Excellent
#99 of 3,192 schools in MI
Top 3% in state
Northern High School
High School · Forest Hills Public Schools
3801 LEONARD ST NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Enrollment
1,109
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
8.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,109
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
8.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#99 of 3,192
In Grand Rapids
#2 of 126
public schools
In district
#2 of 17
Forest Hills Public Schools
Equity
9.5 / 10
Excellent
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Northern High School
High School in Grand Rapids · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Forest Hills Transition Center
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Northern Trails 56 School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Northern High School
Northern High School is a public high school in Grand Rapids, MI, part of Forest Hills Public Schools. Northern High School serves approximately 1,109 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Northern High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.7 out of 10 and ranks #99 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Northern High School show 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).
- This school 8.7 · Excellent
- District avg 8.4
- MI avg 6.5
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Northern High School — Students at Northern High School score 69% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
18.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 26 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: 8.2/10.
How Northern High School Compares
See how Northern High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
3801 LEONARD ST NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Northern High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. East Grand Rapids High School (rated 8.5/10, 3.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Eastern High School (rated 8.4/10, 2.9 miles away, in nearby Ada), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Kent Education CenterBeltline (rated 6.4/10, 1.3 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Grand Rapids, see our Grand Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.9 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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Berkley High School Berkley, MI | 8.7 |
| City MiddleHigh Grand Rapids, MI | 8.6 |
| Farmington High School Farmington, MI | 8.6 |
| Royal Oak High School Royal Oak, MI | 8.6 |
| Athens High School Troy, MI | 8.8 |
| East Grand Rapids High School Grand Rapids, MI | 8.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northern High School
What grades does Northern High School serve?
Northern High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Northern High School?
Northern High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,109 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Northern High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Northern High School is 16.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Northern High School rank in MI?
Northern High School ranks #99 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Northern High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Northern High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Northern High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Northern High School has 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).
Is Northern High School a charter school?
No, Northern High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Northern High School a Title I school?
No, Northern High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northern High School?
18.9% of students at Northern High 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.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,109
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 69
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 18.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Kent County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.9%
- Phone
- (616) 493-8600
- 4-Year Graduation
- 98.0%
Resources & Links
District
Forest Hills Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 9,065
- Schools in District
- 18
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,504
- District Rank
- #2 of 17
Other Schools in This District
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