Forest Hills Northern High School is a public high school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. It is one of three high schools in the Forest Hills Public Schools district, the other two being Forest Hills Central High School and Forest Hills Eastern High School.
Serving 1,088 students in grades 9-12, Northern High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 64% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 84% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is equal to the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,088 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 64% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 84% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 63% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northern High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Northern High School's student population of 1,088 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 70 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,088 students
Total Classroom Teachers
70 teachers
Year Founded
1972
Colors
Columbia Blue and Black
School Rankings
Northern High School ranks within the top 5% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northern High School is 0.48, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#98 out of 3025 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
84%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1
Asian
8%
4%
Hispanic
8%
9%
Black
7%
18%
White
71%
63%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern High School's ranking?
Northern High School is ranked #98 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Northern High School often compared to?
Northern High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Central High School, Eastern High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northern High School?
The graduation rate of Northern High School is 98%, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Northern High School?
1,088 students attend Northern High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Northern High School students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northern High School?
Northern High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is equal to the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Northern High School offer ?
Northern High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northern High School part of?
Northern High School is part of Forest Hills School District.
School Reviews
Review Northern High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
