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Average

#2227 of 3,190 schools in MI

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy

High School · Grand Rapids Public Schools

512 DIVISION AVE S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Enrollment

487

Student-Teacher

18:1

Score

5.5

Grades

6th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Grand Rapids

#87 of 111

public schools

Michigan high schools

#524 of 812

In district

#29 of 47

Grand Rapids Public Schools

Academic growth

7.6 / 10

Very strong

About Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy is a regular public school located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Serving students from sixth grade through twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of 487 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 with 27 full-time equivalent teachers. The school’s setting within a mid-size city offers students opportunities to engage with diverse communities and resources.

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy currently holds a MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10, ranking it at #2284 among the state's 3204 schools, placing it in the 29th percentile. Academically, the school’s performance is with room for improvement, with only 22% of students meeting proficiency standards in English Language Arts and Reading, and a mere 8% proficient or above in Math. Despite these challenges, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy continues to focus on student development and growth within its vibrant city setting.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.6Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.52 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendStable
Academics4.3Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency8.3%
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.3%
Math vs. State Avg-20.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-13.8 pts
Overall Proficiency16%
Expected (poverty-adj.)20%
vs. Expected-3.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile24th
College Readiness3.4Fair30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation8.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.3Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,739

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy — Students at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy score 16% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

86.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 7.6%
School
State
32.7%
ELA Proficiency 22.2%
School
State
45.2%

Based on 12 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
10%
ELA
23%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
17%
2022
Math
8.2%
ELA
23.3%

* 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: 7.6/10.

How Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy Compares

See how Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.5/10
30th percentile in MI
Academic
4.3/10
4.3/10
Growth
7.6/10
Above average
Environment
7.3/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
87%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers

Location

512 DIVISION AVE S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Innovation Central High (rated 8.1/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Southeast Career Pathways (rated 7.5/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Grand Rapids Learning Center (rated 7.3/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Grand Rapids, see our Grand Rapids schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.7 mi
School Distance Rating
CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Grand Rapids 0.2 mi 5.9
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center Grand Rapids 0.3 mi 8.4
Covenant High School Grand Rapids Grand Rapids 0.5 mi 4.5
Grand Rapids Public Museum High Grand Rapids 0.6 mi 6.0
Southwest MiddleHigh Academia Bilingue Grand Rapids 0.5 mi 3.7
Gerald R Ford Academic Center Grand Rapids 0.6 mi 5.4
Grand Rapids Learning Center Grand Rapids 0.8 mi 7.3
Southwest Elementary Academia Bilingue Grand Rapids 0.7 mi 6.1
Innovation Central High Grand Rapids 0.9 mi 8.1
Grand Rapids Montessori MiddleHigh Grand Rapids 0.9 mi 6.7
Martin Luther King Leadership Academy Grand Rapids 0.8 mi 6.3
Grand Rapids Public Museum Middle Grand Rapids 0.9 mi 7.4
Grand Rapids Montessori Academy Grand Rapids 1.0 mi 7.4
Southeast Career Pathways Grand Rapids 1.1 mi 7.5
Coit Creative Arts Academy Grand Rapids 1.4 mi 5.1
Cesar E Chavez Elementary Grand Rapids 1.2 mi 6.6
Hope Academy of West Michigan Grand Rapids 1.6 mi 6.4
Congress Elementary Grand Rapids 1.2 mi 9.3
Buchanan Elementary Grand Rapids 1.6 mi 5.0
Dickinson Academy Grand Rapids 1.7 mi 4.8

Neighborhood 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 University Preparatory Academy 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
Boyne City High School Boyne City, MI 5.5
Cambridge Alternative High School Garden City, MI 5.5
Comstock Park High School Comstock Park, MI 5.5
Harrison Community High School Harrison, MI 5.5
Invest Roosevelt Alternative High School Hazel Park, MI 5.5
Lakeview High School Lakeview, MI 5.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy

What grades does Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy serve?

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy?

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy has an enrollment of approximately 487 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy is 18:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy rank in MI?

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy is ranked #2227 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy has a composite rating of 5.5 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 University Preparatory Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy has 7.6% math proficiency and 22.2% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy a charter school?

No, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy a Title I school?

No, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy?

86.9% of students at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (3,416/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Grand Rapids). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
487
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
86.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Kent County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Grand Rapids Public Schools
District Enrollment
13,802
Schools in District
51
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,732
District Rank
#29 of 47

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 methodology

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