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Below Average

#2748 of 3,192 schools in MI

New Branches Charter Academy

Elementary School · New Branches Charter Academy

3662 Poinsettia Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Charter

Enrollment

359

Student-Teacher

16.3:1

Score

4.4

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#2,748 of 3,192

In Grand Rapids

#102 of 126

public schools

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New Branches Charter Academy

4.4/10

Elementary School in Grand Rapids · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Kenosha Park Elementary

3.3/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Sherwood Global Studies Academy

7.4/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About New Branches Charter Academy

New Branches Charter Academy is a public elementary school in Grand Rapids, MI, part of New Branches Charter Academy. New Branches Charter Academy serves approximately 359 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 16.3:1 student-teacher ratio. New Branches Charter Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 out of 10 and ranks #2,748 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for New Branches Charter Academy show 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.7 pts below MI schools
  • This school 4.4 · Below Average
  • MI avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

New Branches Charter Academy 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.

32% of students at New Branches Charter Academy were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.8Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.3 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.3Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency20.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency30.2% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-21.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.7 pts
Overall Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)20% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+5.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile47th
Resources & Environment5.7Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,450
Chronic Absenteeism31.8%

New Branches Charter Academy — Students at New Branches Charter Academy score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

87.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 27.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
34.4% (2022 EdFacts)
ELA Proficiency 39.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
44.3% (2022 EdFacts)

Based on 40 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
32%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
36%
ELA
53%
2013
Math
22%
ELA
50%
2014
Math
20%
ELA
36%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2018
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2022
Math
19.9%
ELA
31.1%

* 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: 2.8/10.

How New Branches Charter Academy Compares

See how New Branches Charter Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.4/10
14th percentile in MI
Academic
6.3/10
Average
Growth
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.7/10
Average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
87%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
22 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
31.8%

Location

3662 Poinsettia Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering New Branches Charter Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Bowen Elementary (rated 7.6/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Sherwood Global Studies Academy (rated 7.4/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Meadowlawn Elementary (rated 7.1/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Grand Rapids, see our Grand Rapids schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
KenOSha Park Elementary Grand Rapids 0.5 mi 3.3
Sherwood Global Studies Academy Grand Rapids 0.8 mi 7.4
Bowen Elementary Grand Rapids 1.0 mi 7.6
Vista Charter Academy Grand Rapids 1.0 mi 6.2
Meadowlawn Elementary Grand Rapids 1.6 mi 7.1
Valleywood Middle School Grand Rapids 1.8 mi 5.0
Alger Middle School Grand Rapids 1.7 mi 5.5
GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Grand Rapids 1.8 mi 5.3
Excel Charter Academy Grand Rapids 1.4 mi 6.3
Godwin Heights Middle School Grand Rapids 1.5 mi 5.0
Ottawa Hills High School Grand Rapids 2.0 mi 4.6
Ottawa High Transition Grand Rapids 2.0 mi
Godwin Heights Learning Center Grand Rapids 1.6 mi 5.0
Central Kelloggsville Elementary Grand Rapids 1.8 mi 3.1
Grand River Preparatory High School Grand Rapids 2.1 mi 5.2
Godwin Heights Senior High School Grand Rapids 1.6 mi 7.1
Brookside Elementary Grand Rapids 1.9 mi 3.2
Kelloggsville Middle School Grand Rapids 1.9 mi 4.0
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Grand Rapids 2.3 mi 7.0
Brookwood Elementary Grand Rapids 2.3 mi 5.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49508 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$65,328

Median Home Value

$257,900

Median Rent

$1,179/mo

Population

41,924

College Educated

33.2%

Homeownership

61.1%

Avg Commute

20.9 min

Poverty Rate

11.6%

Median Age

35.6

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Columbiaville Elementary School Otisville, MI 4.4
Cumberland School Lansing, MI 4.4
Dickinson Academy Grand Rapids, MI 4.4
Elms Road Elementary School Swartz Creek, MI 4.4
Harmon Elementary School Saint Clair Shores, MI 4.4
Hulsing Elementary School Canton, MI 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about New Branches Charter Academy

What grades does New Branches Charter Academy serve?

New Branches Charter Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend New Branches Charter Academy?

New Branches Charter Academy has an enrollment of approximately 359 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at New Branches Charter Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at New Branches Charter Academy is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does New Branches Charter Academy rank in MI?

New Branches Charter Academy ranks #2,748 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is New Branches Charter Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

New Branches Charter Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 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 New Branches Charter Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, New Branches Charter Academy has 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is New Branches Charter Academy a charter school?

Yes, New Branches Charter Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is New Branches Charter Academy a Title I school?

No, New Branches Charter Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for New Branches Charter Academy?

87.2% of students at New Branches Charter 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

Walk Score
31 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
31 Some Transit
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
359
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
22
Free/Reduced Lunch
87.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Kent County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
31.8%

District

New Branches Charter Academy
District Enrollment
359
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,450
District Rank
#1 of 1

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