Test scores far exceed the state average. The Academy of Lathrup Village in Oak Park trains young entrepreneurs. Students create their own businesses and learn math through sales of products, writing through the creation of advertising and technology by making marketing videos. The A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School in Southfield expands the world of all students by teaching the Armenian heritage throughout the year. Half of the state's charter public schools are serving children with designated special education needs.
Charter schools approach the statewide average in enrolling special-needs children.
More than 10 percent of students who have entered charter schools with special education needs have achieved their goals and are receiving regular educational services. In contrast, the number of students designated as special education in traditional public schools has risen 17 percent statewide. Macomb Academy in Clinton Township is designed specifically to help special-needs students in their late teens and early 20s transition to independent adult life. Livingston Development Academy makes huge strides in reducing use of Ritalin.