Summary:
Zip code 49512 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is served by a single, elite public charter high school, West Michigan Aviation Academy, which operates as its own district, West Michigan Aviation Academy, and enrolls 600 students in grades 9 through 12.
For parents, this school is a standout performer in nearly every category. West Michigan Aviation Academy is ranked #6 out of 625 high schools statewide, placing it in the top 1% and earning a perfect 5-star rating. Academically, it dramatically outperforms state averages across all subjects and grade levels. For example, 78.9% of 11th graders are proficient in SAT Reading and Writing versus 52.1% statewide, and 55.9% are proficient in SAT Math versus 26.5% statewide. The school also excels in science and social studies, with proficiency rates roughly 25 to 30 percentage points higher than the state average. Beyond test scores, the school boasts a 96% graduation rate compared to the state's 84%, and a chronic absenteeism rate of just 9.0% versus a staggering 27.9% statewide, indicating a highly engaged and motivated student body.
One of the most interesting takeaways is that this top-tier performance comes with a per-student spending of $11,503, which is not exceptionally high, suggesting strong efficiency. The school maintains a 16.8-to-1 student-teacher ratio. While its performance is elite, it is worth noting that only 19.17% of students are economically disadvantaged, a demographic factor that often correlates with higher test scores. Also, while consistently excellent, the school's exact state ranking and test scores fluctuate year to year—for instance, SAT Math proficiency dipped from 70.2% to 55.9% recently—reflecting natural cohort differences. Overall, West Michigan Aviation Academy offers a rigorous, well-rounded education with exceptional outcomes, making it a top choice for families in this area.
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