Northern Hills Middle School

Northern Hills Middle School in Grand Rapids, MI, is a high-performing school serving 515 students in grades 7 and 8 as part of the top-ranked Forest Hills Public Schools district.

This school consistently earns a 5-star rating and ranks in the 96th to 98th percentile statewide, with a student-teacher ratio of about 18:1. What truly sets Northern Hills apart is its success across all student groups. In the most recent school year, its African American students ranked in the 97th percentile statewide, English Language Learners ranked in the 94th percentile, and students from low-income backgrounds ranked in the 97th percentile. The special education program is also a standout, with students ranking in the 99th, 97th, and 91st percentiles over the past three years. This demonstrates that the school's excellence isn't limited to one group—it's systemic across the entire student body.

However, there are a couple of areas worth noting. While test scores are far above state averages, 7th-grade math proficiency dipped to 62.9%, below the district average of 66.4% and lower than Central Middle School's 72.7%. Chronic absenteeism, at 11.1%, is less than half the state average but is the highest among the district's middle schools. Interestingly, the 6th graders at Northern Trails 56 School, which shares the campus, also struggled in math, suggesting a possible curriculum issue in the northern part of the district. The contrast with nearby Riverside Middle School in Grand Rapids Public Schools—just 4 miles away, where 91% of students qualify for free lunch and chronic absenteeism is 68%—highlights how district resources and community demographics shape outcomes. For parents, Northern Hills offers a rigorous, equitable education with a proven track record of lifting all students to high achievement.