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Forest Hills Public Schools

Northern High School

#1 in Best Public High Schools in Grand Rapids Area
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 72 reviews
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A
    2. Diversity
      B+
    3. Teachers
      A
    4. College Prep
      A
    5. Clubs & Activities
      B+
    6. Health & Safety
      A-
    7. Administration
      A
    8. Sports
      A+
    9. Food
      B
    10. Resources & Facilities
      B-
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    Northern High School is a top rated, public school located in Grand Rapids, MI. It has 1,117 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. According to state test scores, 69% of students are at least proficient in math and 88% in reading.
    Address
    3801 Leonard St NE
    Grand Rapids, MI 49525
    Telephone
    (616) 493-8600
    Website
    fhps.net/high-schools/northern
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    Northern High School Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    88%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    69%
    Average Graduation Rate
    92%
    Average SAT
    1270
    164 responses
    Average ACT
    28
    160 responses
    AP Enrollment
    38%
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    Living in the Area
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      B
    2. Good for Families
      A
    3. Housing
      B+
    Median Household Income
    $57,302
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $828
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $153,500
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    A-
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    100%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.7 responses
    Poll
    86%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.7 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 13 responses
    Report
    • Football Games
      31%
    • Dances
      23%
    • Our school assemblies
      23%
    • Homecoming
      15%
    • Spirit Week
      8%

    Students

    Diversity
    B+
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    1,117
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    11%
    86%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.7 responses
    86%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.7 responses
    100%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.7 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    19:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $66,558
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    3.3%
    80%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.10 responses
    100%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.10 responses
    90%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.10 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    B+
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Very High
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Very High
    Expenses Per Student
    $12,400/ year
    National
    $12,239
    92%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.12 responses
    50%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.12 responses
    75%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.12 responses
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    Northern High School Reviews

    72 reviews
    All Categories
    Forest Hills Northern preaches inclusivity and diversity and it’s really great how close you can get to your peers throughout the 4 years you attend this high school. If you get active and join clubs or sports it’s a really great way to make new friends. Of course, like many other high schools, there’s still the drama and the cliques. That all depends on who you choose to be in your life. I love the friends I made in this school and wouldn’t want to go to any other!
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    My high school experience was incredible for many reasons. On of my favorite parts about Northern High School is how connected and involved everyone is. We have this saying, "Ubuntu", that means 'I am because we are', that the whole school knows. We have every after school activity and club I could imagine, and, if you find that there is one missing, you will have no issue having friends and staff helping you to create it yourself. Northern has a very homey feeling to it. All of the friends and mentors I have received from this school will stay with me forever. There is no other high school I would have rather attended.
    Attending FHN is the best experience I have had. I have experienced first hand the FHN motto, UBUNTU. While no place is perfect, I love being in a place where the goal is about the pack mentality. I have been someone who in some cirlces is not in the popular crowd and in other cirlces considered popular. Having seen both sides, I see the importance of how we come together to lift up everyone. I know that having experienced UBUNTU and the pack mentality will stay with me throughout my life. I know that I am a better person and I have FHN to thank.