Empower U

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 Stats (2025)

  • School Type: Special education school
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 170 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 5:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 42%
  • : <50%
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

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.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
170 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers

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.
This School
State Level (MI)
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
0.61
(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%
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.

School Reviews

Review Empower U. 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

What is Project-Based Learning?
What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We’ll take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.
What is an Online High School
What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.
“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • School Type: Special education school
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 170 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 5:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 42%
  • : <50%
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

Quick Links