Grosse Pointe Schools Fare Well on State's Top-to-Bottom List

received high marks on another ranking. This one is the 2011 Top-to-Bottom List by the Michigan Department of Education.

The list is based on a variety of factors including student proficiency, student improvement and achievement gaps among students. Officials changed the information used to rank the schools this year as compared to last to make a more equal comparison when reviewing schools from different districts. Graduation rates are also considered for the high schools.

Topping the list are and elementary schools, both of which were ranked in the 98 percentile of all Michigan public schools. and followed closely at 97 and 96 percentiles respectively.

Eight of the district's 14 schools ranked in the 90s while two were in the 80s, three in the 70s and one ranked in the 28 percentile.

A high ranking, according to the Michigan Department of Education, indicates a school is has a high-level of proficiency, continual improvement over time and all students are progressing forward with their learning.

The district's lowest ranking school, , is ranked in the 28 percentile. While it is the lowest of the district's schools it is not nor are any of the schools on the Michigan Persistently Lowest Achieving (PLA) list--a federally mandated list to identify schools that are not achieving positive results. 

The 98 schools on the state's PLA list must submit turnaround plans to the state within 90 days and are closely monitored for improvement. 

Grosse Pointe Superintendent C. Suzanne Klein is pleased with the results but said there is always room for improvement. 

"In reviewing the Top-to-Bottom list, it is clear there are many things the Grosse Pointe Public Schools do well but there is always room for improvement," she said. "As we make preparations for the 2011-12 school year and beyond, the focus of the district staff is on identifying steps we can take to set the stage for our students' success."

Entering this school year, officially beginning for students Tuesday Sept. 6, there will be evaluation of what changes should happen, for example, in instructional practices, student services and general effectiveness. 

"Evidence of our students' success is seen in many arenas including standardized tests, scholarships earned, student awards in academic, athletics, journalism, the fine and performing arts and other exceptional programs," she said. "We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our staff and students in the year ahead and continuing to deserve the trust the community places in us."

Here is a look at the ranking of each individual school:

Kerby Elementary