Best Schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan
160 schools · 79 Elementary · 20 Middle · 42 High · 19 Other
Choosing a school in Grand Rapids?
Use this page to compare every school in Grand Rapids by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Kent Education Centeroakleigh
Elementary · Kent ISD. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Northern High School
High · Forest Hills Public Schools. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
West Michigan Aviation Academy
High · West Michigan Aviation Academy. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated schools in Grand Rapids for 2026 are Kent Education Centeroakleigh (9.3/10), Northern High School (8.8/10), and West Michigan Aviation Academy (8.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 123 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
160
131 public · 29 private
Avg Score
6.2
out of 10
Median Home
$256,617
home value · ACS
Districts
28
serving the city
Schools
160
131 public · 29 private
Avg Score
6.2
out of 10
Median Home
$256,617
home value · ACS
Districts
28
serving the city
Rates 9.3/10 despite 59% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 2.8 points higher than its student-poverty level predicts. Roughly as clean a case of strong results without an affluent-ZIP price tag as you'll find among Grand Rapids schools.
Top-Rated Schools in Grand Rapids
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (Top 10 of 123 rated schools; 160 schools in the directory). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kent Education Centeroakleigh | 9.3 / 10 |
| 2 | Northern High School | 8.8 / 10 |
| 3 | West Michigan Aviation Academy | 8.7 / 10 |
| 4 | East Grand Rapids High School | 8.7 / 10 |
| 5 | Knapp Forest Elementary School | 8.5 / 10 |
| 6 | Congress Elementary | 8.5 / 10 |
| 7 | Central High School | 8.4 / 10 |
| 8 | Pine Ridge Elementary School | 8.3 / 10 |
| 9 | Lincoln Developmental Center | 8.3 / 10 |
| 10 | Lakeside School | 8.2 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.2/10
- Median household income
- $75,252
- Median home value
- $256,617
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 40%
- Avg commute
- 20 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 63%
38% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Grand Rapids compares
Michigan rank
#192 of 376
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.0
above Michigan avg (6.2)
Median household income
$75k
103% of Michigan median
Schools in this city
154
Education Snapshot
Grand Rapids, MichiganGrand Rapids spans 28 school districts with 161 schools serving roughly 57,766 students — a system large enough to offer genuine variety but spread across enough jurisdictions that district-by-district comparisons carry more weight than a single city average. The level mix breaks down as 81 elementary, 21 middle, and 41 high schools, plus 18 combined or alternative campuses; 19 charter schools expand the school-choice options available beyond the traditional public districts. Across 154 scored schools, the average MySchoolScout composite rating sits at 6.2/10 — exactly matching the Michigan state average, meaning Grand Rapids lands at par rather than above or below statewide. Median household income of $79,548 runs 4% above Michigan's state median of $76,205, and 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — both indicators that tend to influence local school-funding capacity and family resources.
28 districts draw attendance lines through Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is not one school system. 28 districts cut across the city limits, and the largest still holds only 38% of the public campuses.
Grand Rapids Public Schools is the largest slice at 50 of 131 public schools — not a majority. Choosing a Grand Rapids address is choosing a district first.
Among 123 public schools with real test data, composite scores run from 3.1 to 9.3 — the spread is inside Grand Rapids, not a citywide average.
19 of the 131 public schools are charters (15%), so the district split is not the whole market.
- Grand Rapids Public Schools50 public · 38%
- Kentwood Public Schools15 public · 11%
- Forest Hills Public Schools12 public · 9%
- Northview Public Schools8 public · 6%
- Kelloggsville Public Schools6 public · 5%
About Schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan gives parents a sizable and genuinely competitive public school market to work with. The city has 126 ranked public schools, spanning elementary through high school across multiple districts — enough variety that school choice decisions here carry real weight. The average score across those 126 schools sits at 6.6 out of 10, which is a solid baseline, though the spread matters: 59 schools, nearly half the ranked pool at 47%, score 7 or higher. That means a parent who does their homework has a real chance of landing in an above-average school.
