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State Report Card Ranks Hamtramck No. 1

The results are in, and Hamtramck Academy is ranked No. 1 out of 2,261 public schools on the Mackinac Center Elementary and Middle School Context and Performance (CAP) report card, released in February.

The CAP report card evaluates school performance based on multiple years of state of Michigan assessment data, adjusted based on the rate of students in poverty.
 
Other Southeast Michigan schools ranking in the top 10 percent (earning an A) include: Detroit Enterprise Academy, Detroit Merit Charter Academy, Great Oaks Academy, South Arbor Charter Academy, Achieve Charter Academy, Plymouth Scholars, Fortis Academy, Canton Charter Academy, Detroit Premier Academy, and Walton Charter Academy.
 
Hamtramck Principal Alvin Ward said he couldn’t be happier with the report because it highlights the hard work of students, staff, and parents.
 
“This is such an important evaluation because it takes into account the element of poverty in assessing student achievement,” he said. “Poverty is an important indicator because it can have an adverse effect on student academic performance.”
 
Ward was quick to point out that Hamtramck students defy the odds daily.
 
“Our students dispel the myth that children in poverty do not have the ability to academically perform at a high level,” he added. “Hamtramck students consistently perform at a high level, regardless of their household income.”
 
Ward attributes this success to three things: dedicated school staff, supportive parents, and access to resources through National Heritage Academies, the school’s management company.
 
“Our staff work hard every day to prepare our students to do well in the classroom, as well as become successful, responsible citizens; this is supported by dedicated parents who set high expectations for their children and are actively engaged in their academic achievement,” Ward said. “NHA supports Hamtramck staff with the tools and resources they need to provide educational choice and opportunity to this community.”
 
The school received a plaque in March at an afterschool celebration with members of the Mackinac Center Education Policy Center.