Grand Rapids Public Schools a Shining Example of a Successful Urban District

The Michigan Department of Education released the graduation rates for the 2014-2015 school year today. For the fourth consecutive year, Grand Rapids Public Schools saw a significant increase districtwide with graduate rates increasing by more than 6% compared to last year.

Since Superintendent Weatherall Neal took the helm at GRPS four years ago and launched her GRPS Transformation Plan, the district’s graduation rates have increased by nearly 12%. And, if you break it down by subgroups, the numbers are even more impressive.

All Schools – All Students: 11.64% increase since 2011-2012
African American Students: 20.96% increase since 2011-2012
Hispanic Students: 13.65% increase since 2011-2012
Economically Disadvantaged Students: 15.03% increase since 2011-2012
English Language Learners: 21.87% increase since 2011-2012

“The GRPS Transformation Plan is working! Thanks to our remarkable teachers, school leaders, and support staff, we continue to strengthen our results and gain momentum,” said Teresa Weatherall Neal, M.Ed., Superintendent of Schools. “While there is certainly more work to be done, I think it is important to step back, look at how far we have come in four years, and celebrate it. What we have accomplished in such a short period of time is really quite remarkable.”

Grand Rapids Public Schools 4-Year Graduation Rate Data from MI School Data