2022 Best Places to Teach in the Grand Rapids Area

East Grand Rapids Public Schools

• School District
• GRAND RAPIDS, MI
• Rating 4.09 out of 5  32 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience at East Grand Rapids High School has been great. It is a small, yet incredible place to learn! The teachers are great and the community is very tight knit and supportive. There is minimal diversity between students as well as staff. Overall, great school.
Read 32 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $67,616 Average Teacher Salary

Spring Lake Public Schools

• School District
• SPRING LAKE, MI
• Rating 4.12 out of 5  49 reviews

Alum: I loved the amount and quality of opportunities I received. Through connecting with teachers, I was able to lead clubs through school-wide activities or participate in a high school student swap for the day. Whenever an issue arose, there could always be a willing person to hear you out. The teachers were flexible with projects occurring or sporting event conflicts.

Spring Lake has very little diversity, and because of that the lifestyle and way of teaching are very white-washed. Most of the community is openminded to other ideas, but these people tend to think alike.

Sports teams gave the illusion of being inclusive, however, they were anything but. Teams are set before tryout start usually, because of the politics behind them. Parents feel entitled to having their children on the team since they have donated so much money to the cause. I would like to see encouragement for anyone with interest in the sport to try-out because many are too scared.
Read 49 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $68,485 Average Teacher Salary

Byron Center Public Schools

• School District
• BYRON CENTER, MI
• Rating 4.07 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: I loved the atmosphere at Byron Center Public School and honestly, there are not many suggestions I would give to the administration to fix, because I have it really good here. I've had a really good experience here at Byron, and I will miss it dearly. If I were to give one piece of advice to the administration, it would be to have a range of classes at a higher level. For example, I took sociology my sophomore year, and I really wished there was an advanced sociology class because that is what I want to study further in my future. Overall, my experience at school has been very exciting and entertaining, and truthfully, I will be proud to say I graduated from Byron Center High School.
Read 44 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $68,441 Average Teacher Salary

Forest Hills Public Schools

• School District
• GRAND RAPIDS, MI
• Rating 4.19 out of 5  211 reviews

Senior: Forest Hills Schools are extremely welcoming environments! Staff goes out of their way to know all students by name and the sense of community here is incredible. Coming here means becoming a part of a much larger family that cares and looks out for one another. I have found a wonderful group of friends through playing sports and participating in clubs. They provide many opportunities for sports, clubs, and musical interests.
Read 211 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $67,751 Average Teacher Salary

Hudsonville Public School District

• School District
• HUDSONVILLE, MI
• Rating 4.38 out of 5  69 reviews

Senior: Hudsonville High school gave me an amazing experience growing trough my early education years. I have just about finished with a 3.8 GPA finishing my senior year. My High school experience contained so many amazing thing, including an amazing staff that really does care about your education, incredible events that I was able to get myself involved in, and our sports programs aren't too bad either. Our sports facilities, such as our football field, can be seen as the best in the district. With a friendly environment like Hudsonville, it makes waking up and going to school just that much better.
Read 69 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $64,513 Average Teacher Salary

West Ottawa Public School District

• School District
• HOLLAND, MI
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  48 reviews

Alum: Prepares you very well to be college and career ready. I was in the metals and manufacturing class at West Ottawa High School which opened my eyes to welding. I now absolutely love welding and I am pursuing a degree in Welding Engineering at Ferris State University. West Ottawa High School also has a great school culture where the teachers and students are very friendly and helpful. They have lots of clubs to participate in and they have a fantastic sports program. Personally, I would ten out of ten recommend this High School to anyone who is considering attending here.
Read 48 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $66,591 Average Teacher Salary

Grandville Public Schools

• School District
• GRANDVILLE, MI
• Rating 4.12 out of 5  42 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 42 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $65,027 Average Teacher Salary

Rockford Public Schools

• School District
• ROCKFORD, MI
• Rating 4.23 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: There are some really awesome and really disappointing parts about RHS. The athletic, theater, art, and music departments are very involved and have a positive influence on students. I've had several stand-out teachers that were role models and supportive figures. I also met some great people there. Where Rockford lacks is diversity and an accepting atmosphere. School can be rough for anyone who isn't caucasian, straight, able-bodied, mentally healthy, Christian, and upper-middle class. Rockford has a reputation for being a snotty rich white school. The counseling and mental health services are mediocre. The academics and sports are competitive in a harmful way. I haven't always felt safe or welcomed at RHS, either. The positives outweigh the negatives but I'm glad to be graduating.
Read 115 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $61,933 Average Teacher Salary

