For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 7,473 students in 49508, MI (there are 2 private schools, serving 187 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in 49508, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in 49508, MI are Discovery Elementary School, Bowen Elementary School and Challenger Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 49508 have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in 49508, MI have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).
Best 49508, MI Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Discovery Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2461 60th St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 871-1080
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 871-1080
Gr: K-5 | 674 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Bowen Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4483 Kalamazoo Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-5220
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-5220
Gr: PK-5 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Challenger Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2475 52nd St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 698-2524
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 698-2524
Gr: K-5 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #44.
Brookwood Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5465 Kalamazoo Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-0030
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-0030
Gr: PK-5 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #55.
East Kentwood High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6230 Kalamazoo Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 698-6700
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 698-6700
Gr: 10-12 | 2,068 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #66.
Pinewood Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2100 60th St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-1224
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-1224
Gr: 6-8 | 842 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #77.
Meadowlawn Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4939 Burgis Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 534-4608
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 534-4608
Gr: PK-5 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #88.
Glenwood Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
912 Silverleaf St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-2510
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-2510
Gr: K-5 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #99.
New Branches Charter Academy
Magnet School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3662 Poinsettia Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 243-6221
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 243-6221
Gr: K-8 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #1010.
Valleywood Middle School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1110 50th St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 538-7670
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 538-7670
Gr: 6-8 | 541 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #1111.
Sherwood Global Studies Academy
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3859 Chamberlain Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 819-3095
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 819-3095
Gr: PK-6 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1212.
Kenosha Park Elementary School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1353 Van Auken St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 819-2696
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 819-2696
Gr: PK-5 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: n/an/a
6170 Valley Lane Dr Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 698-9292
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 698-9292
Gr: 9 | 742 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 49508, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in 49508, MI include Discovery Elementary School, Bowen Elementary School and Challenger Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 49508?
13 public schools are located in 49508.
What percentage of students in 49508 go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in 49508 are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in 49508?
49508 public schools minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
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
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
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
