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West Michigan Aviation Academy

Public, Charter Grades 9-12

20^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 800 Michigan High Schools

Better than 98% of Michigan high schools

Summary

West Michigan Aviation Academy is a public charter high school in Grand Rapids, MI, serving 600 students in grades 9-12 with a specialized aviation-themed curriculum that attracts motivated learners from across the area.

This school delivers exceptional academic results that rival the most prestigious districts in the region. In the most recent testing year, 55.9% of students scored proficient in SAT Math—a rate that far exceeds the 8.1% at nearby Godwin Heights Senior High School and 11% at Kelloggsville High School, while also outpacing Caledonia High School (39.5%). The school consistently earns 5-star ratings and ranks in the 94th-98th percentile of all Michigan high schools. What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that 19.17% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch—a higher rate than affluent competitors like East Grand Rapids High School (6.5%)—yet outcomes remain on par or better, demonstrating genuine educational value rather than demographic advantage.

Student engagement and success metrics are equally impressive. The chronic absenteeism rate sits at just 9.0%, less than a third of the state average (27.9%) and dramatically lower than nearby schools reporting rates between 31.8% and 66.1%. The graduation rate of 96.0% exceeds the state average by 12 points, with a dropout rate of only 1.3% compared to 7.1% statewide. Notably, the school achieves these results while spending just $11,503 per student—less than half of what Ottawa Hills High School spends ($26,239). The school also ranks 3rd in the state for Special Education Students and 9th for African American Students, showing that high achievement extends across all student groups. For families seeking a rigorous, engaging high school experience with a unique aviation focus, this school delivers outstanding results efficiently and equitably.

600

Students ?

16.8

Student/teacher ratio ?

$11,503

Per pupil spending ?

19.2%

Free/discounted lunch ?

5363 44th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512

(616) 446-8886

District: West Michigan Aviation Academy

Racial breakdown:

White:

73.2%

African American:

9.8%

Hispanic:

8.8%

See top rated Michigan high schools

Compare West Michigan Aviation Academy to nearby high schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 95th percentile in 2016 → 98th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Michigan average (72% vs 43% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 2% of Michigan high schools

✓96% graduate in 4 years — above the Michigan average (84%)

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school72%

District avg72%

Michigan avg43%

20^th of 800

Michigan public high schools ?

Top 2%▲ up 3 pts since 2016

See the entire ranking list of Michigan High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

6^th of 625West Michigan Aviation Academy among Michigan districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	96.3	20 of 800	97.5%	★★★★★
2025	92.9	43 of 739	94.2%	★★★★★
2024	96.5	17 of 743	97.7%	★★★★★
2023	93.1	34 of 735	95.4%	★★★★★
2022	98.5	8 of 531	98.5%	★★★★★
2021	79.8	80 of 561	85.7%	★★★★☆
2019	94.5	31 of 666	95.3%	★★★★★
2018	92.7	44 of 824	94.7%	★★★★★
2017	85.9	87 of 835	89.6%	★★★★☆
2016	92.2	46 of 852	94.6%	★★★★★
2015	91.1	49 of 832	94.1%	★★★★★
2014	84.1	95 of 799	88.1%	★★★★☆
2013	83.9	105 of 805	87.0%	★★★★☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	95.1	9 of 252	96.4%	★★★★★
2024	99.7	1 of 188	99.5%	★★★★★
2018	46.2	106 of 254	58.3%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	94.3	20 of 686	97.1%	★★★★★
2025	88.4	50 of 629	92.1%	★★★★★
2024	93.1	32 of 619	94.8%	★★★★★
2023	90.9	34 of 611	94.4%	★★★★★
2022	98.4	3 of 416	99.3%	★★★★★
2021	76.7	76 of 462	83.5%	★★★★☆
2019	91.7	35 of 554	93.7%	★★★★★
2018	79.9	118 of 710	83.4%	★★★★☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	90.9	16 of 259	93.8%	★★★★★
2024	86.5	19 of 195	90.3%	★★★★★
2023	96.2	7 of 190	96.3%	★★★★★
2021	78.5	13 of 64	79.7%	★★★★☆
2019	93.2	6 of 97	93.8%	★★★★★
2018	84.9	25 of 201	87.6%	★★★★☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	93.5	15 of 719	97.9%	★★★★★
2025	75.9	113 of 635	82.2%	★★★★☆
2024	97.0	16 of 654	97.6%	★★★★★
2023	95.3	22 of 614	96.4%	★★★★★
2022	99.6	3 of 369	99.2%	★★★★★
2021	56.2	169 of 417	59.5%	★★★☆☆
2019	94.2	17 of 532	96.8%	★★★★★
2018	87.4	50 of 755	93.4%	★★★★★

