Empower U serves 170 students in grades 6-12.
The student-teacher ratio of 5:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Special education school
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 170 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
- Minority Enrollment: 42%
- Graduation Rate: <50%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Empower U ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Empower U's student population of 170 students has grown by 68% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 36% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
170 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Year Founded
1962
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of Empower U is 0.61, 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.
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
3%
4%
Hispanic
14%
9%
Black
19%
18%
White
58%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(19-20)<50%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the graduation rate of Empower U?
The graduation rate of Empower U is 50%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 86%.
How many students attend Empower U?
170 students attend Empower U.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Empower U students are White, 19% of students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Empower U?
Empower U has a student ration of 5:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Empower U offer ?
Empower U offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Empower U part of?
Empower U is part of Kent Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is Empower U located?
Empower U is located in the Fulton Heights neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. There are 1 other public schools located in Fulton Heights.
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