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School
Forest Hills Public Schools

Northern High School

#1 in Best Public High Schools in Grand Rapids Area
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 8-12
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 65 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
    C+
View Full Report Card
Northern High School is a top rated, public school located in Grand Rapids, MI. It has 1,106 students in grades 8-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. According to state test scores, 73% of students are at least proficient in math and 86% in reading.
Address
3801 Leonard St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Telephone
(616) 493-8600
Website
fhps.net

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
86%
Percent Proficient - Math
73%
Average Graduation Rate
94%
Average SAT
1280
106 responses
Average ACT
29
140 responses
AP Enrollment
35%
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Living in the Area
A
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Crime & Safety
    C+
  2. Diversity
    A-
  3. Cost of Living
    B
  4. Good for Families
    A
Area Feel
Suburban
Median Household Income
$54,673
National
$55,322
Median Rent
$787
National
$949
Median Home Value
$144,300
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.5 responses
Poll
80%
of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.5 responses
Poll
What are your favorite school events or traditions?
Based on 6 responses
Report
  • Dances
    33%
  • Football Games
    33%
  • Our school assemblies
    33%

Students

Diversity
B+
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
1,106
Free or Reduced Lunch
12%
100%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.5 responses
80%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.5 responses
100%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.5 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
National
17:1
Average Teacher Salary
$65,543
Teachers in First/Second Year
10.3%
75%
of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.8 responses
100%
of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.8 responses
88%
of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.8 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
$11,625/ year
National
$12,239
90%
of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.10 responses
50%
of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.10 responses
70%
of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.10 responses
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Northern High School Reviews

65 reviews
All Categories
I have grown to love going to high school every day thanks to the students and staff of Forest Hills Northern. Each day I walk in I always smile at everyone down the hallway and generally feel welcomed to be there. The staff is amazing and they really care about you. All the teachers and administrators make sure to get to know each student individually and make them feel more as their friend than their mentor. Every Friday is "High Five Friday, and students walk down the hallways high-fiving each other and other teachers. Overall, Northern is a very welcoming and kind environment. You can get up every morning and know you are cared about setting foot in that building.
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Northern is an excellent place to go to school. The school has rigorous academics, caring and dedicated teachers, and is incredibly accepting of all types of people. The Spanish Immersion program offers an excellent opportunity for students to learn Spanish and Hispanic culture. The school motto of "Ubuntu" really holds true.
I transferred to Northern from Eastern freshman year and I was very nervous because I didn't know anyone and was afraid I would not make any friends. I had heard many things about Northern before I transferred and the most common was that they were the most school spirited in the district. Luckily I had joined the soccer team before school started and I got to experience this right away. My teammates welcomed me with open arms and I was instantly apart of the husky pack. They helped me settle into the school nicely and introduced me to their friends and I quickly became familiar with a lot of faces. At the end of my freshman year I realized that at Northern it was everyone's job to make everyone feel welcome and included and my teammates were just doing their part. The following year I began to do the same to new students and everyone in general. I continued to do my part in making sure the same rumor continued to stay in the air about how Northern is the most school spirited.