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Great Oaks Academy in Hazel Park, Michigan

Great Oaks Academy Detail

(586) 427-4540
4257 Bart Ave
Warren, MI 48091
Levels: K-8
District: Great Oaks Academy


Great Oaks Academy Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
White, non-Hispanic:51.2% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:43.18% (2008)
Hispanic:2.57% (2008)
American Indian/Alaskan Native:0.48% (2008)
Multiracial:0% (2008)
Asian:2.57% (2008)
Hawaiian:0% (2008)
Student Teacher Ratio:22.25% (2008)
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:52.81% (2008)

Great Oaks Academy Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating3
Average Safety Rating4

Great Oaks Academy Reviews

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2010-05-05
“My son has attended Great Oaks for 5 years. While the school has gone through changes, the end result is a great school! The principal is friendly, the deans are outstanding and the teachers care about my child. I know that my child is definitely ready for high school!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2010-05-05
“Great Oaks is a good school. The school grounds are clean, safe and well maintained. The office staff is excellent - friendly, helpful and proficient. The principals and deans make and take the time to get to know students and their families. Students who struggle are rallied behind with additional academic support and tutoring. Students who excel are challenged and rallied behind to continue to excel. Teachers utilize a variety of techniques and projects to meet the needs of all students in the classroom. Teachers ensure parents' knowledge of students academic progress through regular progress reports. Additionally, students grades are accessible online. Disruptive and negative behavior is readily addressed. Parents are kept aware of upcoming events through phone updates and newsletters. A Homework Hotline also keeps parents up to date on homework assigned. Parents are welcome and encouraged to be involved in the classroom.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2010-05-05
“My son started this school for his 8th grade year. He came from a school were bullying was looked at as boys will be boys. Not at Great Oaks Dean Johnson handles every situation quickly and responsibly. As well as the teachers truly being there for the students. This school rewards caring and responsible atitudes as well as promotes it. The teachers and students are very diversed. I am sorry that I didn not find out about this school earlier. Ms. Classon the special ed teacher has helped our son progress in so many ways. I highly reccommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2010-05-04
“I give this school an A, this school is looking and finding ways to improve itself, and at times the principle is out however he is always working to make school better attending meetings as well as doing what is necessary for this school to become the best.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2010-04-10
“I went to great oake academy for 7th and 8th grade and I absolutely loved it....the learning experience was outstanding and you feel very cared about with the great teachers.... especially mr.wesley... I loved him...he opens your eyes to a new way of thinking and now that im in 10th greade the things he taught me seem so much more vivid and im so happy that I had him and one day I hope to send my kids there as well.!!! the g.o.a family is great!!!!!!!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2010-03-14
“I attended this school for 3 years, and in my opinion, this school's quality dropped dramatically when the school moved to its current Warren location. The individual interest in students was non-existent after the school moved also. There is strong diversity in race, and thats a good thing, the uniform was very strict when I attended the school, but as I hear from my friends now, the enforcement is very tolerable, which is a disappointment. The curricular program was outstanding, but with such an awkward student-teacher ratio, there were a select group of teachers that were sent to classrooms at different times of the day. The teachers we're all very nice,but discipline was not taken very seriously by the staff. The school provided great technology aid for students, and there were also outstanding electives for students, even though they weren't optional, with the exclusion of band. Send your kids to WCS.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2010-03-09
“I really love this school. My children are academically challenged. Staff is very friendly. I really love the open door policy that i can go into my childs classroom at anytime and see what my child is learning. I also like how they post students grades online everyday and I can track my childs success rate. I know if homework and classwork is being completed and where my childs struggles are!!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2010-01-26
“My sons went to this school since the day it opened in Madison Heights. A few years ago, they transferred to Warren. Since that time the school has lost so much!! It is so disorganized! Communication is a joke. They used to pride themselves (supposedly) in parent involvement, now you feel as if your imposing. There discipline policies are lopsided. They change principles every year, the staff runs around like a bunch of high school cheerleaders. Most a very immature, and leave you wondering how they ever managed college....from first to worst. I would no longer recommend this school to anyone...two thumbs down!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2009-09-12
“This school is great sure they went through a lot of changes and it took them some time to get a handle on things but handle them they have. The vice principle Mrs. Johnson who is over the middle school students expelled up to 10 children last year for bullying and verbal abuse. No school is a perfect fit for every child but this one has been great for my son.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2009-04-28
