Best Public Schools in Grand Rapids, MI

The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to 129 schools, including 62 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 37 high schools, and 11 alternative schools. These schools serve a diverse student population and cover a wide range of academic performance and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Some of the standout schools in the area include East Grand Rapids High School, which consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state with a 5-star rating, a 98.3% graduation rate, and exceptional test scores. Another high-performing school is City MiddleHigh, which ranks 5th out of 743 Michigan high schools and boasts a 100% four-year graduation rate. The West Michigan Aviation Academy, a charter high school, is also a standout with a 98.5% graduation rate and strong test scores.

However, the data also reveals stark disparities in academic performance between the highest and lowest-performing schools. Many schools in the Grand Rapids Public Schools district struggle, with low test scores, high dropout rates, and high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, a proxy for socioeconomic status. Addressing these disparities will likely require a multifaceted approach targeting both academic and socioeconomic factors.