Empower U serves 188 students in grades 6-12.
The student-teacher ratio of 5:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Special education school
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 188 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44%
- Graduation Rate: <50%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Empower U ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Empower U's student population of 188 students has grown by 86% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has grown by 52% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
188 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
1962
School Rankings
The diversity score of Empower U is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
4%
Hispanic
15%
9%
Black
19%
18%
White
56%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(19-20)<50%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the graduation rate of Empower U?
The graduation rate of Empower U is 50%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 86%.
How many students attend Empower U?
188 students attend Empower U.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Empower U students are White, 19% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Empower U?
Empower U has a student ration of 5:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Empower U offer ?
Empower U offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Empower U part of?
Empower U is part of Kent Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is Empower U located?
Empower U is located in the Fulton Heights neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. There are 1 other public schools located in Fulton Heights.
School Reviews
Review Empower U. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
