2020 Best Places to Teach in the Grand Rapids AreaAbout this List

Forest Hills Public Schools

• School District
• Grand Rapids, MI
• 142 reviews

Junior: Forest Hills Public Schools is a very well put together district. I attend Forest Hills Northern, which contains more diversity than the other schools, and the school is very well known for that. The teachers are very kind and always there to help students and faculty in the best way possible; not just in the classroom, but outside as well. Sports are a major focus in the schools, with Northern's top sports being tennis, soccer, and basketball I would say. I would definitely recommend this district, especially Forest Hills Northern to any that is moving to the area and is looking for education. There are also many different languages and immersions that students may start in pre-k schools, including English immersion, Spanish immersion, and Chinese immersion.
Read 142 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $66,558 Average Teacher Salary

North Muskegon Public Schools

• School District
• Muskegon, MI
• 11 reviews

Alum: North Muskegon Public Schools offers a uniquely valuable academic and social experiences for all students. As a class of 2017 graduate, I experienced how well the faculty were able to connect with the student body. Motivating students is to achieve their goals is a priority for NMPS staff.
Read 11 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $63,269 Average Teacher Salary

East Grand Rapids Public Schools

• School District
• Grand Rapids, MI
• 19 reviews

Senior: East Grand Rapids High School not only provides the resources and staff necessary for college readiness, but also cultivates a student environment filled with positivity, acceptance, and encouragement. The biggest advantage of attending East Grand Rapids High School is the community which supports healthy competition, respect, and reaching above and beyond. The student body and staff are both kind as well as supportive in helping each other achieve their highest potential.
Read 19 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $71,346 Average Teacher Salary

West Ottawa Public School District

• School District
• Holland, MI
• 38 reviews

Parent: WOPS offers more college/AP classes than any other school in the area. WO will prepare you for college AND trades. They have the best teachers. They're caring and community oriented. Administration does a great job communicating. WO allows parents to be involved as much as they'd like to be when it comes to our students education, sports, clubs and other various options available for students. West Ottawa is the best in the state. They recently hired many professionals for mental health and student needs. It speaks volumes of where they are in education. They understand education is much more than a text book and a test score.
Read 38 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $67,213 Average Teacher Salary

Spring Lake Public Schools

• School District
• Spring Lake, MI
• 35 reviews

Senior: I loved going to the middle school here. It was the old high school so it had always been nice, but just recently they added and expanded on the library and every classroom. Outstanding environment and amazing the advancement of technology in classrooms. The library was an amazing sight, along with the rest of the school! The Grabinski football field is huge and right on the bayou, along with the old soccer field. They also have baseball diamond and tennis courts. While I was there, they added a ton of cool activities to the back field and have so many cool customs and traditions. Couldn't love it more!
Read 35 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $67,912 Average Teacher Salary

Rockford Public Schools

• School District
• Rockford, MI
• 72 reviews

Senior: As a student in the Rockford Public School district, I am happy to say that I have had an incredible experience. Perfect? No, but nothing really is perfect. I have always felt safe and cared for by both the staff and students of the district, and Rockford Public schools provides countless opportunities for each of its students in academics, sports, arts, and clubs. The Rockford Public School district strives for excellence, and its goals for each individual's achievement and the support provided lead Rockford students down paths toward greatness.
Read 72 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $62,462 Average Teacher Salary

Byron Center Public Schools

• School District
• Byron Center, MI
• 35 reviews

Senior: I love Byron Center! Everyone is super friendly and the staff makes everyone feel welcomed! The sports are not too competitive and everyone has a place at BC! The teachers help with schoolwork and they prepare you for college. With the new addition, there is space for everyone to spread out and it's a very comfortable learning environment.
Read 35 Reviews

• A

• A

• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $64,636 Average Teacher Salary

Caledonia Community Schools

• School District
• Caledonia, MI
• 30 reviews

Senior: Friendly community, great school climate, many athletic options. I have been going to Caledonia high school and the people and community are friendly, welcoming, and encouraging. Everyone treats each other with respect and there is never issues with bullying. Each class are close with one another making Caledonia Community Schools all around a closer community.
Read 30 Reviews

• A

• A

• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $62,965 Average Teacher Salary

Hudsonville Public School District

• School District
• Hudsonville, MI
• 45 reviews

Alum: I highly enjoyed my time at HHS, there were plenty of school clubs to get involved with and the teachers truly want the best for their students. The only down side is that the school is big, but have no fears, there are plenty of students for your child to be friends with!
Read 45 Reviews

• A

• A

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $64,597 Average Teacher Salary

