Northview Public Schools

Northview Public Schools is a mid-sized Michigan district serving roughly 3,120 students across 8 schools in the Grand Rapids area, including three elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. The district overall earns a 3-star rating, but this masks a clear split between its strong traditional schools and its struggling alternative programs.

For parents, the standout option is Northview High School, which ranks in the 86th percentile statewide with a 97.5% graduation rate and zero dropouts—far outpacing the district average of 87.5%. It also posts strong test scores, beating state averages by 13-15 points in science and math. Among elementary schools, West Oakview Elementary School leads with a 4-star rating and standout 3rd-grade math proficiency (58.8% vs. 42.9% statewide). Highlands School, serving grades 5-6, is a hidden gem with strong 6th-grade math scores and low absenteeism. Meanwhile, Crossroads Middle School excels in 8th-grade social studies and PSAT ELA, both well above state levels.

The biggest concern is Northview Next Learning Center, an alternative high school with a 51.5% graduation rate, 90% chronic absenteeism, and test scores 40-60% below district averages. By contrast, Northview Next Career Center achieves a 90% graduation rate despite serving a high-needs population, though its dropout rate remains elevated. Across the district, math is a clear strength at nearly every grade level, while chronic absenteeism escalates sharply from elementary (under 18%) to high school (over 30%). East Oakview Elementary School and North Oakview Elementary School both keep absenteeism in single digits or low teens, making them reliable choices for younger students.