Union High School is one of the five high schools in Grand Rapids Public School district. Union has a student population of around 1,200 students for the 2010/2011 school year. The former principal was Justin Jennings, along with assistant principals Aida Toledo and Belinda Jimenez.
Serving 135 students in grades 9-12, Newcomers Community School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 65%).
The student:teacher ratio of 34:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 135 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 34:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 60-79% (Btm 50% in MI)
- Math Proficiency: ≤20%
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Newcomers Community School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
Newcomers Community School's student population of 135 students has grown by 309% over five school years.
The teacher population of 4 teachers has grown by 300% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
135 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
School Rankings
The diversity score of Newcomers Community School is 0.45, 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.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(12-13)≤20%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(12-13)≤20%
65%
Student : Teacher Ratio
34:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
4%
Hispanic
70%
9%
Black
26%
18%
White
1%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
60-79%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% MI state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 65% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Newcomers Community School?
The graduation rate of Newcomers Community School is 60-79%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Newcomers Community School?
135 students attend Newcomers Community School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Newcomers Community School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Newcomers Community School?
Newcomers Community School has a student ration of 34:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Newcomers Community School offer ?
Newcomers Community School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Newcomers Community School part of?
Newcomers Community School is part of Grand Rapids School District.
In what neighborhood is Newcomers Community School located?
Newcomers Community School is located in the Westside Connection neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. There are 7 other public schools located in Westside Connection.
School Reviews
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