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Average

#2255 of 3,192 schools in MI

Union High School

High School · Grand Rapids Public Schools

1800 TREMONT BLVD NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Enrollment

939

Student-Teacher

18.1:1

Score

5.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#2,255 of 3,192

In Grand Rapids

#83 of 126

public schools

In district

#25 of 47

Grand Rapids Public Schools

Academic growth

8.6 / 10

Excellent

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Union High School

5.4/10

High School in Grand Rapids · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Newcomers Community School

3.9/10

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

Union High Transition

7.8/10

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

About Union High School

Union High School is a public high school in Grand Rapids, MI, part of Grand Rapids Public Schools. Union High School serves approximately 939 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 18.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Union High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10 and ranks #2,255 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Union High School show 9% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

How it compares0.5 pts below district
  • This school 5.4 · Average
  • District avg 5.9
  • MI avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Union High School sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

67% of students at Union High School 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.19 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics2.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2.5% (2021 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency12% (2021 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency7% (2021 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)16% (model expectation from 2021 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-9.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile9th
College Readiness6.1Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
AP Participation6.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,732
Chronic Absenteeism66.6%

Union High School — Students at Union High School score 7% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 16%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

93.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 8.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 25.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A

Based on 26 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
17%
ELA
47%
2010
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2011
Math
2.5%
ELA
27%
2012
Math
2.5%
ELA
27%
2013
Math
7.5%
ELA
32%
2014
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2015
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
12%
ELA
32%
2017
Math
2.5%
ELA
2.5%
2018
Math
7.5%
ELA
27%
2019
Math
7.5%
ELA
27%
2020*
Math
2.5%
ELA
12%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
12%

* 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: 8.6/10.

How Union High School Compares

See how Union High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.4/10
29th percentile in MI
Academic
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
8.6/10
Excellent
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.5
Sports
23
11 boys' · 12 girls'
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
94%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
52 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
66.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
6.8% participation·State avg: 2.5 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics23sports offered
11 boys'·12 girls'·31 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1800 TREMONT BLVD NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Union High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Union High Transition (rated 7.8/10), which scores notably higher. Another option is WEST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.9/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, NexTech High School (rated 5.3/10, 1.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Grand Rapids, see our Grand Rapids schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Newcomers Community School Grand Rapids 0.0 mi 3.9
Union High Transition Grand Rapids 0.0 mi 7.8
Westwood Middle School Grand Rapids 0.2 mi 5.7
HOLY SPIRIT SCHOOL Grand Rapids 0.6 mi 4.6
WEST SIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Grand Rapids 0.7 mi 7.0
Kent Education CenterOakleigh Grand Rapids 0.8 mi 9.3
John Ball Park Zoo School Grand Rapids 0.9 mi 6.1
Shawmut Hills School Grand Rapids 0.9 mi 4.2
CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Middle High School Grand Rapids 1.3 mi 4.4
Sibley School Grand Rapids 1.1 mi 5.2
Stocking Elementary Grand Rapids 1.1 mi 5.7
WEST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Grand Rapids 1.6 mi 5.9
ST ANTHONY OF PADUA Grand Rapids 1.9 mi 6.8
Harrison Park Academy Grand Rapids 1.7 mi 5.8
NexTech High School Grand Rapids 1.6 mi 5.3
Grand Rapids Public Museum Middle Grand Rapids 1.8 mi 7.9
CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Elementary Grand Rapids 2.0 mi 8.2
Southwest Elementary Academia Bilingue Grand Rapids 2.3 mi 4.8
Blandford School Grand Rapids 2.3 mi 7.4
Southwest MiddleHigh Academia Bilingue Grand Rapids 2.4 mi 4.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49504 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,326

Median Home Value

$222,600

Median Rent

$1,145/mo

Population

40,402

College Educated

38.5%

Homeownership

58%

Avg Commute

19.8 min

Poverty Rate

15.6%

Median Age

32.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Allegan High School Allegan, MI 5.4
Arthur Hill High School Saginaw, MI 5.4
Everett High School Lansing, MI 5.4
James R Geisler Middle School Commerce Township, MI 5.4
GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Grand Rapids, MI 5.3
Kelloggsville High School Wyoming, MI 5.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Union High School

What grades does Union High School serve?

Union High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Union High School?

Union High School has an enrollment of approximately 939 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Union High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Union High School is 18.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Union High School rank in MI?

Union High School ranks #2,255 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Union High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Union High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 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 Union High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Union High School has 9% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

Is Union High School a charter school?

No, Union High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Union High School a Title I school?

No, Union High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Union High School?

93.7% of students at Union High School 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
25 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
33 Some Transit
Bike Score
47 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
939
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
52
Free/Reduced Lunch
93.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Kent County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
66.6%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

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

How we rate schools

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