Jenison Public Schools

• School District
• JENISON, MI
• Rating 4.07 out of 5  43 reviews

Senior: I have been in the school district for over 13 years and I absolutely love the community! I have always said that I wouldn't leave Jenison because it's my second home. Everyone is super nice and welcoming to everyone. The one thing that I wished to be worked on is the dress code. I'm not saying all of them have to be changed but some of them just feel so restricting to what girls can and cannot wear. I have had no bad experiences with the school personally. This year has been one of the most craziest years yet. The way that Jenison High School transitioned so smoothly was so effortless because of the way that things have been planned out.
Read 43 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $55,705 Average Teacher Salary

Sparta Area Schools

• School District
• SPARTA, MI
• Rating 4.56 out of 5  39 reviews

Parent: Sparta schools have a lot to offer both academically and extra curricular activities. The educators are all highly qualified and teach students to work cooperatively together and become productive community members. There are a lot of programs/ classes that enable students to excel and get ready for their future, whether it's college or trade schools! We're very proud to have had the opportunity to bring our children up in this school district. The educators in Sparta helped produce a Doctor, Educator, Social Worker, and Government official.
Read 39 Reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $70,220 Average Teacher Salary

Caledonia Community Schools

• School District
• CALEDONIA, MI
• Rating 4.07 out of 5  42 reviews

Senior: I like how each morning you are greeted with a smile and a good morning from the administration. The teachers are great and they truly care about your education. Additionally, the community in Caledonia pushes students to be the best that they can be!
Read 42 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $61,695 Average Teacher Salary

North Muskegon Public Schools

• School District
• MUSKEGON, MI
• Rating 4.47 out of 5  19 reviews

Junior: I love this school because our school spirit is so high! We have won battle of the fans in the past and it shows. Along with school spirit, Norsemen are the type of people who get things done the right way. We have many options for people who enjoy out of school things as well. We have choir, band, orchestra, and youth mentoring as well as environmental, student council, and interact club.
Read 19 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $57,569 Average Teacher Salary

Zeeland Public Schools

• School District
• ZEELAND, MI
• Rating 4 out of 5  46 reviews

Senior: I have been a student at Zeeland West High School now for 4 years. I came from a small school and Zeeland seemed massive in comparison, but eventually I learned my way around and now it's no longer so scary. The opportunities at this school are endless. So many sports and clubs to join it was hard to limit myself. I also found that the teachers are amazing people! I took time to get to know them a bit better, but it is evident that they care for all of their students. Overall, my experience at Zeeland West High School was one that I am very thankful for.
Read 46 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $63,231 Average Teacher Salary

Mona Shores Public School District

• School District
• NORTON SHORES, MI
• Rating 4.35 out of 5  40 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 40 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $59,200 Average Teacher Salary

Kent City Community Schools

• School District
• KENT CITY, MI
• Rating 4.08 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: At a glance, Kent City is just a small school surrounded by cornfields, but it is truly special. I've been a student of Kent City since kindergarten, so I've had the full experience. Since we are so small, everyone does their part in contributing to the school's many sports, clubs, and groups. Many students double up and triple up on extracurriculars. The basketball player is in the school play, and the marching band, and the writing team and so on. Everyone gets a chance to experience all these things. The teachers here are unparalleled. Many of them are more than just teachers -- they are also friends and mentors. As a school, we hold many accolades for our sports and activities. Just this year, a large bond was approved that will provide many new things for the school, which I'm sure will improve future student's experiences. To sum up, I would rate my experience with Kent City very highly. I'm proud to say I am a Kent City Eagle!
Read 13 Reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $58,838 Average Teacher Salary

Grand Haven Area Public Schools

• School District
• GRAND HAVEN, MI
• Rating 4.18 out of 5  65 reviews

Senior: I think Grand Haven is a great high school that provides students with great education. All of the teachers care about your education and are there to help you. If you are struggling at all, there is academy which allows you to seek out extra help. That time has been and is extremely helpful. I utilize that time to get homework done as well as make up tests, make up quizzes, and ask for help. I love the school spirit that our school has as well. Sporting events are always extremely fun and a highlight of my high school experience. At grand haven there is a club for everyone and everything and if we don’t have it, you can start it! So many fun opportunities!
Read 65 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $63,574 Average Teacher Salary

Northview Public Schools

• School District
• GRAND RAPIDS, MI
• Rating 4.17 out of 5  65 reviews

Freshman: Northview has been absolutely amazing to me so far, the elementary experience was something to really remember, the priority seems to be the playgrounds for the elementary schools, and that’s exactly what the kids love, and because the teachers are really good at their jobs, I learned a lot from elementary school, which so did everybody but Northview was certainly no exception. What I love about Northview is that having fun, is always a huge part of school, we learn, and we learn to be social and to have a great time with the people we love, we have something as simple as pajama day, or hat day and it can really make me feel great, and it’s wonderful that they do that. The teachers from all the schools I’ve been to and all the years I’ve been with Northview have always loved to see your personality just as much as your academic ability, and the teachers care in Northview more than I though some of my close friends could, it’s wonderful and I only wish these people the best.
Read 65 Reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $60,794 Average Teacher Salary

