Serving 73 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Lighthouse Academy Waalkes ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school / Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 73 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Graduation Rate: ≤20% (Btm 50% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes's student population of 73 students has grown by 52% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has grown by 40% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
73 students
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
School Motto
Creating hope through academic success in spite of life's storms.
School Rankings
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes ranks within the top 30% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is 0.62, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#810 out of 3025 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
14%
9%
Black
56%
18%
White
23%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≤20%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
45%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lighthouse Academy Waalkes's ranking?
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is ranked #810 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Michigan.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lighthouse Academy Waalkes?
The graduation rate of Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is 20%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Lighthouse Academy Waalkes?
73 students attend Lighthouse Academy Waalkes.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Lighthouse Academy Waalkes students are Black, 23% of students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lighthouse Academy Waalkes?
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Lighthouse Academy Waalkes offer ?
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lighthouse Academy Waalkes part of?
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is part of Lighthouse Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is Lighthouse Academy Waalkes located?
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes is located in the North East Citizens Action neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. There are 8 other public schools located in North East Citizens Action.
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