Serving 367 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Challenger Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the Michigan state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 367 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Challenger Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Challenger Elementary School's student population of 367 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
367 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Challenger Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,069 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Challenger Elementary School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1425 out of 3069 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
34%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
45%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
38%

Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1

American Indian
n/a
1%

Asian
12%
4%

Hispanic
15%
9%

Black
45%
18%

White
17%
63%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
5%

All Ethnic Groups



Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
50%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
4%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Challenger Elementary School's ranking?
Challenger Elementary School is ranked #1425 out of 3,069 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Challenger Elementary School often compared to?
Challenger Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Excel Charter Academy, Chandler Woods Charter Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% MI state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Challenger Elementary School?
367 students attend Challenger Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Challenger Elementary School students are Black, 17% of students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Asian, and 11% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Challenger Elementary School?
Challenger Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Challenger Elementary School offer ?
Challenger Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Challenger Elementary School part of?
Challenger Elementary School is part of Kentwood School District.
In what neighborhood is Challenger Elementary School located?
Challenger Elementary School is located in the East Kentwood neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI.
School Reviews
Review Challenger Elementary 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

What are the Benefits of Magnet Schools?
Kate Barrington has compiled this guide to magnet schools, explaining their unique educational approach, core principles, benefits, and potential considerations for parents seeking alternatives within the public school system.

Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
This comprehensive article explores the pros and cons of school uniforms in public schools. It discusses their impact on safety, learning environment, self-expression, and cost-effectiveness. The piece presents statistics, expert opinions, and arguments from both proponents and opponents, helping parents make informed decisions about uniform policies.

Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.