Principal Says People are Secret to Grosse Ile's Success

Grosse Ile High School principal Jim Stewart said people are the key to his school’s success.

“Dedicated staff, committed teachers, engaged parents, terrific support organizations .. and, of course, you begin with great kids who want to excel,” Stewart said in a story on Opportunity Grosse Ile.

Grosse Ile made Newsweek’s list of top high schools in America. The school was ranked 998 out of 2,000 public schools across the nation, and it was the only Downriver school on the list.

“Grosse Ile High School would not achieve these results if not for strong performance in our elementary and middle schools,” Stewart said. “Our achievement is reflective of the entire Grosse Ile district.”

Opportunity Grosse Ile said that the high school has a 96 percent graduation rate.

Stewart said that the school district has been able to adjust to the tough economic times, but that the community must continue to adapt to thrive.

“We have been able to maintain not only an effective learning environment, but strong athletic and arts programs,” he said. “As a result many of our graduating seniors receive scholarships—which benefit their families immensely as they take the next step to college.

“It is a highly competitive environment, with more families migrating to those districts that offer their children the best chances for success,” Stewart added. “Grosse Ile Schools must continue to add value and continue to be the best choice for those families.”