Allendale Public Schools

• School District
• ALLENDALE, MI
• Rating 4.44 out of 5  52 reviews

Senior: I have been in the Allendale Public Schools system since I was in kindergarten. As a senior now, I can say that I have enjoyed my time in the school district. I have made a lot of friends along the way, whether that be with fellow students or with teachers. The staff at Allendale is very respectful and can help you with whatever you need. The teachers are very friendly and I can have normal conversations with them about activities outside of school or even personal matters. There is a wide variety of food that the cafeteria provides to the students each day. The dances and other activities put on by the Allendale administration usually have a great amount of participation from the students and staff. The school in general is a very clean school and discipline/drug issues aren't very common or anything among the students. Overall I can say that my experience at Allendale High School was great and I recommend it to others!
Read 52 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $57,915 Average Teacher Salary

Lowell Area Schools

• School District
• LOWELL, MI
• Rating 4.26 out of 5  27 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 27 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $63,986 Average Teacher Salary

Reeths-Puffer Schools

• School District
• MUSKEGON, MI
• Rating 4.39 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: There are many good things about Reeths-Puffer (RP), one of them being the support you get from the community and from staff members. They have a diverse number of sports and other clubs that you can participate in. In addition, RP continues to think outside the box to come up with new solutions and ways to give back to the community. A few of these examples consist of a holiday light show, that is COVID-friendly and supports the idea of community, while distancing ourselves. Furthermore, every year RP does countless fundraisers, food drives, toy drives, and blood drives to help encourage RP students give back to the community. While there is always room for improvement, my overall experience at Reeths-Puffer was a positive one.
Read 36 Reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $57,071 Average Teacher Salary

Ravenna Public Schools

• School District
• RAVENNA, MI
• Rating 4.2 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: I think there are several positives to Ravenna Public Schools that go unrecognized. There is a caring community surrounding the school, our administration has improved by sevenfold over the past two years, and they are changing our academics for the better. Classes have become more challenging, we have just introduced our first two AP classes, and the school is kept very safe. However, there are also a few cons to the pros. The lunches are not good at all, which is unfortunate because the lunch ladies are awesome. Some of the rules are also bad too, with disciplinary measures being minimized recently. Overall, this school has went through a drastic change over the past year and a half, and it is without a doubt for the better.
Read 20 Reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $59,908 Average Teacher Salary

Coopersville Area Public School District

• School District
• COOPERSVILLE, MI
• Rating 4.62 out of 5  37 reviews

Parent: Coopersville Area Public Schools is one of the best schools out there! As being a parent of a student that attend the middle school, my children have been very sucessful in life and they have made my children a better version of themselves and everyday when they come home from school everyday with a smile on there faces and can't wait to go back the next day! The teachers are very sweet and kind and understand and will help my children with there trouble skills and help them grow and learn even more day by day. I love it in coopersville and the community is wonderful!
Read 37 Reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $57,631 Average Teacher Salary

Ottawa Area Independent School District

• School District
• HOLLAND, MI

• grade B

• grade B minus

• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $57,157 Average Teacher Salary

Fruitport Community Schools

• School District
• FRUITPORT, MI
• Rating 4.14 out of 5  14 reviews

Alum: Great teachers, great opportunities and A fantastic environment. I was involved a lot in school and it helped knowing I had the support of my administration on my side for everything I did. Everyone was helpful and there was no doubt in knowing I could always ask for help in both studies and extra curriculars. The new school will be a safe environment for all students and an amazing place to learn and grow from.
Read 14 Reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $57,058 Average Teacher Salary

Cedar Springs Public Schools

• School District
• CEDAR SPRINGS, MI
• Rating 3.75 out of 5  51 reviews

Senior: It is a great school with lots of resources like SAT practice, KCTC involvement, and others. It doesn't have a lot of diversity, but the students are welcoming and are very active in the school culture. So if you want a school that dedicated this is the school for you. any of the teachers are actively involved and invested in the learning of their students. Overall, the school environment is friendly and engaging for students in my experience. I have taken many AP courses that have been able to push my thinking and learning to new heights. I attribute this learning growth to the incredible teachers that teach these classes. I have greatly appreciated the sense of college readiness Cedar Springs High School has given me and an overall sense of safety while I have attended this school. Whether it's athletics, assemblies, fundraisers, or after school events if it feels like the whole community is there.
Read 51 Reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• $59,548 Average Teacher Salary