At the top of the rankings, Meadow Brook Elementary School leads the city with a 9.4 out of 10 — the highest score among all ranked public schools in Grand Rapids. Kent Education Center Oakleigh (9.2) and Thornapple Elementary School (9.1) follow closely, with Lincoln Developmental Center and Orchard View Elementary School both scoring 9.0. The concentration of high performers at the elementary level signals that early schooling options in Grand Rapids are particularly strong, and families with younger children have genuine top-tier options available.
The 6.6 city average tells a more complete story when you hold it against the 47% threshold. Roughly half the schools clear the 7-point mark, but the other half pull the average down — meaning performance is not evenly distributed across neighborhoods and districts. Parents should weigh school-specific scores heavily rather than relying on district reputation alone. A school's individual rating here often diverges from what its district's overall standing might suggest.
Practically speaking, Grand Rapids rewards active comparison. With 126 schools in the ranked pool, the difference between choosing deliberately and defaulting to a zoned assignment can be significant. Families open to public school choice or who can select their neighborhood with school access in mind will find real options at the 9.0+ level. Use individual school scores as your starting filter, then dig into grade-band performance and enrollment data to narrow your list.
Elementary Schools
79 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 39 students · Kindergarten–8th | 9.3 |
| 2 | 557 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.5 |
| 3 | 182 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.5 |
| 4 | 475 students · Pre-K–4th | 8.3 |
| 5 | 461 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.2 |
| 6 | 480 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.2 |
| 7 | 375 students · Pre-K–4th | 8.1 |
| 8 | 387 students · Pre-K–4th | 8.1 |
| 9 | 445 students · Kindergarten–4th | 8.0 |
| 10 | 239 students · Pre-K–8th | 8.0 |
Show all 79 elementary schools in Grand Rapids
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
20 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 534 students · 7th–8th | 8.2 |
| 2 | 662 students · 6th–8th | 8.0 |
| 3 | 169 students · 6th–8th | 7.9 |
| 4 | 499 students · 5th–6th | 7.6 |
| 5 | 60 students · 6th–6th | 7.4 |
| 6 | 678 students · 6th–8th | 7.0 |
| 7 | 453 students · 7th–8th | 6.7 |
| 8 | 104 students · 5th–6th | 6.4 |
| 9 | 57 students · 6th–6th | 6.1 |
| 10 | 60 students · 6th–6th | 6.1 |
High Schools
42 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,109 students · 9th–12th | 8.8 |
| 2 | 608 students · 9th–12th | 8.7 |
| 3 | 874 students · 9th–12th | 8.7 |
| 4 | 1,033 students · 9th–12th | 8.4 |
| 5 | 927 students · 7th–12th | 8.2 |
| 6 | 53 students · 9th–12th | 7.9 |
| 7 | 277 students · 9th–12th | 7.6 |
| 8 | 170 students · 6th–12th | 7.5 |
| 9 | 179 students · 7th–12th | 7.0 |
| 10 | 886 students · 9th–12th | 7.0 |
Show all 42 high schools in Grand Rapids
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Other Schools
19 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 85 students · Kindergarten–12th | 8.3 |
| 2 | 112 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.9 |
| 3 | 60 students · Pre-K–12th | 7.5 |
| 4 | 783 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.4 |
| 5 | 80 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.4 |
| 6 | 669 students · Pre-K–12th | 7.0 |
| 7 | 314 students · Pre-K–12th | 6.8 |
| 8 | 295 students · Pre-K–12th | 6.4 |
| 9 | 718 students · 9th–9th | 5.9 |
| 10 | 1,136 students · Kindergarten–12th | 3.9 |
Show all 19 other schools in Grand Rapids
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Schools in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan · 160 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 12 ZIP codes
Median Income
$75,252
Median Home Value
$256,617
Median Rent
$1,204/mo
Population
377,980
College Educated
40%
Homeownership
63%
Avg Commute
20 min
Poverty Rate
12.8%
Community Profile
Grand Rapids has a median household income of $75,252. It is a well-educated community where 40% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $256,617, with a median rent of $1,204/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.8%. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Schools by Level
- State
- Michigan
- Elementary
- 79
- Middle
- 20
- High
- 42
- Other