Grandville Public Schools

• School District
• Grandville, MI
• 31 reviews

Senior: I overall enjoyed attending Grandville Public Schools, having gone there from as a kindergartener to a high school senior. The staff take great effort to encourage a sense of community pride and support from all their students, and are excellent at encouraging us to do our best. Both the middle school and high school have undergone renovations in recent years, with the middle school expanding its study halls and the high school adding a new athletic room with fine exercise machines and a good physical fitness program. A potential improvement would be finding a new company to do custodial and maintenance work as they are not always as diligent as they should be, but it is not a major issue.
Read 31 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $67,205 Average Teacher Salary

Kentwood Public Schools

• School District
• Grand Rapids, MI
• 16 reviews

Junior: The quality of education is very good. After attending KPS since elementary school I found myself very prepared for AP and Dual Enrollment classes that are offered in the high school. The athletic facilities are very nice and kept up to date. One issue with the schools that many outsiders don't know is how often the ceilings leak, in several areas, and how many bathroom stall doors are nonfunctional. Another positive would be the teachers are generally high educated, as many have masters degrees, and they always have good interactions with students. Also, there is so many clubs one wouldn't want to count them; everything from vegan club to salmon club to chess club and more!
Read 16 Reviews

• A-

• A-

• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $62,894 Average Teacher Salary

Northview Public Schools

• School District
• Grand Rapids, MI
• 46 reviews

Senior: Overall I loved going to school at Northview! I was new my freshman year and I didn't know anyone. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. We even have clubs that it's sole purpose is to promote talking to peers and spreading diversity. At this school the 'popular' kids are the ones that reach out and get involved that make everyone feel included. This is at least how I have experience this school, I know some may disagree with me. Everyone is going to see something from their point of view and no one person's point of view will be the same or the right one. Northview knows this and tries its best to embrace everyone's point of view.
Read 46 Reviews

• A-

• A

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $63,034 Average Teacher Salary

Mona Shores Public School District

• School District
• Norton Shores, MI
• 32 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, there are many aspects of MSHS that sets it apart from all others. Its opportunities are tailored to fit practically all students, from our exceptional football team, to the endless clubs and after-school activities, to our very own choir's "America's Tallest Singing Christmas Tree". Additionally, academics are a strong suit. We offer more than 15 Advanced Placement courses, along with several honors classes. If a rigorous workload isn't quite your forte, plenty of specialized options are available. I believe that our teachers, while tough at times, thoroughly enjoy teaching the material and have our best interests at heart. We have a generally enthusiastic and encouraging staff. The only downside of Shores, though, would probably be our school food. To be fair, no cafeteria food is high-grade. There are plenty of options off-campus, though.
Read 32 Reviews

• A-

• A

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $58,152 Average Teacher Salary

Jenison Public Schools

• School District
• Jenison, MI
• 33 reviews

Senior: At Jenison, we consider ourselves a fine arts school. We have a brand new fine arts center with one of the best music programs in the state/country. Also, depending on the sport, we have a good program. However, what most people come to Jenison for is academics. We offer over 40 AP classes, and we are known for our challenging curriculum. If Jenison could fix one issue it would be diversity. We do have a ton of exchange students from around the world, however, our student body is majority white.
Read 33 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $56,181 Average Teacher Salary

Zeeland Public Schools

• School District
• Zeeland, MI
• 32 reviews

Junior: I think the school does a good job at making kids feel welcomed in their classes. The students were very welcoming when I transferred into the school midschool year. I wish the teachers would give less homework, not saying that because I'm lazy but I'm doing an average of 3-4 hours of homework every night and it gets to be very exhausting. But overall the school is amazing!
Read 32 Reviews

• A-

• A

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $61,793 Average Teacher Salary

Allendale Public Schools

• School District
• Allendale, MI
• 40 reviews

Senior: I had the most wonderful teachers in biology, geometry, algebra 1&2, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. We are a tight-knit community with many options for clubs and sports. My cross country team went to state and won the ok blue conference. Our counselors were helpful in guiding us on paths to college careers. I was given the opportunity to be a part of the early college program of Ottawa county through Allendale public schools and Muskegon community college. I have almost earned my associates degree at no charge!
Read 40 Reviews

• A-

• A+

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $57,600 Average Teacher Salary

Kent City Community Schools

• School District
• Kent City, MI
• 9 reviews

Alum: It was a wonderful experience! A very friendly, helpful environment! I would recommend this school for how self-efficient the schools are. You are guaranteed to get the best help you're looking for! It has some down falls, but every school does! You'll enjoy some cheesy fries at football games, and enjoy the embedded school spirit that seeps through the halls. The principal of the high school is the most energetic, positive principal I've ever met. He defies all stereotypes! You will walk the halls and be reminded that it's always a great day to be an eagle, and that will feel heart warming to any student who attends. The counselor is the best yet. He will make sure you leave his office satisfied, and you will truly feel helped and appreciated.
Read 9 Reviews

