Detroit Public Schools Community District Education: English language learners students recorded lower performance in 2023-24 SAT than previous school year

Dr. Michael F. Rice Michigan superintendent of public instruction | https://radio.wcmu.org/

By V. C. Kilpatrick

Oct 1, 2025

English language learners students' performance in the 2023-24 SAT declined in Detroit Public Schools Community District, compared to previous school year, according to the Michigan Department of Education.

Overall, English language learners students who took the test scored an average of 743.7. The average registered for the whole district was 832.6.

Data shows that 3.2% of the group were considered ready for college.

In the previous year, 7% passed the college readiness benchmark on the SAT.

In the 2023-24 school year, Asian students were the best-performing ethnic group on the test, boasting a college readiness of 41.7% and scores at an average of 1,023.

There were a total of 2,561 students taking the test in the district.

Academic performance in Michigan remains below pre-pandemic levels. According to the 2024 NAEP results, the share of students reaching the basic benchmark in core subjects is about 10 percentage points lower than in 2019—except for fourth-grade math, which saw a decline of just 2 points.

Achievement gaps between ethnic groups also persist. On average, Hispanic students scored 15 points below white students. The gap was even wider for Black students, who scored about 30 points lower than their white peers.

The 2025 education budget, approved by Gov. Whitmer last July, totals $23.4 billion—$900 million less than the previous year’s budget. K-12 schools are working with $20.6 billion, a reduction from the $21.5 billion allocated in 2024.

Some school superintendents and educators were concerned about the new budget. "Schools cannot function properly without adequate funding for safety and mental health," stated Rep. David Martin, R-Davison, referring to a significant cut of around $301 million from school safety and mental health programs. Based on the current bill, the program will receive just $26.5 million.

English Language Learners Students' College Readiness Over 4 Years

English Language Learners Students' College Readiness in Detroit Public Schools Community District (2023-24)

School	No. Tested	% Ready for College	Average Score
Academy of the Americas High School	71	<=5%	654.5
Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine	<10	*	*
Cass Technical High School	35	17.1%	934.3
Cody High School	<10	*	*
Communication and Media Arts High School	<10	*	*
Denby High School	<10	*	*
Detroit International Academy for Young Women	<10	*	*
Detroit School of Arts	<10	*	*
East English Village Preparatory Academy	<10	*	*
Henry Ford High School	<10	*	*
Mumford High School	<10	*	*
Osborn High School	<10	*	*
Renaissance High School	<10	*	*
The School at Marygrove	<10	*	*
Western International High School	234	<=5%	736.5