Sherwood Global Studies Academy

Sherwood Global Studies Academy is a small elementary school in Grand Rapids Public Schools serving 121 students in grades PK through 6, with about 77% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

Sherwood is a school showing real signs of progress, though it still faces challenges. The school has climbed from the 3rd percentile in state rankings in 2019 to the 20th percentile today, and its chronic absenteeism rate has dropped dramatically from 44.5% to 18.5%—now better than both the district average (41.3%) and the state average (27.9%). This improvement matters because attendance is closely tied to learning. The school also invests heavily in its students, spending $21,518 per pupil—the highest among nearby schools—and maintaining a low student-teacher ratio of 11.6:1. That means more individualized attention compared to schools like Challenger Elementary ($14,225 per student) or Vista Charter Academy ($15,144 per student).

Academically, Sherwood shows pockets of strength that hint at its potential. In 3rd-grade math, 40% of students were proficient—nearly matching the state average (42.9%) and far exceeding the district average (23.5%). The school also saw a remarkable spike in 4th-grade reading in 2023-24, when 64% of students were proficient, triple the district rate. However, these successes haven't been consistent across all grades and subjects, and overall performance remains below state averages. Nearby Bowen Elementary and Meadowlawn Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools achieve higher proficiency rates with less funding per student, suggesting district-level approaches may play a role. For parents, Sherwood offers strong resources and improving attendance, but academic gains are still emerging rather than fully established.