- 19
Resources
School Districts (28)
New Branches Charter Academy
1 school · 359 students
West MI Academy of Environmental Science
1 school · 669 students
Excel Charter Academy
1 school · 783 students
Vista Charter Academy
1 school · 666 students
Knapp Charter Academy
1 school · 430 students
Walker Charter Academy
1 school · 718 students
William C. Abney Academy
1 school · 292 students
Ridge Park Charter Academy
1 school · 507 students
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center
1 school · 285 students
Lighthouse Academy
8 schools · 365 students
West Michigan Aviation Academy
1 school · 608 students
Wellspring Preparatory High School
1 school · 284 students
Hope Academy of West Michigan
1 school · 314 students
NexTech High School
1 school · 140 students
River City Scholars Charter Academy
1 school · 293 students
Covenant High School Grand Rapids
1 school · 228 students
Grand River Preparatory High School
1 school · 634 students
PrepNet Virtual Academy
1 school · 1,136 students
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
5 schools · 2,941 students
Forest Hills Public Schools
18 schools · 9,065 students
Godwin Heights Public Schools
5 schools · 1,993 students
Grand Rapids Public Schools
51 schools · 13,802 students
Grandville Public Schools
10 schools · 5,476 students
Kentwood Public Schools
16 schools · 9,422 students
Kelloggsville Public Schools
7 schools · 2,233 students
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
6 schools · 2,947 students
Northview Public Schools
8 schools · 3,139 students
Kent ISD
9 schools · 3,538 students
Other Major Cities in Michigan
Top metros statewide by school count.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan
How many schools are in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Grand Rapids has 160 schools, including 131 public and 29 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Grand Rapids is 6.2 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
The top-ranked school in Grand Rapids on MySchoolScout is Kent Education Centeroakleigh with a composite score of 9.3/10.
What is the best elementary school in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
The top-ranked elementary school in Grand Rapids on MySchoolScout is Kent Education Centeroakleigh with a composite score of 9.3/10.
What is the best middle school in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
The top-ranked middle school in Grand Rapids on MySchoolScout is Northern Hills Middle School with a composite score of 8.2/10.
What is the best high school in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
The top-ranked high school in Grand Rapids on MySchoolScout is Northern High School with a composite score of 8.8/10.
How many school districts serve Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Grand Rapids is served by 28 school districts: New Branches Charter Academy, West Mi Academy of Environmental Science, Excel Charter Academy, Vista Charter Academy, Knapp Charter Academy, Walker Charter Academy, William C. Abney Academy, Ridge Park Charter Academy, Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center, Lighthouse Academy, West Michigan Aviation Academy, Wellspring Preparatory High School, Hope Academy of West Michigan, Nextech High School, River City Scholars Charter Academy, Covenant High School Grand Rapids, Grand River Preparatory High School, Prepnet Virtual Academy, East Grand Rapids Public Schools, Forest Hills Public Schools, Godwin Heights Public Schools, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grandville Public Schools, Kentwood Public Schools, Kelloggsville Public Schools, Kenowa Hills Public Schools, Northview Public Schools, Kent ISD.
What is the education level in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
According to Census data, 40% of adults in Grand Rapids have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
The median household income in Grand Rapids is approximately $75,252 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Yes, Grand Rapids has 29 private schools alongside 131 public schools. The top-rated private school is All Saints Academy Upper Campus with a score of 8.2/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Grand Rapids is 16.2:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
Related reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings and parent guides, free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Michigan Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.