughter graduation from the 8th grade. The only thing i have a problem with is the traffic and the parking i hope someone from the school reads this but i know they will get it together.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 7, 2008

I have experienced this school's patient and excellent education program with two children. This is school is excellent excellent excellent the teachers are personable. Kudos to the principal and adiministrative assistant of the junior academy. I recommend this school all parents.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 9, 2008

Very great school. I have 2 children who attend this school and it is great to have the teachers so dicated to the parent and the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 41% in 2013.

125 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
26%

2012

 
 
15%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

125 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
49%

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
87%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 45% in 2013.

124 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
30%

2012

 
 
43%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

125 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
64%

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
89%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 47% in 2013.

125 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
48%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 46% in 2013.

124 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
37%

2012

 
 
18%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 70% in 2013.

124 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
72%

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
92%
Science

The state average for Science was 13% in 2013.

126 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
19%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
91%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 40% in 2013.

128 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
20%

2012

 
 
25%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

128 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
56%

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
93%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 30% in 2013.

129 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
9%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
68%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 38% in 2013.

127 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
20%

2012

 
 
8%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
89%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2013.

125 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
54%

2012

 
 
47%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
82%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2013.

129 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
43%

2011

 
 
50%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 33% in 2013.

110 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
15%

2012

 
 
20%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
84%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

111 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
54%

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
90%
Science

The state average for Science was 16% in 2013.

113 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
10%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
90%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 100% 20%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 1%
Asian/Pacific Islander N/A 3%
Hispanic 0% 5%
White 0% 71%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 77%N/A42%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 20N/A18
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Mr. Robert Davis
Fax number
  • (313) 541-7656

Programs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Special education
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

21605 West 7 Mile Rd
Detroit, MI 48219
Website: Click here
Phone: (313) 541-7619

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare
ADVERTISEMENT