Average
#2341 of 3,190 schools in MI
Grand Traverse Academy
School · Grand Traverse Academy
1245 HAMMOND RD E, Traverse City, MI 49686
Enrollment
798
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
798
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Traverse City
#18 of 23
public schools
Michigan schools
#230 of 279
Equity
8.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Grand Traverse Academy
Grand Traverse Academy is a public charter school serving students from preschool through twelfth grade in Traverse City, Michigan. With an enrollment of 798 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school offers a manageable learning environment across its 50 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, Grand Traverse Academy ranks in the 74th percentile statewide, placing it at #825 among Michigan's 3,204 schools.
The school demonstrates stronger performance in reading, where 58% of students test at or above proficiency levels, while mathematics shows room for growth with 49% proficiency across grade levels. The school's overall MySchoolScout Rating of 6.7/10 reflects solid academic progress and commitment to student development. As a charter school, Grand Traverse Academy operates within Michigan's public school framework while maintaining greater flexibility in its educational approach.
The school serves a small suburban area, creating a community-oriented setting for families seeking an alternative to traditional district schools. For parents in the Traverse City area exploring school options, Grand Traverse Academy represents a charter alternative with established enrollment and a focus on academic achievement across its multi-grade program.
What Parents Should Know
Grand Traverse Academy 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
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Grand Traverse Academy — Students at Grand Traverse Academy score 53% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
39.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 18 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: 7.0/10.
How Grand Traverse Academy Compares
See how Grand Traverse Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 51% (2019) to 48.21% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 61% (2019) to 58.25% (2022).
Location
1245 HAMMOND RD E, Traverse City, MI 49686
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Grand Traverse Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. North EdNew Horizons (rated 8.8/10, 3.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is North EdCreekside School (rated 7.7/10, 5.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, North EdBridgeway (rated 6.0/10, 3.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Traverse City, see our Traverse City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Knoll Elementary School Traverse City | 0.4 mi | 6.0 |
| East Middle School Traverse City | 0.5 mi | 5.9 |
| ST ELIZABETH ANN SETON MIDDLE SCHOOL Traverse City | 0.6 mi | 5.3 |
| Traverse City High School Traverse City | 1.7 mi | 6.5 |
| Life Skills Center Traverse City | 2.0 mi | 7.9 |
| North EdCareer Tech Traverse City | 2.0 mi | — |
| TRAVERSE CITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Traverse City | 1.9 mi | 4.4 |
| Courtade Elementary School Traverse City | 2.5 mi | 7.2 |
| TRAVERSE BAY MENNONITE SCHOOL Traverse City | 3.1 mi | — |
| North EdNew Horizons Traverse City | 3.2 mi | 8.8 |
| Traverse Heights Elem School Traverse City | 3.2 mi | 4.9 |
| Eastern Elementary School Traverse City | 3.8 mi | 4.4 |
| North EdBridgeway Traverse City | 3.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Central High School Traverse City | 3.9 mi | 7.7 |
| The Greenspire High School Travse City | 3.6 mi | 7.2 |
| Central Grade School Traverse City | 4.7 mi | 8.2 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Traverse City | 4.6 mi | 6.5 |
| TCAPS Montessori School Traverse City | 5.0 mi | 9.2 |
| North EdCreekside School Traverse City | 5.1 mi | 7.7 |
| The Greenspire School Traverse City | 5.2 mi | 7.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49686 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,198
Median Home Value
$295,500
Median Rent
$1,209/mo
Population
25,181
College Educated
45.9%
Homeownership
71.1%
Avg Commute
19.8 min
Poverty Rate
11.3%
Median Age
47.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Grand Traverse Academy has a median household income of $71,198. 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 $295,500, with a median rent of $1,209/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.3%. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| Trillium Academy Taylor, MI | 5.3 |
| NORTH POINTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Grand Rapids, MI | 5.2 |
| River Rouge Alternative Virtual Academy River Rouge, MI | 5.2 |
| Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac Pontiac, MI | 5.1 |
| David Ellis Academy West Redford, MI | 5.1 |
| Hope of Detroit Academy MiddleHigh Detroit, MI | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Grand Traverse Academy
What grades does Grand Traverse Academy serve?
Grand Traverse Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.
How many students attend Grand Traverse Academy?
Grand Traverse Academy has an enrollment of approximately 798 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Grand Traverse Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Grand Traverse Academy is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Grand Traverse Academy rank in MI?
Grand Traverse Academy is ranked #2341 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Grand Traverse Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Grand Traverse Academy has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Traverse Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Grand Traverse Academy has 48.7% math proficiency and 57.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Grand Traverse Academy a charter school?
Yes, Grand Traverse Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Grand Traverse Academy a Title I school?
No, Grand Traverse Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Grand Traverse Academy?
39.3% of students at Grand Traverse 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.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 12th
- Enrollment
- 798
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 50
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 39.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small Suburb
- County
- Grand Traverse County
- Phone
- (231) 932-6008
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Grand Traverse Academy- District Enrollment
- 798
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $8,977
- 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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