• B

• A-

• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $64,881 Average Teacher Salary

Grand Haven Area Public Schools

• School District
• Grand Haven, MI
• 51 reviews

Senior: Grand Haven is an awesome district! They hire amazing teachers that are kind and actually care about their students. They offer lots of help for many different special need, as well as for college choices, counseling, and subject help. The only reason I did not give them 5 stars is that until a couple years ago the district struggled with mental health awareness but now they are making a positive effort the help their students.
Read 51 Reviews

• A-

• A

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $61,528 Average Teacher Salary

Lowell Area Schools

• School District
• Lowell, MI
• 24 reviews

Senior: Overall, Lowell Area Schools is an amazing school district. The community is very tight knit. It's like one big family. The education system is very good. The opportunities that the students are given are great too! Teaching their students real life scenarios and doing their best to prepare their students for life after school. There's one thing I would change, that being getting more of the students involved in their classwork. Some more hands on activities may improve the school district.
Read 24 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $62,333 Average Teacher Salary

Coopersville Area Public School District

• School District
• Coopersville, MI
• 29 reviews

Alum: The environment was extremely welcoming. They helped me with anything I needed both personally and academically. If I needed advice on anything, my counselor would always be there to help me. The teachers were always welcoming to questions and they always made sure you knew the material that they were teaching. I never had a teacher that did not help me reach my academic goals. The overall atmosphere with my classmates was amazing too because everyone was considerate about everyone else. I would definitely recommend CAPS to anyone because they have an amazing atmosphere that welcomes you in!
Read 29 Reviews

• A-

• A-

• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $60,561 Average Teacher Salary

Sparta Area Schools

• School District
• Sparta, MI
• 10 reviews

Senior: I have attended three high schools, I have been at Sparta since my junior year and the past two years have been awesome. The administration and counselors do everything they can to personalize your experiences and help the school be right for you. They keep the cafeteria open all morning until after second lunch so you can get snacks and drinks in between classes which is a life saver if you missed breakfast and need something to hold you over through the first 5 hours of the day. The teachers are incredible and they truly care about you, and will go out of their ways to help every student. Great school over all.
Read 10 Reviews

• B+

• A

• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $66,747 Average Teacher Salary

Holland City School District

• School District
• Holland, MI
• 9 reviews

Senior: My experience at Holland High started going into 8th grade at the high school. All the k-7 buildings combined and for once my whole grade was together in the same building. Different backgrounds, cultures, and friend groups all meshing together as a family. One of my favorite things about Holland is the diversity and the welcoming environment. I have been able to meet and learn about peoples backgrounds that I would never have connected with if I had gone to a private school. Over these 4 years, I have been able to grow with these people and learn about my developing character. The teachers have been able to instruct me and provide uncomparable advice. As well as creating intentional relationships with those around me. Overall I had an amazing experience at Holland Public and would recommend looking into the community it offers.
Read 9 Reviews

• B

• B+

• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $66,411 Average Teacher Salary

Ottawa Area Independent School District

• School District
• Holland, MI

• B

• B+

• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $53,323 Average Teacher Salary

Godwin Heights Public Schools

• School District
• Grand Rapids, MI
• 24 reviews

Senior: Godwin Heights has been one of the best schools I've ever been to! We are very diverse, we make everyone feel welcome no matter where they come from. We have fun days and challenge days and I've never heard of another school have those types of activities. Fun days and challenge days make you feel more comfortable with your school and you get to experience talking to different people that you might not have already talked to in school. The teachers in this school make you feel comfortable in their classroom, they definitely show that they care about you. Godwin provides you with the education that everyone needs and I'm proud to say that I will be graduating from here soon! The past three and a half years at Godwin have been great and I'm glad that I got the chance to go to this school.
Read 24 Reviews

• C+

• B+

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $69,735 Average Teacher Salary

Reeths-Puffer Schools

• School District
• Muskegon, MI
• 27 reviews

Senior: What makes Reeths-Puffer such a special community, are the people embedded in it. With the great amount of diversity, students are to feel welcomed and special. Everyone is admired to show their diverse spirit. No one is denied or rejected. A huge role of the school are the educators. Everyday the educators amuse me with the time taken out of their days to better the lives of the students. Whether it’s staying after school to help a student with a subject, or supporting them in a sport, the love and support of an educator is blatantly obvious. This shows the presence of dedication and commitment at RP. Educators always go above and beyond. Showing this quality is an important aspect of a teacher in the eyes of students. Being surrounded by great mentors at Reeths-Puffer, students carry out the positivity which influences the world around them. With the ability of a strong welcoming community, Reeths-Puffer truly is an outstanding place to be.
Read 27 Reviews

• B-

• B-

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $58,553 Average Teacher Salary