Excellent
#208 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 7% in state
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center
Elementary School · Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center
409 Lafayette Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Enrollment
285
Student-Teacher
17.8:1
Score
8.4
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
285
Student-Teacher
17.8:1
Score
8.4
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Grand Rapids
#13 of 111
public schools
Michigan elementary schools
#149 of 1,602
Academic growth
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is a public elementary school in Grand Rapids, MI, part of the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center. The school serves approximately 285 students in grades Pre-K – 5th with a student-teacher ratio of 17.8:1. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.4/10, placing it in the 93.5th percentile among MI schools — an above average rating overall.
Students demonstrate 51% proficiency in math, 15 points above the state average and 65% in reading/language arts, 22 points above the state average. The school scores particularly well in student growth (9.7/10). Located in a neighborhood with a median household income of $61,734, where 44% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
The school is situated in a midsize city setting.
What Parents Should Know
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center — Students at Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center score 61% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
34%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 12 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.7/10.
How Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center Compares
See how Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 54.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 57% (2019) to 68.07% (2022).
Location
409 Lafayette Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Congress Elementary (rated 9.3/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Cesar E Chavez Elementary (rated 6.6/10, 1.4 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Martin Luther King Leadership Academy (rated 6.3/10, 0.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Grand Rapids, see our Grand Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.7 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49503 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$61,734
Median Home Value
$224,100
Median Rent
$1,207/mo
Population
37,874
College Educated
43.9%
Homeownership
37.5%
Avg Commute
19.2 min
Poverty Rate
22.3%
Median Age
30.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center has a median household income of $61,734. It is a well-educated community where 44% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $224,100, with a median rent of $1,207/month. The area has a poverty rate of 22.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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 |
|---|---|
| Barryton Elementary School Barryton, MI | 8.4 |
| Carson City Elementary School Carson City, MI | 8.4 |
| Eberwhite School Ann Arbor, MI | 8.4 |
| Glengary Elementary School Commerce Township, MI | 8.4 |
| Kettle Lake Elementary School Alto, MI | 8.4 |
| Lakewood Elementary School Holland, MI | 8.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center
What grades does Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center serve?
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center?
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center has an enrollment of approximately 285 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center?
The student-teacher ratio at Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is 17.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center rank in MI?
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is ranked #208 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center's MySchoolScout rating?
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center has a composite rating of 8.4 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 Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center has 51.2% math proficiency and 65.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center a charter school?
Yes, Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center a Title I school?
No, Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center?
34.0% of students at Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center 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
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 285
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 16
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 34.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Kent County
- Phone
- (616) 459-0330
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center- District Enrollment
- 285
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,146
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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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