Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Grand Rapids Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 40 public preschools serving 13,625 students in Grand Rapids, MI.
The top-ranked public preschools in Grand Rapids, MI are Knapp Forest Elementary School, Thornapple Elementary School and Pine Ridge Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Grand Rapids, MI public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Michigan public pre school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 40% statewide average). Pre schools in Grand Rapids have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Michigan public preschool average of 41% (majority Black).

Best Public Preschools in Grand Rapids, MI (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Knapp Forest Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
4243 Knapp Valley Dr Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 493-8980
Gr: PK-5 | 520 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #22.
Thornapple Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
6932 Bridgewater Dr Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 493-8920
Gr: PK-4 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #33.
Pine Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
3250 Redford Dr Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 493-8910
Gr: PK-4 | 472 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Breton Downs School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
2500 Boston St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 235-7552
Gr: PK-5 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Excel Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
4201 Breton Rd Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 281-9339
Gr: PK-12 | 791 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #66.
Collins Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
4368 Heather Ln Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 493-8900
Gr: PK-4 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #77.
Grandville Cummings Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
4261 Schoolcraft St Sw
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
(616) 254-6040
Gr: PK-6 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #88.
West Oakview Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
3880 Stuyvesant Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 361-3470
Gr: PK-4 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #99.
North Oakview Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
4300 Costa Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 361-3450
Gr: PK-4 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #1010.
Ca Frost Environmental Science Academy Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1460 Laughlin Dr Nw
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 819-2250
Gr: PK-5 | 476 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1111.
Congress Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
940 Baldwin St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 819-2201
Gr: PK-5 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #1212.
North Park Montessori Academy
(Math: 30% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3375 Cheney Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 819-2848
Gr: PK-8 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #1313.
West Mi Academy Of Environmental Science
Charter School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4463 Leonard St Nw
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
(616) 791-7454
Gr: PK-12 | 666 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #1414.
Bowen Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4483 Kalamazoo Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-5220
Gr: PK-5 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #1515.
Brookwood Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5465 Kalamazoo Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-0030
Gr: PK-5 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
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: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Meadowlawn Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4939 Burgis Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 534-4608
Gr: PK-5 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #1818.
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: #1919.
Ridgemoor Park Montessori
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2555 Inverness Rd Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 819-5321
Gr: PK-6 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #2020.
Mulick Park Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1761 Rosewood Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 819-2810
Gr: PK-5 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #2121.
Palmer School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
309 Palmer St Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 819-2929
Gr: PK-5 | 187 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #2222.
Kent Isd Deaf And Hard Of Hearing
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4300 Costa Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 410-4990
Gr: PK-12 | 61 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #2323.
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: #2424.
West Kelloggsville School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24% )
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4555 Magnolia Ave Sw
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
(616) 532-1595
Gr: PK-2 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #25 - 2625. - 26.
Gerald R Ford Academic Center
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
851 Madison Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 819-2640
Gr: PK-8 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #25 - 2625. - 26.
Shawmut Hills School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2550 Burritt St Nw
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 819-3055
Gr: PK-8 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #2727.
Aberdeen Academy
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
928 Aberdeen St Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 819-2868
Gr: PK-8 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Sherwood Global Studies Academy
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3859 Chamberlain Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 819-3095
Gr: PK-6 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Sibley School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
943 Sibley St Nw
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 819-3100
Gr: PK-5 | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #3030.
Burton Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2133 Buchanan Ave Sw
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 819-2262
Gr: PK-5 | 365 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #3131.
Kenosha Park Elementary School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1353 Van Auken St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 819-2696
Gr: PK-5 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #3232.
Hope Academy Of West Michigan
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
240 Brown St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 301-8458
Gr: PK-12 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Buchanan Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1775 Buchanan Ave Sw
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 819-2252
Gr: PK-5 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Kent Hills Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1445 Emerald Ave Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 819-2727
Gr: PK-5 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #3535.
Harrison Park Academy
(Math: 6% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1440 Davis Ave Nw
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 819-2565
Gr: PK-8 | 708 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Show 5 more public schools in Grand Rapids, MI (out of 40 total schools)
Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Grand Rapids, MI?
The top-ranked public preschools in Grand Rapids, MI include Knapp Forest Elementary School, Thornapple Elementary School and Pine Ridge Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Grand Rapids?
40 public preschools are located in Grand Rapids.
What is the racial composition of students in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids public preschools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Michigan public preschools average of 41% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Grand Rapids are often viewed compared to one another?

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

School Search Tools:
School by Type (MI):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
 Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights
Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
 School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
 10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools

More Articles

Local School Topics
Opinion
Evaluating Public Schools
Public School Jobs
Scholarships