Below Average
#2648 of 3,190 schools in MI
Highlands School
Middle School · Northview Public Schools
4645 CHANDY DR NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Enrollment
434
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
4.9
Grades
5th – 6th
Enrollment
434
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
4.9
Grades
5th – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Grand Rapids
#97 of 111
public schools
Michigan middle schools
#412 of 497
In district
#8 of 8
Northview Public Schools
School environment
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Highlands School
Highlands School is a regular public middle school located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving students in grades five and six. With an enrollment of 434 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15.5:1, Highlands offers personalized attention to help each student thrive. The school has 28 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting its diverse community.
Highlands School’s academic performance shows room for growth, with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and a state ranking of #1708 among Michigan's 3,204 schools, placing it in the 47th percentile. In English Language Arts (ELA) and reading, 45% of students are proficient or above, while 37% meet proficiency standards in math. Highlands School is situated in a large suburban area, providing students with access to a variety of community resources and activities that complement their educational experience.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Highlands School — Students at Highlands School score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 10 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.3/10.
How Highlands School Compares
See how Highlands School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 34.51% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 57% (2019) to 42% (2022).
Location
4645 CHANDY DR NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Highlands School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. ALL SAINTS ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Crossroads Middle School (rated 7.1/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Grand Rapids, see our Grand Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49525 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$87,969
Median Home Value
$292,500
Median Rent
$1,335/mo
Population
30,627
College Educated
49.1%
Homeownership
78.4%
Avg Commute
19.6 min
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Median Age
38.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Highlands School has a median household income of $87,969. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $292,500, with a median rent of $1,335/month. The local poverty rate of 8.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Burton Middle School Grand Rapids, MI | 4.9 |
| Clio Middle School Clio, MI | 4.9 |
| Dundee Middle School Dundee, MI | 4.9 |
| Eastpointe Middle School Eastpointe, MI | 4.9 |
| Fennville Middle School Fennville, MI | 4.9 |
| Fort Gratiot Middle School Fort Gratiot, MI | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highlands School
What grades does Highlands School serve?
Highlands School serves students in grades 5th through 6th.
How many students attend Highlands School?
Highlands School has an enrollment of approximately 434 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Highlands School?
The student-teacher ratio at Highlands School is 15.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Highlands School rank in MI?
Highlands School is ranked #2648 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Highlands School's MySchoolScout rating?
Highlands School has a composite rating of 4.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Highlands School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Highlands School has 37.3% math proficiency and 44.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Highlands School a charter school?
No, Highlands School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Highlands School a Title I school?
No, Highlands School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highlands School?
48.8% of students at Highlands School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,416/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Grand Rapids). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 6th
- Enrollment
- 434
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 48.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Kent County
- Phone
- (616) 361-3440
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Northview Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 3,139
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,178
- District Rank
- #8 of 8
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.