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	95.9	19 of 693	97.3%	★★★★★
2025	91.9	37 of 628	94.1%	★★★★★
2024	96.3	19 of 633	97.0%	★★★★★
2023	92.0	37 of 611	93.9%	★★★★★
2022	98.4	8 of 440	98.2%	★★★★★
2021	72.8	89 of 472	81.1%	★★★★☆
2019	94.4	24 of 543	95.6%	★★★★★
2018	94.3	26 of 707	96.3%	★★★★★

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	97.0	3 of 220	98.6%	★★★★★
2018	84.7	16 of 315	94.9%	★★★★★

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	95.8	17 of 671	97.5%	★★★★★
2025	94.2	24 of 639	96.2%	★★★★★
2024	96.3	20 of 638	96.9%	★★★★★
2023	92.0	40 of 647	93.8%	★★★★★
2022	98.9	2 of 492	99.6%	★★★★★
2021	85.1	63 of 516	87.8%	★★★★☆
2019	95.6	22 of 582	96.2%	★★★★★
2018	94.8	24 of 708	96.6%	★★★★★

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Special Education (2026)99th percentile~ school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)98th percentile~ school

White (2026)97th percentile~ school

Male (2026)97th percentile~ school

Female (2026)97th percentile~ school

African American (2026)96th percentile~ school

Hispanic (2026)94th percentile-4 vs school

By subject vs Michigan (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts88%+29 vs state

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing79%+27 vs state

Social Studies73%+30 vs state

Mathematics67%+34 vs state

Science60%+25 vs state

5.0

2 ratings · 2 written reviews

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What people are saying

by a parent
Thursday, April 14, 2016

I'm the parent of two students currently enrolled at WMAA. We have been very pleased with the school. The administration and front office are professional and relational; the guidance counselors are caring. My kids (one boy and one girl) have found the teachers to be involved, friendly, and helpful. They have each had the opportunity to be involved in extra curricular activities (cross country, drama club, national honor society, etc.) and have enjoyed the school culture and curriculum. I have only good things to say! Close Quote

by a student
Monday, May 25, 2015

I'll be graduating from this school in the year of 2016 and honestly, I love this school, it's so much different than your typical high school. But then again, it's also a very relaxing environment, the staff is nice and helpful and the student body is full of kids who just want to learn and who's goals are all similar, and that's to graduate and get good grades. They all strive to do better. Close Quote

