Average
#1078 of 3,192 schools in MI
Top 34% in state
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes
School · Lighthouse Academy
1501 CEDAR ST NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Enrollment
80
Student-Teacher
13.3:1
Score
6.9
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
80
Student-Teacher
13.3:1
Score
6.9
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#1,078 of 3,192
In Grand Rapids
#47 of 126
public schools
In district
#2 of 3
Lighthouse Academy
School environment
9.8 / 10
Excellent
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Lighthouse Academy Waalkes
School in Grand Rapids · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Lighthouse Academy the Pier
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Plymouth Christian School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Lighthouse Academy Waalkes
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is a public school in Grand Rapids, MI, part of Lighthouse Academy. Lighthouse Academy Waalkes serves approximately 80 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 13.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Lighthouse Academy Waalkes has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,078 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Lighthouse Academy Waalkes show 21% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2021) and 21% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2021).
- This school 6.9 · Average
- District avg 6.5
- MI avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
At 80 students, Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Lighthouse Academy Waalkes — Students at Lighthouse Academy Waalkes score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 15%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
96.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 16 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 9.6/10.
How Lighthouse Academy Waalkes Compares
See how Lighthouse Academy Waalkes performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1501 CEDAR ST NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Lighthouse Academy Waalkes may also want to explore other schools in the area. PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 5.8/10, 0.3 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Grand Rapids Montessori Academy (rated 5.3/10, 1.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Grand Rapids, see our Grand Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse Academy The Pier Grand Rapids | 0.4 mi | — |
| PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Grand Rapids | 0.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Wellspring Preparatory High School Grand Rapids | 0.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Empower U Grand Rapids | 1.0 mi | 5.9 |
| LIVING STONES ACADEMY Grand Rapids | 1.0 mi | 5.9 |
| Kent Hills Elementary Grand Rapids | 1.0 mi | 3.5 |
| Bethany Based School Grand Rapids | 0.9 mi | — |
| William C Abney Academy Elementary Grand Rapids | 1.3 mi | 3.8 |
| ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Grand Rapids | 1.4 mi | 8.6 |
| Home Education Site Grand Rapids | 1.1 mi | — |
| STEPPING STONES MONTESSORI SCHOOL Grand Rapids | 1.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Congress Elementary Grand Rapids | 1.6 mi | 8.5 |
| ALL SAINTS ACADEMY Grand Rapids | 1.7 mi | 7.7 |
| East Leonard Elementary Grand Rapids | 1.3 mi | 3.4 |
| Aberdeen Academy Grand Rapids | 1.8 mi | 8.0 |
| Grand Rapids Montessori Academy Grand Rapids | 1.6 mi | 5.3 |
| City MiddleHigh Grand Rapids | 1.6 mi | 8.6 |
| Center for Economicology Grand Rapids | 1.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Innovation Central High Grand Rapids | 1.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Grand Rapids Montessori MiddleHigh Grand Rapids | 1.7 mi | 7.8 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| LAKE ORION BAPTIST SCHOOL Lake Orion, MI | 6.9 |
| Alba School Elmira, MI | 7.0 |
| CENTERPOINT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Burton, MI | 7.0 |
| Great Lakes Online Education Grayling, MI | 7.0 |
| Heartwood School Mason, MI | 7.0 |
| Renaissance Virtual School Clarkston, MI | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lighthouse Academy Waalkes
What grades does Lighthouse Academy Waalkes serve?
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.
How many students attend Lighthouse Academy Waalkes?
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes has an enrollment of approximately 80 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Lighthouse Academy Waalkes?
The student-teacher ratio at Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is 13.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Lighthouse Academy Waalkes rank in MI?
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes ranks #1,078 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Lighthouse Academy Waalkes's MySchoolScout rating?
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Lighthouse Academy Waalkes?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Lighthouse Academy Waalkes has 21% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2021) and 21% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2021).
Is Lighthouse Academy Waalkes a charter school?
Yes, Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Lighthouse Academy Waalkes a Title I school?
No, Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Lighthouse Academy Waalkes?
96.2% of students at Lighthouse Academy Waalkes 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
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 12th
- Enrollment
- 80
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 6
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 96.2%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Kent County
- Phone
- (616) 304-8537
Resources & Links
District
Lighthouse Academy- District Enrollment
- 365
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $21,047
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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