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 58 students in grades 6, John Ball Park Zoo School ranks in the top 30% 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 30-39% (which is approximately equal to the Michigan state average of 35%). 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 19:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6
- Enrollment: 58 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in MI
- Math Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: The attendance zone for John Ball Park Zoo School covers the entire Grand Rapids school district, encompassing approximately 43.1 square miles. Families within this area can typically expect a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 4.5 miles to the nearest edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 7.4 miles to the furthest edge.
- 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
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
John Ball Park Zoo School's student population of 58 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 3 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
58 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Motto
Inspiring our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment since 1891.
School Rankings
John Ball Park Zoo School ranks within the top 30% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John Ball Park Zoo School is 0.33, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#892 out of 3025 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
35%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
16:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
5%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
18%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
White
81%
63%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)12.1%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Green and Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Ball Park Zoo School's ranking?
John Ball Park Zoo School is ranked #892 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Michigan.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% 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?
58 students attend John Ball Park Zoo School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of John Ball Park Zoo School students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 4% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John Ball Park Zoo School?
John Ball Park Zoo School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
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 10/10/2025
amazing school with lots of hands-on activity! =^.^=
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