Schools Near West Michigan Aviation Academy

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				PSAT English Language Arts (2026)		PSAT Mathematics (2026)		SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (2026)	SAT Mathematics (2026)	M-Step Science (2026)	M-Step Social Studies (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSAT English Language Arts 9th Grade	PSAT English Language Arts 10th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 9th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 10th Grade	SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 11th Grade	SAT Mathematics 11th Grade	M-Step Science 11th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 11th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
West Michigan Aviation Academy	Public, Charter	9-12	5363 44th St SE	Grand Rapids	49512	Kent County	West Michigan Aviation Academy	Yes	No	No	Yes	(616) 446-8886	600	36	16.8	19.2%	439 (73.2%)	59 (9.8%)	53 (8.8%)	24 (4.0%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	24 (4.0%)	96.3	20^th of 800 public high schools	97.5%		92.9	43^rd of 739 public high schools	94.2%	23	87.3	88.6	62.0	71.5	78.9	55.9	59.9	73.0	$11,503	$300	$11,203
Central High School	Public	9-12	5901 Hall St SE	Grand Rapids	49546	Kent County	Forest Hills Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(616) 493-8700	999	55	18.1	13.7%	810 (81.1%)	27 (2.7%)	47 (4.7%)	68 (6.8%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	45 (4.5%)	97.3	9^th of 800 public high schools	98.9%		97.9	9^th of 739 public high schools	98.8%		92.7	85.8	75.1	70.4	88.9	72.5	63.8	65.0	$16,729	$899	$15,830
East Kentwood High School	Public	10-12	6230 Kalamazoo Ave SE	Grand Rapids	49508	Kent County	Kentwood Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(616) 698-6700	2,068	106	19.4	65.5%	505 (24.4%)	761 (36.8%)	370 (17.9%)	265 (12.8%)	4 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	163 (7.9%)	46.6	399^th of 800 public high schools	50.1%		43.7	420^th of 739 public high schools	43.2%	21		51.8		33.1	46.8	23.5	28.5	36.5	$19,040	$1,901	$17,139
Ottawa Hills High School	Public	9-12	2055 Rosewood Ave SE	Grand Rapids	49506	Kent County	Grand Rapids Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(616) 819-2900	385	29	13.3	83.6%	29 (7.5%)	262 (68.1%)	69 (17.9%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	24 (6.2%)	6.9	743^rd of 800 public high schools	7.1%		12.9	643^rd of 739 public high schools	13.0%	100	16.8	14.4	5.3	4.8	26.7	8.1	9.1	13.6	$26,239	$2,923	$23,316
Ottawa High Transition	Public	9-12	2055 Rosewood Ave SE	Grand Rapids	49506	Kent County	Grand Rapids Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(616) 819-2900	14	1	14.0	85.7%	2 (14.3%)	8 (57.1%)	4 (28.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)									$29,618	$1,393	$28,225
Caledonia High School	Public, Magnet	9-12	9050 Kraft Ave SE	Caledonia	49316	Kent County	Caledonia Community Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(616) 891-8129	1,438	80	18.0	15.0%	1,169 (81.3%)	32 (2.2%)	90 (6.3%)	50 (3.5%)	3 (0.2%)	2 (0.1%)	92 (6.4%)	89.6	58^th of 800 public high schools	92.8%		90.5	49^th of 739 public high schools	93.4%	9	80.1	78.0	65.8	61.0	69.4	39.5	53.4	59.0	$14,535	$527	$14,008
Grand River Preparatory High School	Public, Charter	9-12	650 52nd St SE	Grand Rapids	49548	Kent County	Grand River Preparatory High School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(616) 261-1800	635	34	18.6	73.7%	117 (18.4%)	181 (28.5%)	259 (40.8%)	18 (2.8%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	58 (9.1%)	46.5	400^th of 800 public high schools	50.0%		60.1	270^th of 739 public high schools	63.5%	130	55.0	45.5	26.7	25.6	52.0	22.4	36.2	44.1	$13,304	$1,109	$12,195
East Grand Rapids High School	Public	9-12	2211 Lake Dr SE	Grand Rapids	49506	Kent County	East Grand Rapids Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(616) 235-7555	908	47	19.3	6.5%	735 (80.9%)	25 (2.8%)	64 (7.0%)	14 (1.5%)	3 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	67 (7.4%)	98.6	4^th of 800 public high schools	99.5%		99.1	5^th of 739 public high schools	99.3%	1	89.9	92.9	74.2	73.1	88.8	67.3	73.2	79.0	$15,211	$276	$14,936
Kelloggsville High School	Public	9-12	4787 Division Ave S	Wyoming	49548	Kent County	Kelloggsville Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(616) 532-1570	595	33	17.8	79.8%	84 (14.1%)	183 (30.8%)	275 (46.2%)	35 (5.9%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (2.9%)	22.1	598^th of 800 public high schools	25.3%		27.1	523^rd of 739 public high schools	29.2%	75	39.8	35.2	16.3	12.5	33.6	11.0	23.9	32.6	$15,243	$1,377	$13,867
Godwin Heights Learning Center	Public	9-12	3529 Division Ave S	Grand Rapids	49548	Kent County	Godwin Heights Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(616) 252-2040	97	3	32.7	90.7%	9 (9.3%)	25 (25.8%)	53 (54.6%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (9.3%)								(n/a)		347.0		332.0	355.9	350.0	2070.5	2078.3	$9,670	$1,133	$8,537

Frequently Asked Questions about West Michigan Aviation Academy

Is West Michigan Aviation Academy a good school?

Yes! West Michigan Aviation Academy is one of the best high schools in the state. It ranks 20^th of 800 Michigan high schools.

How many students attend West Michigan Aviation Academy?

In the 2024-25 school year, 600 students attended West Michigan Aviation Academy.

What is the racial makeup of West Michigan Aviation Academy?

Students at West Michigan Aviation Academy are 73% White, 10% African American, 9% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 4% Two or more races.

What district is West Michigan Aviation Academy in?

West Michigan Aviation Academy

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Latest Michigan data All new data »

2025–26 M-Step, PSAT & SAT test scoresSep 4, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

2024–25 attendance dataJan 6, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.