Average
#1498 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 47% in state
Walker Charter Academy
Elementary School · Walker Charter Academy
1801 3 MILE RD NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Enrollment
718
Student-Teacher
20.5:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
718
Student-Teacher
20.5:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Grand Rapids
#67 of 111
public schools
Michigan elementary schools
#851 of 1,602
Equity
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Walker Charter Academy
Walker Charter Academy serves 718 students from kindergarten through eighth grade in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This charter school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20.5:1 with 35 full-time equivalent teachers, providing a manageable learning environment for elementary and middle school students. Academically, Walker Charter Academy performs well above average, earning a 7.1 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking in the 79th percentile statewide at #660 out of 3,204 Michigan schools.
The school demonstrates strong performance in English Language Arts, with 65% of students achieving proficiency or above across grade levels. Math performance shows 53% of students meeting proficiency standards, indicating solid foundational skills with opportunities for continued growth. The school's academic score of 8.7 out of 10 reflects its commitment to student achievement and educational excellence.
As a charter school, Walker Charter Academy operates with increased flexibility in its educational approach while serving families seeking alternatives to traditional district schools. Located on 3 Mile Road NW, the school sits in a stable suburban community where the median household income reaches $66,250 and home values average $232,900. The surrounding neighborhood maintains an 11.5% poverty rate, with 28% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, creating a supportive environment for educational achievement in Kent County's growing suburban landscape.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Walker Charter Academy is 20.5:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Walker Charter 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
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Walker Charter Academy — Students at Walker Charter Academy score 59% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
56.1%
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: 6.1/10.
How Walker Charter Academy Compares
See how Walker Charter Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 63% (2019) to 52.26% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 64% (2019) to 65.56% (2022).
Location
1801 3 MILE RD NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Walker Charter Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Kent Education CenterOakleigh (rated 9.6/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Alpine Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Comstock Park), which scores notably higher. Additionally, HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 2.4 miles away, in nearby Comstock Park), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Grand Rapids, see our Grand Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.2 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49544 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$69,706
Median Home Value
$247,500
Median Rent
$1,119/mo
Population
9,918
College Educated
33.6%
Homeownership
64.3%
Avg Commute
18 min
Poverty Rate
10.3%
Median Age
38.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Walker Charter Academy has a median household income of $69,706. It is an area where 34% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $247,500, with a median rent of $1,119/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.3%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 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 |
|---|---|
| Clinton Elementary School Clinton, MI | 6.4 |
| Commerce Elementary School Commerce Township, MI | 6.4 |
| Dekeyser Elementary School Sterling Heights, MI | 6.4 |
| Eastwood School Sturgis, MI | 6.4 |
| Endeavor Charter Academy Battle Creek, MI | 6.4 |
| Grandville Century Park Learning Center Wyoming, MI | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Walker Charter Academy
What grades does Walker Charter Academy serve?
Walker Charter Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Walker Charter Academy?
Walker Charter Academy has an enrollment of approximately 718 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Walker Charter Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Walker Charter Academy is 20.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Walker Charter Academy rank in MI?
Walker Charter Academy is ranked #1498 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Walker Charter Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Walker Charter Academy has a composite rating of 6.4 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 Walker Charter Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Walker Charter Academy has 53.4% math proficiency and 64.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Walker Charter Academy a charter school?
Yes, Walker Charter Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Walker Charter Academy a Title I school?
No, Walker Charter Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Walker Charter Academy?
56.1% of students at Walker 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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 718
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 56.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Kent County
- Phone
- (616) 785-2700
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Walker Charter Academy- District Enrollment
- 718
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,678
- 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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