“There are some remarkable teachers at this school, as well as administrators. If you get your children in a class with Ms. Gaulin or Mr. Wesley, you can consider yourself very lucky. Ms. Weldron is great, too.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-02-12
“This school provides a good education”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-01-14
“My daughter is in the advanced 6th grade level. She needs to focus and study better, however, it is not due to any lack of support and nurturing from the teachers. They are wonderful and consistent. They place the students according to their learning levels and help them to improve in reading and math. She is expected to maintain a passing grade. I love the school and I will miss the teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-10-11
“This has been a great school for my daughter to attend. They put a lot of focus on individual performance so that students are constantly challenged.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2008-09-15
“This is now the worst school ever because all they do is change. They had a great team in place and were working to become one of the best schools. Now everything is confusion and there is no direction from the school leadership. The focus is no longer on the students but on the company line to make money.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2008-08-27
“Terrible school, especially the middle school. The first year the teachers were great and worked as a team. This past year, under new leadership, and with a change in many of the teachers, it was horrible. Now they are getting another new principal and vice principal...plus more new teachers. How will they ever get anything together if they keep changing things every year? I kept my daughter there to get her to high school...I am glad to finally be done with this school forever. Avoid it if at all possible...especially the middle school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2008-08-15
“I thought the school did a good job my daughter only went there for the 8th grade but I am really glad she did. She needed to be tested and I had waited for two years through Detroit Public School, but as soon as, she went to GOA they tested her in a couple on months, and the teachers were really good and patient with her.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-06-25
“I am really glad I enrolled my son in this school! The principal and staff are always helpful and his teacher was just as great she really cared for each individual student. My child was testing beyond his grade level and I thank GOA for helping him.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-06-06
“Great Oaks is a wonderful school with outstanding teachers and staff. I'm glad I enrolled my child but only wish I had done sooner. Highly recommend.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-03-26
“I gave this school a C to an C- The principal is no were to be found he dose not interact with the middle school student at all. Most of the time he is in his office and that on the day that he is there. I have never know a principal to spend so much time out of school .”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-03-21
“This school really has it together. They put the kids first. The education is great, and the tearchers really care about the students. My son is in 5th grade and his teacher is amazing. I wish I had know about this school sooner, but I am glad I found it when I did. Way-to-go Great Oaks.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-03-15
“Great Oaks reminds me of public schools back when I was in school. Not todays public schools. The principal really cares about his students, I bet if you gave him a pop quiz of the students names he would get an A. I always see him in the hall way greeting the children and interaction with them. I am a grandparent raising my grandson, and I am happy we found this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-02-28
“Our family just started here mid year. We were unhappy with the public school in our neighborhood, and decided to get some information on Great Oaks. I like how structured they are. The kids all wear a uniform and are tought to a higher level. I can already see a difference in my kids in the 2 months they have attended.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-02-12
“My son needs special education, and we were skidish to put him in a charter school. I went to a schoo info mtg asked a lot of questions and desided to give it a try. I have been very happy with the asssistance my child gets. Their program is amazing. My son is testing better than he ever has.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-02-10
“FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN, and an A+ EDUCATION. you do not need to live in the school district & it is FREE. It makes me happy that they wear uniforms. They offer latch key before and after school (and they accept state aid). it is a very ethnicly mixed school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-02-07
“This is a great school. My sons are learning better here then at the detroit schools. Great Oaks runs a tight ship and keeps control in the classrooms. I like that it is free and I don't have to live in the neighborhood to go there.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-02-04
“Great Oaks is a good school. They seem to really care about the kids.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-02-01
“I am a staff member as well as a parent at GOA. Great Oaks is a full day K - 8th grade. We do what I call circular learning. Each grade builds upon what the previous grade has tought. this is an amazing way to learn. What it does is build this ball of knowledge in your child. I explain it to people who do not attent our school like this: Our Kindergartners test about at the same level as any other kindergartner ( a lil above ). where you start to see the difference is in the first, second, third graders, etc who have been with us since kindergarten. Our test scores are through the roof. My fifth grader tests at a 10th grade level. If you entrust your childrens education to us, you will not be disappointed. more info: 66.hray@heritageacademies.com”
