Very Good
#944 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 30% in state
Byron Center High School
High School · Byron Center Public Schools
8500 BURLINGAME AVE SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
Enrollment
1,363
Student-Teacher
21.6:1
Score
7.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,363
Student-Teacher
21.6:1
Score
7.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Byron Center
#5 of 8
public schools
Michigan high schools
#171 of 812
In district
#4 of 6
Byron Center Public Schools
Equity
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Byron Center High School
Byron Center High School serves 1,363 students in grades 9-12 in Byron Center, Michigan, with a student-teacher ratio of 21.6:1 across 63 full-time equivalent teachers. This regular public high school currently ranks #2821 out of 3,204 schools statewide, placing it in the 12th percentile with room for academic growth. The school draws from an affluent community where the median household income reaches $102,912 and the poverty rate remains low at just 3.1%.
Nearly half of local residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, reflecting the area's educated population base. With median home values of $331,700, the 49315 ZIP code represents a prosperous community of over 25,000 residents. Despite serving a well-resourced community, Byron Center High School faces academic challenges that suggest opportunities for improvement in student outcomes.
The school's administration and staff work with a substantial student body that benefits from the stability and resources typically found in higher-income areas. Byron Center High School sits in a rural setting near town, providing students with a blend of small-town community feel and access to broader educational and extracurricular opportunities that come with serving a larger student population in Kent County.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Byron Center High School is 21.6:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, Byron Center High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Byron Center High School — Students at Byron Center High School score 69% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
22.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.5/10.
How Byron Center High School Compares
See how Byron Center High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 64% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 80% (2019) to 74% (2021).
Location
8500 BURLINGAME AVE SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Byron Center High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Kelloggsville Virtual School (rated 7.5/10, 4.5 miles away, in nearby Grand Rapids), which scores slightly higher. Another option is 54th Street Academy (rated 7.1/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Grand Rapids), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Crossroads Alternative High School (rated 6.3/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Grand Rapids), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Byron Center, see our Byron Center schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.9 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49315 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$111,358
Median Home Value
$357,600
Median Rent
$1,297/mo
Population
26,123
College Educated
45.5%
Homeownership
93%
Avg Commute
20.8 min
Poverty Rate
2.9%
Median Age
41
Community Profile
The community surrounding Byron Center High School has a median household income of $111,358. It is a well-educated community where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $357,600, with a median rent of $1,297/month. The local poverty rate of 2.9% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 21 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Pontiac High School Pontiac, MI | 7.1 |
| Saline High School Saline, MI | 7.1 |
| Jenison High School Jenison, MI | 7.0 |
| Portage Central High School Portage, MI | 7.0 |
| Rochester Adams High School Rochester Hills, MI | 7.0 |
| St Joseph High School Saint Joseph, MI | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Byron Center High School
What grades does Byron Center High School serve?
Byron Center High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Byron Center High School?
Byron Center High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,363 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Byron Center High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Byron Center High School is 21.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Byron Center High School rank in MI?
Byron Center High School is ranked #944 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Byron Center High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Byron Center High School has a composite rating of 7.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Byron Center High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Byron Center High School has 65.5% math proficiency and 77.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Byron Center High School a charter school?
No, Byron Center High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Byron Center High School a Title I school?
No, Byron Center High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Byron Center High School?
22.7% of students at Byron Center High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,363
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 63
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 22.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Kent County
- Phone
- (616) 878-6600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Byron Center Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,512
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,633
- District Rank
- #4 of 6
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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