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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 49503 Michigan Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public elementary schools serving 3,267 students in 49503, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 49503, MI are Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center, Lighthouse Academy Waalkes and Bethany Based School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 49503 have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in 49503, MI have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).

Best 49503, MI Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
409 Lafayette Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 459-0330
Gr: K-5 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Lighthouse Academy Waalkes
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1501 Cedar St Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 304-8537
Gr: K-12 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #33.
Bethany Based School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
901 Eastern Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 245-7708
Gr: 6-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Grand Rapids Montessori Academy
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
159 College Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 819-2405
Gr: PK-12 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #55.
Coit Creative Arts Academy
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
617 Coit Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 819-2390
Gr: PK-5 | 246 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #66.
Southwest Elementary Academia Bilingue
(Math: 17% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
801 Oakland Ave Sw
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 819-2947
Gr: PK-6 | 661 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #77.
Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
512 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 819-1010
Gr: 6-12 | 494 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #88.
Cesar E Chavez Elementary School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1205 Grandville Ave Sw
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 819-2560
Gr: PK-5 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #99.
William C Abney Academy Elementary School
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1435 Fulton St E
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-5541
Gr: K-6 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1010.
Martin Luther King Leadership Academy
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
645 Logan St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 819-2600
Gr: PK-8 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
Empower U
Special Education School
225 Mayfield Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 410-4860
Gr: 6-12 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 44%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 49503, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 49503, MI include Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center, Lighthouse Academy Waalkes and Bethany Based School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 49503?
11 public elementary schools are located in 49503.
What is the racial composition of students in 49503?
49503 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).

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