This review was posted by a teacher.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-01-31
“I am a single dad raising 2 kids. My first impression of this school was that I really found something special. I need all the support I can get, and this school gives it to me. They offer a latchkey program, that accepts state aid. They have family fun nights every month. this month is a movie night in the gym. it is free, we are watching The Game Plan and eating popcorn. I like the comunity. They are starting a PTA, it is slow to get going but I am happy to get involved and help out where I can.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-01-31
“Great Oaks is a great place for your kids. It is set up to teach each child to his or her level. I think charter schools are the greatest. I think that there was a gap in public education and charter schools fill that gap. they are free, open to all but still teach morals and strictness.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-01-29
“A bunch of us parents came to great oaks after our school closed. We did not want to send our kids to public. They had been in private schools since kindergarten. We called the school and asked to get a tour. They have a parent ambassador who does a walking tour of the school and answers any questions you have. She is great. We all still e mail / call her when we have a question. If you are thinking about this school for your child you should call the school and set up an appointment to meet with her.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-01-24
“I didn't understand what a charter school was until i went to a school info meeting (they have em every month for interested families) it is free i always thought academy mennt expensive! so free had my attention, and it is school of choice, i was hooked. The education my kiddies get is amazing. I am nothin' but happy with this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-01-19
“I am happy with the education my child gets at Great Oaks. I like that there is a website to keep parents up to date, I do not need to dig threw the backpack for flyers. I like that the teachers post your kids grades on a password protected site, so that bad grades don't sneak up on you. why to go Great Oaks!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-01-03
“A+ to Great Oaks. I love it love it love it.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-01-03
“my troops are doing great at great oaks. I was not happy with our local school. It did not keep my kids engaged. Great Oaks challenges them.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-12-08
“If you ever wanted to send your cild to a private school, but didn't have the money ...this is the right school for you! They are strict, have a uniform & cater to each child.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2007-12-07
“They teach my kindergartner spanish! I like that the school is all about enriching my children. This school believes and encourages every child to go to college. Starting in kindergarten.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-12-07
“I love that they offer kull day kindergarten. we are 1/2 way through the year and my daughter is already reading.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 2
Post Date:2007-10-25
“I have two children attending school at GOA, last year I thought the school was great. Then the Principal left and the Vice Principal took over - bad move. The man has little to no handle on the teachers, staff, students and worse yet parent volunteers. This school does offer a good education but the many other downfalls completely out weigh this. I would not claim that any school is 100% bad or good; however, I agree with another reviewer on this site when she said this school attracts mostly low income, single parents who have little to no handle on their children. They offer very little extra circular activities, there is no lunch room, they rely solely on parent volunteers who some quite frankly, have no business around anyone s children.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-10-21
“I was paying for my children to attend a private school and then made the switch to Great Oaks. Hands down Great Oaks blows Guardian Angels away. My two children are preparing for college, receive art, music, and PE, and understand what it takes to do well.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2007-10-21
“Great Oaks has been a true blessing to my family. I am extremely pleased with the challenging curriculum. In the three years that my son has attended GOA, he has grown well beyond 3 years! Each of his teachers are top notch. I know with certainty that they care about the students as individuals. This is definitely a place where high-achieving students can truly learn! I know that my son will be well prepared for the most rigorous high school because of the dedication of the entire Great Oaks staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-10-19
“This school is a great school with good teacher, and staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-10-17
“I was impressed last year by how the new middle school section of the school was doing. Despite being new, the teachers worked well together, and the students greatly benefited (as can be seen by last years MEAP scores). I am not sure why, but most of the teachers in the middle school were either moved to different grades, different positions, or dismissed completely. The new staff does not work together well, they do not communicate with parents the way they used to, and they are downright rude to parents who try to be involved. Why the new principal decided to change something that was working so well to what it is now, I do not know. What I do know is that if you have a middle school student, I would have highly recommended the school last year, but this year, it is beyond repair.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-10-16
