Union High School is one of the five high schools in Grand Rapids Public School district. Union has a student population of around 1,200 students for the 2010/2011 school year. The former principal was Justin Jennings, along with assistant principals Aida Toledo and Belinda Jimenez.
Newcomers Community School serves 157 students in grades 9-12.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 65%).
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 157 students
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: ≥50% (Btm 50% in MI)
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Newcomers Community School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Newcomers Community School's student population of 157 students has grown by 124% over five school years.
The teacher population of 3 teachers has grown by 50% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
157 students
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
School Rankings
The diversity score of Newcomers Community School is 0.43, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(12-13)≤20%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(12-13)≤20%
65%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
4%
Hispanic
72%
9%
Black
24%
18%
White
1%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥50%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Grand Rapids School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% MI state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 65% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Newcomers Community School?
The graduation rate of Newcomers Community School is 50%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Newcomers Community School?
157 students attend Newcomers Community School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Newcomers Community School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What grades does Newcomers Community School offer ?
Newcomers Community School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Newcomers Community School part of?
Newcomers Community School is part of Grand Rapids School District.
In what neighborhood is Newcomers Community School located?
Newcomers Community School is located in the Westside Connection neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. There are 7 other public schools located in Westside Connection.
School Reviews
Review Newcomers Community School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
