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GreatSchools Rating

Laurus Academy

Charter | K-8 | 742 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

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25 reviews of this school


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Posted May 18, 2013

I attended this school from K-12 and left this school.Then I came back in 4th grade and been here every since.it is way different, we have a new music teacher, Ms.Lyttle, she is a horrible teacher.The new gym teacher, Ms.Nazoyn, I don't like her either.The lunches are inedible.In these past two weeks, 3 students have threw up.Many students and parents have complained about it and the school has not done anyting about it.This school is so not reccomended...


Posted March 23, 2013

My kids have been at this school since the 2nd grade they are now in the 6 and 7th respectively, I have seen this school slowly go down, in the past I have recommended this school to other's but I cannot do this today, the quality of student being let into the school have changed significantly, the kids appear to be alot rougher around the edges, along with their parents, I have noticed the 2012 Meap scores dropped unbelievably low, but I can see why with the type of students they are letting in, I believe they are more about numbers (money) now, I am aggressively looking to take my kids to new schools, unfortunately, I can no longer recommend this school for any parent that is serious about there kids education, with that being said, the teachers and administration is wonderful, but I want my child around kids whom come from families that respect education and it's importance, not kids with behavior problems and parents with behavior problems, most of the serious parents are pulling there kids out or are currently looking for new schools, it is very sad to see a great school nose dive into a school that is mediocre at best now
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 13, 2012

the school has stepped it up thank you laurus the music dept is excellent the deans are excellent
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2012

I m not quite sure about this school. My daughter needs a challenge and I pulled her out of Southfield Public Schools in the fall of 2011 to attend Laurus Academy. Currently, she is in the most advanced class, but is bored. She has homework, but it only takes her a short time to complete. I did contact the dean and talked to her teachers, who agreed to give her more challenging work. She is still bored. Moreover, the math book that the other 7th graders (not the advanced class) are using is the same book that my daughter had last year (in 6th grade). I was assured that she was not being taught out of that book and that she is using a 7/8th grade book this year. That was a major concern at the beginning of the school year. I do, however, like the atmosphere. The teachers and administrative staff are all pleasant and know my child by name (she is not a number). And they all seem to care about my daughter s success (in and out of the classroom). My only problem is the curriculum. I think it could be beefed up a bit to compete with the SPS students. Teacher, principal & parent = 5 stars, Curriculum = 3 stars.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 19, 2011

My 9th grader attended this school from 5-8th grade and I am more than pleased with this school...so much so, that I had to purchase at least two bookbags for her during the school year considering this school nurtures reading...unlike the current school she attends! My son started kindergarten at Laurus Academy and he has homework assignments and reading assignments weekly...admittedly...I have a hard time keeping up! Anyway, I have never had any issues with the teachers or the office staff, everyone seem friendly and professional...I would highly recommend this school...I only wish they offered a high school in the area!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 16, 2010

I was excited about my daughters' enrollment in this school when then 2010 school year started.Now (less than 4 months ago)I can't wait for this year to end.My daughter loves this school but myself as a parent find the dean as well as the principal very unproffesion.The teachers are ok,but nothing to brag about ,and do get me started about the crazy parking lot.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 24, 2010

My daughter has been at Laurus for 3 years now and we love it! She was an only child a very quiet, they found the perfect program and teacher for her. Now as a Second Grader my daughter is a social butterfly, very well spoken and a great student. She is reading chapter books and spelling words I learned to spell when I was in the 4th grade. All of my children will be students at Laurus Academy
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 9, 2010

I will be enrolling my daughter in Kindergarten at Laurus Academy in 2010. I was very impressed with my tour, the professional administrative faculty and teachers I was introduced to during my visit. From the overview, the curriculm is outstanding. The environment is inviting, clean and organized. The school is diversed and you can tell that the teachers and the entire faculty care and will nuture your child to be the best that they can be...letting their light shine academically and socially. I look forward to my daughter years at Laurus Academy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2010

It's really good school. The principal, both deans are very good along with teachers. I love that school. My daughter got very good scores. But, since the school is very far from our house, I have to take my daughter away. The school it's best to make your child shine in academics. Kavitha
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 8, 2009

i love my shcool laurus and my techer MS.Deborde
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 29, 2009

Laurus is a prime example of how test scores don't tell the whole picture. The scores are low, but I've found that the greatest gift with this school is qualitative, rather than quantitative. The child's experience in this environment is priceless and this is coming from a parent that previously judged all schools based on MEAP scores. This school has the right environment, staff, and parental involvement to greatly improve those scores, without sacrificing the other things that make it a unique and nurturing environment for the child. I have a hard time reconciling my experience with the school and those scores. It's like there's some simple missing piece that will translate what the kids are learning and it showing up on their test scores. If you like structure and organization, you'll love this place.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 17, 2009

