Average
#1338 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 42% in state
West Michigan Aviation Academy
High School · West Michigan Aviation Academy
5363 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Enrollment
608
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
608
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Grand Rapids
#7 of 15
public schools
Michigan high schools
#259 of 812
Equity
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About West Michigan Aviation Academy
West Michigan Aviation Academy is a charter high school located in the suburban area of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The school serves students from ninth through twelfth grade and boasts an enrollment of 608 students with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. This supportive environment encourages close interaction between teachers and students, fostering a strong sense of community.
The academic performance at West Michigan Aviation Academy is solid but has room for improvement. With a MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranking at the 71st percentile among schools in Michigan, it offers a robust educational experience. Students perform particularly well in English Language Arts (ELA) with 72% reaching proficiency or above, while math scores show 57% achieving proficiency.
West Michigan Aviation Academy is situated in a bustling suburban area of Grand Rapids, surrounded by diverse neighborhoods and amenities that contribute to the vibrant local community. Whether you're interested in aviation studies or looking for a supportive high school environment, West Michigan Aviation Academy offers an engaging and nurturing setting for students to thrive.
What Parents Should Know
West Michigan Aviation 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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West Michigan Aviation Academy — Students at West Michigan Aviation Academy score 60% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
21.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 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: 2.6/10.
How West Michigan Aviation Academy Compares
See how West Michigan Aviation Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 52% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 77% (2019) to 67% (2021).
Location
5363 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Michigan Aviation Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Meadow Brook Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 3.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Dutton Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Caledonia), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Thornapple Elementary School (rated 8.7/10, 4.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Grand Rapids, see our Grand Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| PrepNet Virtual Academy Grand Rapids | 1.9 mi | 3.7 |
| Endeavor Elementary Grand Rapids | 2.5 mi | 7.7 |
| Ridge Park Charter Academy Grand Rapids | 2.9 mi | 7.5 |
| Pine Ridge Elementary School Grand Rapids | 2.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Lighthouse Academy South Campus Kentwood | 2.7 mi | 8.1 |
| ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF GRAND RAPIDS Grand Rapids | 3.2 mi | — |
| Meadow Brook Elementary School Grand Rapids | 3.7 mi | 9.2 |
| CONDUCTIVE LEARNING CENTER OF NORTH AMERICA Grand Rapids | 3.2 mi | — |
| Dutton Elementary School Caledonia | 3.6 mi | 8.8 |
| Central High School Grand Rapids | 4.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Thornapple Elementary School Grand Rapids | 4.0 mi | 8.7 |
| Central Middle School Ada | 4.4 mi | 7.8 |
| ADA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ada | 4.4 mi | 5.8 |
| Crestwood Middle School Grand Rapids | 3.4 mi | 8.3 |
| DUTTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Caledonia | 4.0 mi | 5.5 |
| ST ROBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL Ada | 4.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Challenger Elementary Grand Rapids | 3.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Central Woodlands 56 School Ada | 5.0 mi | 7.7 |
| Excel Charter Academy Grand Rapids | 3.7 mi | 7.3 |
| OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL Grand Rapids | 4.3 mi | 7.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49512 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,955
Median Home Value
$279,900
Median Rent
$1,229/mo
Population
18,662
College Educated
37.7%
Homeownership
43.5%
Avg Commute
20.7 min
Poverty Rate
6.6%
Median Age
33.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Michigan Aviation Academy has a median household income of $70,955. It is an area where 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $279,900, with a median rent of $1,229/month. The local poverty rate of 6.6% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 21 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 |
|---|---|
| Cheboygan Area High School Cheboygan, MI | 6.6 |
| DIVINE CHILD HIGH SCHOOL Dearborn, MI | 6.6 |
| Redford Union High School Redford, MI | 6.6 |
| Sault Area High School Sault Sainte Marie, MI | 6.6 |
| Schoolcraft High School Schoolcraft, MI | 6.6 |
| Black River Public School MiddleHigh Holland, MI | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Michigan Aviation Academy
What grades does West Michigan Aviation Academy serve?
West Michigan Aviation Academy serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend West Michigan Aviation Academy?
West Michigan Aviation Academy has an enrollment of approximately 608 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Michigan Aviation Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at West Michigan Aviation 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 West Michigan Aviation Academy rank in MI?
West Michigan Aviation Academy is ranked #1338 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is West Michigan Aviation Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
West Michigan Aviation Academy has a composite rating of 6.6 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 West Michigan Aviation Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Michigan Aviation Academy has 57.0% math proficiency and 72.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Michigan Aviation Academy a charter school?
Yes, West Michigan Aviation Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is West Michigan Aviation Academy a Title I school?
No, West Michigan Aviation Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Michigan Aviation Academy?
21.2% of students at West Michigan Aviation 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.
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
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 608
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 21.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Kent County
- Phone
- (616) 446-8886
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
West Michigan Aviation Academy- District Enrollment
- 608
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,572
- 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.
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