2024 Best Schools in Kent County

• Grand Rapids Public Schools, MI•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  256 reviews

Senior: Overall, I had a positive experience at City. I attended City from 7th through 12th grade, and will be graduating in just a week! City is certainly a very challenging learning environment. The classes are quite rigorous, partially due to the IB nature of the school. The IB element, though often challenging and confounding, does provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers more that what some schools might. The workload that City has, however, is very challenging, and I would argue unnecessary and unproductive at times. There were times at City in which I definitely struggled to stay afloat both academically and personally, and I think the workload was a large contributor to this. In the end, though, I am happy that I went though this, as it allowed me to overcome this academic hardship and further myself as a person. The peer and staff relationship at City is great, and I always found myself surrounded by many smart and talented people. City isn't for everyone, but it can be great.... Read 256 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 907

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Byron Center, MI•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Cross Creek Charter Academy is an amazing school! The teachers and staff are wonderful and do such a fantastic job at helping all children succeed in their education. The Moral Focus curriculum really sets Cross Creek apart from other schools. My children have learned from an early age what words like compassion, perseverance, courage and gratitude mean. As a parent I have always felt that Cross Creek is a safe and wonderful environment for my children to learn and would highly recommend Cross Creek to anyone.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 782

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  91 reviews

Senior: My time spent at Northern High School has overall been very good. The school is structured nicely, featuring newly renovated spaces with excellent resources for the innovative project based learning programs the school offers. All the classes I’ve had were based in substance, and generally the right amount of challenging for me to learn. Possibly my favorite thing about Northern is its excellent music and specifically theatre programs. My fondest memories from the school have been watching and participating in putting together the professional-level musicals that would show to sold out crowds at the district fine arts center. Northern High School isn’t perfect, and can be lacking in spirit and diversity, but it still does a lot of things well.... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,153

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• PK, K-4

• grade A

• Students 333

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Grand Rapids, MI•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: Of my time going here for the couple of days I've been here, It's a really good environment. I like how the teachers and staff are very committed to your overall success as a student. I would recommend this school to anybody that has a child that is considering, or anyone that wants to send their child to a school of excellence and believes in their Childs potential to learn and achieve. There are some Cons though. If you want your child to be in a challenging environment, full of expectations, I would recommend considering a different school. When I first got here, I noticed that the curriculum wasn't very challenging. I was then moved to Advanced Math. I wish they had more Advanced class options too. So far in Advanced Math, I still haven't had that challenge I've wanted. At my old school, they considered me a gifted and talented student. I don't know if the curriculum not being challenging has something to do with that. Otherwise, I highly recommend this school. Teachers are super!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 789

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• East Grand Rapids Public Schools, MI•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: Students were judgmental and overly sheltered, most having grown up in “the bubble” of East Grand Rapids, giving them little to no real world understanding. However, most teachers were exceptionally devoted to the learning of their students and the facilities were in wonderful condition.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 635

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

High School Senior: My favorite experiences were in my Challenge classes, both history and language arts. I was really able to bond with my classmates and a few of my teachers over more in depth curriculums.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 531

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• East Grand Rapids Public Schools, MI•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• Students 424

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 563

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 590

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• PK, K-4

• grade A

• Students 351

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• East Grand Rapids Public Schools, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  211 reviews

Sophomore: EGRHS has great academics and athletics. Because of the amazing teaching styles, I have become a much brighter and smarter student. There are many opportunities for me to excel as a student, and to make friends. I have never been as thriving as I am right now because of this school!... Read 211 reviews

• grade A

• Students 925

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Belmont, MI•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: Hands down best school, amazing staff and teachers. This isn’t just a job for teachers. They love and enjoy being a teachers. The school focuses on the kids with ways to make learning better and more effective. They have different kinds of seating to help them learn and be more comfortable. We couldn’t be happier with the choice we made to enroll them into Chandler. They also have special teachers to work with those who need a little extra help or to work with special needs children.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 736

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• East Grand Rapids Public Schools, MI•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: Very strong... College was easy for me compared to HS at East. Well prepared.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 457

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• 5-6

• grade A

• Students 456

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: My experience at Central Middle School was above average. The administration, teachers and counselors were all helpful in learning techniques and tricks to how to be prepared for High School and eventually college. I was able to participate in multiple clubs and sports to just see what I liked and didn't before trying things out in High School.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 521

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  139 reviews

Senior: As a whole, Central High School has really been a bright point in my academic career so far. What I love most about it is how willing the teachers are to help you succeed in your classes, and I’m especially excited about my senior year, as the school really gives you opportunities to choose classes that you think will be helpful to the path you might want to take in college. The worst part of my experience would have to be my freshman year. Impacted by Covid-19, I was a virtual student my first year, and I really believe that impacted my performance. But as soon as I entered my sophomore year and was able to better connect with my teachers and peers, I really enjoyed attending school just knowing that if there was something that I didn’t understand, there was always someone that could help me. In addition, Forest Hills Central has great exploratory options, and I am proud to say that I am a part of the vocal jazz group - Central Singers. I’ve made so many memories and friends here.... Read 139 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,136

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• East Grand Rapids Public Schools, MI•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 448

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Wyoming, MI•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: I am a parent with 3 kids attending Vanguard Charter Academy. My oldest is in 8th grade and started when she was on kindergarten. I also have a 5th grader and a 1st grader. We love the staff and teachers. I personally live that we feel apart of a community and have support if needed. I believe that all the staff has the kids best interests at heart and have gone above and beyond to help out the students. I love to volunteer at the school, help with parties, chaperone and drive for field trips and attending school events.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 775

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Grand Rapids, MI•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Teachers and staff have high expectations for behavior and academics and also communicate well with families. Classrooms are focused on learning, always pushing students to go beyond the requirements. Our two sons thrived here with honors for their grades and good friends, too.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 711

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Grand Rapids, MI•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  129 reviews

Parent: WMAA was the best high school experience for my son Connor. He graduated in 2023 in the top 10 of his class. They really pushed him in the way of Academics. The teachers really fostered growth and allowed for such a wonderful environment to learn in. In addition, he participated in Science Olympiad and the sponsors were outstanding and dedicated so much time to preparing the students for competition. My son was able to win numerous medals and placed in State. I can't say enough good things in regards to WMAA!... Read 129 reviews

• grade A

• Students 609

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Byron Center Public Schools, MI•

• K-4

• grade A

• Students 607

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Byron Center Public Schools, MI•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Great school with great teachers! My son just graduated from 4th grade at Countryside. With a child that has several ADHD with EFD his teachers wood never give up on him nor treat him differently than any other child. I am very thankful to live in a great township with excellent education.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 606

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• PK, K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

High School Senior: I loved my time at Thornapple, and am forever thankful for the teachers, and staff there who built character and were positive role models for the kids. Walking to school everyday, I had a blast talking to every kid I met on the playground. Story times, group art projects, and math flashcard competitions made learning enjoyable. The music teacher was the most passionate person I have ever met, and I have so many vivid memories screaming in the back row with my class, who really was like a family. The principal was a very nice man, he would come play football recess, and get all the kids involved. The relationships between the students to the teachers is something you can't find at higher levels of education. I miss the days when raising your hand up in class was fun, and asking questions wasn't frowned upon. Nobody could fall asleep in any class at Thornapple, even if they tried. The overall school environment was safe, welcoming and to this day it has a very positive reputation, and is the best school I have ever been too.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 376

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Forest Hills Public Schools, MI•

• 5-6

• grade A

• Students 494

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1