Frederick Douglass Academy VIII Middle School

Test scores here are below district averages across the board — ELA proficiency of 42.3% trails the district average of 48.9%, and math at 26% is nearly half the district's 48.2% average. Looking at grade-level patterns, 8th graders perform notably better in ELA (52.7%) while 6th graders are struggling significantly (28.9% in ELA, 24.5% in math). The historical trend shows volatility — ELA peaked at 49.8% in 2018, declined to a low of 36.8% in 2024, and sits at 42.3% now. Math has been consistently weak, never exceeding 28% in recent years. Students here are catching up, not leading.

Here's where the picture gets interesting. Families report exceptionally high satisfaction — 98% of parents say they're satisfied, and trust in both teachers (96%) and the principal (98%) is nearly universal. Teachers themselves rate instruction quality at 94%, well above the district average of 88%, and they trust their principal (97%). That said, teacher collegial trust sits lower at 78%, and only 30 teachers responded to the survey — a small staff with some internal dynamics to navigate. Discipline shows a school managing challenges: 12 suspensions last year (6% rate) is above the district average of 1.6%, but the trend has held steady over three years. Chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 62.1%, with male students missing more than females (65.6% vs 58.4%).

This is a predominantly Black school in a neighborhood with similar demographics. Three-quarters of students are Black (72%), with 21% Hispanic, and the economic need index of 75.2% is high — most families here qualify for free or reduced lunch. A quarter of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 47% reflects the school's demographic makeup, which mirrors its neighborhood. Total enrollment is small at 221 students across three grades, keeping class sizes at a manageable 21.8 on average.

Spring Creek-Starrett City is a neighborhood where most families rent rather than own homes (only 10% homeownership), and the median household income of $41,167 is below city averages. The area scores low on family density (only 4.8% of households have children, surprisingly) and education orientation (34th percentile). Transit access is moderate and safety scores are middle-of-the-road at 50. Environmental health indicators show some concern — asthma rates are elevated and lead exposure rates are notable. This is a working-class neighborhood where families are making do, not a destination for school-shopping parents.

Families reach the school from across the neighborhood and beyond — as a screened school drawing applicants from outside zone, many students commute. The area has moderate transit access.