My daughter came to Laurus in the 2nd grade from a private school along with few other students who came because of the catholic school closings at that time. The transiton went very well. I did prefer when the classes were set up based on test performance, however I didn't rush to change schools like some parents. Our daughter is performing exceptionally well academically and personally. The teachers really challenge the students to do their best. My daughter is now in the 7th grade. I have recommended this school to friends and family all have been very satisfied. Thank you Laurus Acadmey.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 13, 2009

My son attends school at Laurus. When he tested in he tested at a pre-K level. within the first month of kindergarten he was up to speed and passing his class mates. The teacher and administrative staff really know what they are doin and they love doing it. They gave him the attention he needed to get up to speed. My son has been excelling at this school ever since. I love it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 1, 2008

From the moment I entered the Laurus environment I new it was special. Physically the building was well-maintained, clean, and the bathrooms were stocked & clean. I was impressed with the professionalism of the office staff. They were welcoming without being common and I appreciated that. My next encounter was with administration who listened empathetically to my present concerns with my son's current school and entertained my expectations toward Laurus. The instructors too didn't disappoint. They've been knowledgeable, professional, and approachable.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 1, 2008

Our experience at Laurus Academy has been very positive. We came to Laurus 3 years ago from a private school environment with apprehension of trying a new school. It has not only been a positive and rewarding experience for our 7th grader, we also decided to bring our Kindergartener this year. Both are doing exceptionally well and it has been a positive experience all around. We have also recommended this school to friends who are pleased.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2008

My son in 3rd grade and this is his first semester attending Laurus and so far I am impressed overall. Great staff and very involved principal. School is clean and orangnized which organization is very important! My son's 3rd grade teacher seems to be very nice also and he hasn't mentioned any uncomfortable situations so I am pleased with that! We decided to switch from a DPS school to Laurus and we are very happy with our decsion.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 6, 2008

My child has been here for a few years and has had two wonderful teachers. I think that they should have kept the classes separated into three different groups as far as their needs instead of mixing all the children together because I believe it slowed down the progress of the more advance student down because the teacher has to adjust their teaching to accommodate the different needs. Other than that the school is okay. This school needs to get better organized with the parking and have a better system when it is raining outside for the parents to get their children and fix the parking.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 12, 2008

My daughter is entering third grade this fall and has attended Laurus since kindegarten. I am happy with the education she has received there. The students in all grades seem to get along pretty well because she tells me the upper classmates will help them out. I am happy to mention that my son, whose entering kindegarten this fall will be attending Laurus.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 8, 2008

My daughter has been going to Laurus Academy since Kindergarten. She will be entering 3rd grade this fall. My son will be starting Kindergarten this fall. I have been there since the change in princials and been through the issues of drop-off/pick-up; I think they have worked out the kinks and it is more structured and organized. My daughter has done great each year academically. I agree with the school, parental involvment with their studies is very essential to helping them learn. She has homework and reading assignments weekly. She has grown very much; Each teacher she has had encouraged and challenged my daughter. I am happy with the school and would recommend it;
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 15, 2008

My daughter is in the 3rd grade and has been there since kindergarden, and I couldn't be more happier! It's as though my child is recving an expensive private-school education for free! I am pleased!!
—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.

74 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
49%

2012

 
 
25%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

73 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
75%

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
92%
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.

96 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
28%

2012

 
 
32%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
87%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

96 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
49%

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
83%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 47% in 2013.

96 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
41%

2011

 
 
55%
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.

71 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
34%

2012

 
 
25%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 70% in 2013.

72 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
56%

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
79%
Science

The state average for Science was 13% in 2013.

77 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
3%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
67%
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.

72 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
18%

2012

 
 
19%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

72 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
60%

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
86%
Social Studies

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

74 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
12%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
47%
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.

68 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
34%

2012

 
 
30%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2013.

72 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
46%

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
82%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2013.

72 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
49%

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 33% in 2013.

79 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
25%

2012

 
 
19%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

78 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
64%

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
83%
Science

The state average for Science was 16% in 2013.

83 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
7%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
70%
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 99% 20%
White 1% 71%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 1%
Asian/Pacific Islander N/A 3%
Hispanic N/A 5%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 55%N/A42%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 21N/A18
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Mr. Raul Calderon
Fax number
  • (248) 799-8404

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!

24590 Lahser Rd
Southfield, MI 48033
Website: Click here
Phone: (248) 799-8401

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