Elementary Schools in Grand Rapids Public Schools

The Grand Rapids Public Schools district in Michigan contains 25 elementary schools serving students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The schools in this district demonstrate a wide range of academic performance, with some standout high-achieving schools like CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Elementary and Congress Elementary, as well as several struggling schools with very low proficiency rates.

The data reveals significant disparities in student outcomes, with a clear correlation between a school's socioeconomic status (as measured by free/reduced lunch rates) and its academic performance. Schools with high levels of economic disadvantage, such as Martin Luther King Leadership Academy with a 97.97% free/reduced lunch rate, tend to have the lowest test scores and state rankings. In contrast, Ridgemoor Park Montessori and CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Elementary, which have lower poverty rates, are among the highest performing schools in the Grand Rapids Public Schools district.

Chronic absenteeism also emerges as a significant issue, with several schools reporting rates over 40%. This high level of chronic absenteeism is likely a major contributor to the low academic outcomes seen in many of the district's elementary schools. Addressing attendance barriers and adopting successful educational models like the Montessori approach could help drive improvements across the Grand Rapids Public Schools system.