“Great Oaks is a community! They offer monthly family fun nights like father daughter dances, movie nights, winter carnivals, etc. They are a pretty young school, but they are learning and growing at an amazing rate. This is a school of choice and free to you as a parent. you can't get any better!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-10-16
“My children have gone to Great Oaks for several years now. I am extremely happy with the education they receive, and the structure and morals they provide. This is top notch education for no cost at all. Both of my children are top of their classes and love the school. Their is a strong focus on the children's individual needs. Your child will be taught at their level and skill. This way, they do not get left behind or get bored. The teachers and staff are all friendly and approachable. The school takes several educational trips and encourages parent involvement in the classroom as well as at home. Your child will succeed at this school, if you as a parent help reinforce the academic and moral standing the children receive in the classroom. This is a fantastic alternative to public and private schools.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-10-16
“This school rocks! My kids are excelling beyond their grade level. Great Oaks has had a few bumps in their road, but the education is amazing. They lost their principal last year, and it caused some issues and some unhappy parents who left. they now have a new principal who has settled in and is running the school better then ever.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-10-16
“This school offers full day kindergarten! this is a big perk for me - I am a working single mom. I love that my kindergartner is already starting to read! This school is amazing. It is such a great school to help my child achieve in school. I am so happy I found this school for my daughters!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 2
Post Date:2007-10-14
“I would have to agree that this school seems to have a very high teacher turnover rate. many are fresh out of college. My son continually tells me he's bored at school. I've talked to the teachers and their solution has been to give him packets that he works on himself while the rest of the class is instructed by the teacher. My son can do packets at home! We are currently looking to move to a better area. We are in a low-income, heavily single-parent area and many children are supervised very little by their parents in the he neighborhood, let alone expecting the parents to be involved in anything their child is doing in school.”
This review was posted by a teacher.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-09-10
“Terrible school. The worst experience my children have ever had...especially in the middle school. There is no discipline, and absolutely no respect for any adult from the children. The teachers want to be the students friends, and try to fit in with the students standards, instead of guiding the students to do the right thing.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-08-22
“I have to say, the leadershirip in the school is very confusing. They say one thing to make the parents happy, but they do not follow through with promises. Since its move, the school has grown so large, that it is no longer a school I can choose for my children. They are once again, just a number, more money for the school, not children worth of time and effort. I will find another, smaller school that will focus on the children more, and making money less.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-08-22
“This is a terrible school. The new principal has no control over his teachers, and most of the teachers are fresh out of college with little to no experience. This all reflects in the lack of discipline this school has. My middle school son attended last year, but his public school the year before was much better organized.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-08-22
“Please do not send your children to this school. It is so 'structured' that even the youngest children do not enjoy being there.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-08-20
“I will not be sending my daughter back to Great Oaks Academy next year. She enjoyed her first two years at the school, but since the change in principals in the middle of the year last year, she complained about a couple of bullies in her class. When I approached the new principal about the problem, he sent me to the teacher. I then spoke to the teacher, and she sent me back to the principal. Nothing ever changed, and I no longer trust the discipline procedure of the school (as it seems to have disappeared). My daughter will attend a public school next year, where I know these procedures have been tried and tested for years, and I know action will be taken.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-08-20
“This school was not what my husband and I had hoped. It seemed like a great concept and a good place for our child, but it turned out to be a school that lacked so much in the area of discipline, that not enough time could be spent on real learning. As I observed in my frequent visits to the school, the teachers spend most of the day teaching through lecture, and almost no time on hands on activities that will help them be true problem solvers in life. I will find a better place for my child in the coming school year, hopefully he will gain back the joy of learning he once had, but lost at this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-08-19
“With little discipline, and so much teacher turnover each year, this school will never be the school it claims to be. I was won over last year by the National Heritage adds and thought this would be the perfect school for my two children. I was fooled. This school is not what it claims to be. There are barely any after school activities for the students, and even less parent involvement. I would have loved to be involved, but was often made to feel I was in the way by the office staff, teachers, and was constantly disrespected by the children (without the teachers doing anything to help). I feel bad for those children who are still there. This school looks great in their ads, but don't be fooled like I was.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-08-16
