John Ball Zoo is located on the west side of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The John Ball Zoo is situated on the ravines and bluffs along the west edge of the property.
Serving 57 students in grades 6, John Ball Park Zoo School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-59% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-69% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 29:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6
- Enrollment: 57 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 29:1
- Minority Enrollment: 25%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
John Ball Park Zoo School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Community Size
School Overview
John Ball Park Zoo School's student population of 57 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 2 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
57 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
School Rankings
John Ball Park Zoo School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,069 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John Ball Park Zoo School is 0.42, which is less 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
#384 out of 3069 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
45%
Student : Teacher Ratio
29:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
4%
Hispanic
7%
9%
Black
5%
18%
White
75%
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
35%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
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 John Ball Park Zoo School's ranking?
John Ball Park Zoo School is ranked #384 out of 3,069 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% MI state average), while 60-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend John Ball Park Zoo School?
57 students attend John Ball Park Zoo School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of John Ball Park Zoo School students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of John Ball Park Zoo School?
John Ball Park Zoo School has a student ration of 29:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does John Ball Park Zoo School offer ?
John Ball Park Zoo School offers enrollment in grades 6 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is John Ball Park Zoo School part of?
John Ball Park Zoo School is part of Grand Rapids School District.
In what neighborhood is John Ball Park Zoo School located?
John Ball Park Zoo School is located in the John Ball Park neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI.
School Reviews
5 8/12/2018
amazing school with lots of hands-on activity! =^.^=
Review John Ball Park Zoo 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
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
