Best 49503 Michigan Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public middle schools serving 1,925 students in 49503, MI.
The top-ranked public middle schools in 49503, MI are Lighthouse Academy Waalkes, Bethany Based School and Grand Rapids Montessori Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public middle schools in zipcode 49503 have an average math proficiency score of 12% (versus the Michigan public middle school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 44% statewide average). Middle schools in 49503, MI have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Michigan public middle school average of 42% (majority Black).

Best 49503, MI Public Middle Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
Grand Rapids Montessori Middlehigh
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
421 Fountain St Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 819-2405
Gr: 7-12 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #55.
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: #66.
Southwest Middlehigh Academia Bilingue
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
327 Rumsey St Sw
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 819-3160
Gr: 7-12 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #77.
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 middle schools in 49503, MI?
The top-ranked public middle schools in 49503, MI include Lighthouse Academy Waalkes, Bethany Based School and Grand Rapids Montessori Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in 49503?
8 public middle schools are located in 49503.
What is the racial composition of students in 49503?
49503 public middle schools minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Michigan public middle schools average of 42% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
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
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
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links