“We have atteneded Great Oaks since the school was in Madison Heights. The move last year brought challenges to the faculty and students as the numbers increased. The teachers remained dedicated to the students and great success was achieved. The parents that are unhappy do need to go elsewhere but nowhere is perfect. Parents need to be involved and the school welcomes any and all involment from the parents. If you choose not to get involved then it is your fault and no one elses. We are looking forward to this coming school year and are very pleased with the results that the school has produced.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-06-16
“I can't believe I was fooled into believing that GO was a good school. The middle school is horrible! The teachers are too busy trying to be friends with the children than actually teaching them. When I pulled my kg student out and put her in public school, she was behind although they use the same curriculum. I teach in the public school system and 'thought' GO would be best for my children. I would never recommend this school to anyone. There is absolutely no parent involvement. No parents would show up for parent meetings except the parent leader. This should be a sign of the communication between staff and parents. Horrible! Horrible! Horrible!! Never again! All of my children will be attending public school next year. No extra curricular activities~well chess.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2007-06-11
“My kids have been in Great Oaks since the 05-06 school year. Last year, when asked if they wanted to leave and return to the public schools, they absolutely refused. They had grown exponentially in reading and math! I was thrilled to death and told everyone how proud I was to have my kids there. Then they bought a new property and expanded the student-body size by more than double. The faculty also doubled. With the influx of new students, the strong discipline faultered and there began to be violence. The faculty didn't know how to deal with the constant new student disrespect and apathy. My kids now hate the school and can't wait to leave. I am so very sorry that I can't recommend it to anyone. I feel very sorry for the faculty. They are really trying, but it is impossible to make students mind when they don't care.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-05-31
“This school is in our experience second to none. The academics are superb! This is a growing and caring institution that spans all ethnic , social, and economic backgrounds as perfectly as can be done. The state and country can take a lesson from this role model institution. It is education as it should be.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2007-05-24
“Bad Bad Bad! This is the worst charter school you will ever encounter. They come across as if they were the best. But once you get in the school you will realize how awefull the management and staff is towards the parents. Bad communication skills with parents. Bad Meap scores performance. Bad kids at the school. Bad safety measures.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-05-23
“This is our second year in this school. Prior to Great Oaks, our 2 boys went to private (tuition based) school. I am an at home mom and my boys are my number one priority. GOA has taken my kids education to a whole new level. I was not getting this good of an education at the private schools. My kids test scores are through the roof! My fourth grader started doing algebra this year. Great Oaks is a school that cares about the children. Parent involvement is required, and recorded. It takes a village to raise a child - and Great Oaks wants to help you raise your child to achieve great things!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-05-12
“I feel that this school was a great choice for me and my child. I was looking for a good academic program and they have it.They challenage your child to succeed in every subject. This school provides all the recommended extracurricular activities such as music, art, and gym, and they are just starting to add different sports for after school which is great. The parent involvement I feel should start at home and continue when the child needs extra help with there school work.They should continue to challenage their child(ren)and incurrage them to do the best that they can do and be positive at the same time.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-04-26
“Challenging Each child to achieve. Great Oaks offers the best academic program. If you are looking for the best school for your child. Great Oaks Academy is the best education choice you can make for your child. My child started with Great Oaks back in 2005 when the school first opened. I am blessed to have found such a wonderful school and very pleased with the academic performance of my child. Although the school has grown in enrollment, the expansion has not affected the quality of education at all.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 3
Post Date:2007-01-06
“The overall quality of Great Oaks has declined drastically for 2006-2007. The middle school students seem out of control and floundering in a system that professes to provide strict structure. Parents are not valued as partners in their children's education, rather their concerns are marginalized and dismissed. Yet, the parents that provide labor-lunch monitors, etc.- that save the management company money are rewarded as long as they do not raise questions or otherwise 'rock the boat.'”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2006-10-22
“This School is great just like the name says. I love it's diversity not just in race but in there teaching methods as well.”
This review was posted by a parent.

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