Two GVSU charter schools make top 10 in U.S. News rankings

Grand River Preparatory High School and Black River Public School, two Grand Valley State University-authorized charter schools, ranked 2nd and 7th among all public schools in the state, according to new rankings from U.S. News and World Report. The “2014 Best High School Rankings,” released April 22, identify top public high school programs for parents and students. 

The two West Michigan programs are governed by local community boards and are tuition-free public schools open to all students regardless of where a student lives. Grand River Preparatory High School is located in Grand Rapids, and Black River Public School is located in Holland. Grand Valley authorized Grand River Preparatory High School in 2008 and Black River Public School in 1996. The schools serve 628 and 858 students, respectively.

“All GVSU charters must meet the performance expectations in their charter contracts or face significant interventions or even closure; Black River and Grand River Prep teachers and students are leaders in GVSU’s portfolio and the nation,” said Tim Wood, special assistant to the president for charter schools. “We are very proud of these two schools’ significant accomplishments. The staff and students at both schools should be congratulated for their commitment to excellence.”

On a national scale, Grand River Preparatory High School ranked 169th and Black River Public School ranked 374th out of more than 31,200 public high schools analyzed. 

Grand Valley State University currently authorizes 68 charter schools that serve nearly 34,000 students throughout Michigan. Michigan charter schools are tuition-free, open to the public, and governed by local appointed community boards.