Old Redford Academy - Elementary

17195 Redford Street

School District

Old Redford Academy
Grade

PK, K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:23
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 20, 2017

ORA has been a transformative experience for all of my children. They have recently made numerous changes in administration and those changes are starting to show. Along with a number of other parents, I have had some issues with the Academy in the past but as of now, I can see that it has become a successful educational institution. The teaching staff really shows that they care not only about the students, but about the parents as well. My kids are definitely engaged in classroom content, and go to school everyday, excited about what they may learn. From me, ORA is highly recommended.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2015

1st grade teacher was focused more on classroom behavioral issues than actually educating the children. My child attend ORAE from Preschool through 1st grade and will not be retuning for 2nd. Events are chaotic and unorganized, poor administration and poor quality of education. My 1st grader was stabbed in the hand with a pencil and the teacher said she was being too sensitive because the other student said she was sorry! The same teacher wouldn't allow my child to go to the rest room after repeated request until she couldn't hold it any longer and went right in the classroom - how embarrassing!!! The reasoning was because the children had already taken a few bathroom trips. Unless you like ignorant parents, confusion and chaos, send your child elsewhere... I can't imagine things getting much better based on the other reviews I've read for the higher grades.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2013

My son has been going to ORA since 3rd grade, I've been impressed since day one of the small class rooms, challenging homework, and the support of all the teachers going over and beyond. My son is now in the 5th grade and I'm definitely going to enroll him in the middle school.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2013

I have 4 children at ORA. My oldest is in 2nd grade and has been their for 3 years. My family and I love this school and the environment. They force the children to dress for success on a daily basis and to take responsiblilty for their actions. I am a very involved parent and the staff works with my family and I to make sure my children are getting the best education possible. Some parents need to realize that the educating of our children starts at home and you can't expect everything to be taught in school. If you don't start this process at home, your child is already at a disadvantage.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2012

For the teacher who stated that all Mr. Smith cares about is money, all I have read about is what she is so unhappy about which just happens to be money. This teacher needs to re-evaluate what exactly she is at the school, and is her ultimate goal money or making sure our children learn.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2012

This school needs to be closed down, ORA makes Detroit public schools look like Harvard. The entire school year, my son has not had field trips, they are unorganized. I do not suggest this school to ANYONE. This year is my childrens LAST year at ORA
Submitted by teacher on June 10, 2012

Melvin Smith the CEO of Old Redford Academy cares about only one thing, MONEY! Back in 2008, the students didn't have enough outdated books, but the whole administartion staff went to Aruba for a "Professional Development". Good teachers get let go, because they are due for a raise and replaced by teachers fresh out of college. Half of them don't even make it through the school year, but their "CHEAP". This kind of corruptness that needs to be eradicated from Detroit, not put on display for all the Kids to see.
Submitted by teacher on June 10, 2012

Melvin Smith the CEO for Old Redford Academy cares about one thing, MONEY. This guy took his whole administartion staff to Aruba for a "Professional Development" while my students went the entire year without enough outdated books for everyone. The turnover rate for teachers is so high because, once you've worked there long enough to deserve a good raise, you get replaced by a fresh out of college teacher. These teachers are cheap, but they also are inexperienced and a lot of them don't make it through the year. This is the kind of corruptness that needs to be eradicated from Detroit, not put on display for the kids to see.
Submitted by other on April 24, 2012

My grandson failed kindergarten at the school last year. This year he is on the honor roll. His current teacher could not understand why he was held back along with some other children in her class this year. Something is wrong with this picture.
Submitted by other on December 06, 2011

If your the type of parent who complains about rules and regulations then this school isn't for you. No fights and there pently of after school programs like environment science club,art club,french club,etc...
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2011

I have one child attending ORAE and one at ORAM, My son is in 6th grade and I love how his teachers keep me involved with his learning and with whats is going on in school seeing that I can not be there due to work. They keep me informed via email so what ever take place in school that day i am aware rather its good news or bad news, this gives me the oppertunity to address the situation right away instead of waiting on parent teacher conference. I love this school. Keep up the good work staff.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2011

Old Redford Academy is a very good school for parents who are active in helping their child(ren) to obtain the best academic achievement possible. I like the zero tolerate disciple school environment. My child has learned a lot.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2010

As a involved parent Old Redford was not a good experience. The teacher's are not dedicated in teaching the children. They teach independed learning. They are quick to label your child instead of working with the chlid and the parent. The children have no voice. This will be my child last year. A school must have ccommitted teachers who listen.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2010

This school is awful they fuss about everything.. Today 4/15/2010 just broke the camel back they did a sweep in the school regarding shoes no stitches, or color in the shoes they have to be all black... What a mess....... what does my son shoes have to do with him learning. I rate this school -0
Submitted by other on February 18, 2010

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