Forest Hills Public Schools Explained

Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS) is a school district serving portions of the townships of Ada Township, Cascade Township, and Grand Rapids Township and portions of the cities of Grand Rapids and Kentwood in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. This area is roughly approximated for statistical purposes by the census-designated place Forest Hills.

The Forest Hills School District, located in suburban Grand Rapids, was founded in 1956 when residents in 13 neighboring, one-room schools consolidated into one district to build a high school for their children. The district has grown to serve over 9,800 students and annually gains 200-300 new students.

District schools

Elementary Schools

• Pre-Kindergarten to 4th grade
  • Ada Elementary School
  • Ada Vista Elementary School
  • Collins Elementary School
  • Meadow Brook Elementary School
  • Pine Ridge Elementary School
  • Thornapple Elementary School
• 5th/6th Grade Schools
  • Central Woodlands 5/6 School
  • Northern Trails 5/6 School
  • Goodwillie Environmental School
• Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade
  • Knapp Forest Elementary School
  • Orchard View Elementary School

Middle Schools (7th - 8th grade)

• Central Middle School
• Eastern Middle School
• Northern Hills Middle School

High Schools (9th - 12th grade)

• Forest Hills Central High School
• Forest Hills Northern High School
• Forest Hills Eastern High School

The District also maintains an administrative office, an aquatic center, and a fine arts center.

Awards

• Grand Rapids Magazine ranks Forest Hills Public Schools #1.
• In 2003, Forest Hills Central High School was named one of the best high schools in the nation according to Newsweek, ranking #726 out of the top 1,000. Forest Hills Northern High School was also ranked, at #937. There are over 27,000 high schools in the United States, putting both Central High School and Northern High School among the top 4%.

Community Programs

FHPS has a division, Forest Hills Community Services, which plans and coordinates youth enrichment and sports programs, aquatic programs, adult enrichment classes, and senior citizens programs. Programs are offered each quarter with a Summer Academy for preschool to high school students.^[1]

Notable alumni

• Chris Afendoulis, former Republican Member of the Michigan House of Representatives^{[2] [3]}
• Johnny Benson Jr., NASCAR racing driver^[4]
• Dick DeVos, former CEO of Amway and former Michigan gubernatorial candidate
• Lauren Kozal, National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) goalkeeper^[5]
• Mitch Lyons, National Football League (NFL) tight end^[6]
• Aidan O'Connor, Major League Soccer defender^[7]
• Steve Scheffler, National Basketball Association (NBA) player^[8]
• Jared Veldheer, National Football League (NFL) offensive tackle^[9]
• Kyle Visser, former NCAA college basketball scholarship athlete (Wake Forest University)
• Gretchen Whitmer, 49th Governor of Michigan
• Kim Zimmer, actress

External links

• Forest Hills Public School District website
• Forest Hills Public Schools Fine Arts Center
• Forest Hills Public Schools Community Services

Notes and References

1. http://www.enjoylearning.com/communityservices.html About (FHPS) Community Services
2. Web site: 2016-06-24 . About Chris - Chris Afendoulis CPA for State Representative . https://web.archive.org/web/20160624194644/http://www.chrisafendoulis.com/about_chris . 2016-06-24 . 2020-10-10.
3. Web site: 2018-08-06 . Chris Afendoulis, District 73 - Michigan House Republicans . https://web.archive.org/web/20180806054855/http://gophouse.org/representatives/westmi/afendoulis/ . 2018-08-06 . 2020-10-10.
4. Web site: 2009-08-18 . Still recovering and lacking a ride, Grand Rapids' Johnny Benson won't race again this season . 2021-02-06 . mlive . en.
5. Web site: Greg . Chrapek . 2017-02-10 . Basketball a family tradition for Kozal family at Forest Hills Northern . 2023-11-09 . mlive . en.
6. Web site: 2011-05-28 . Mitch Lyons Past Stats, Statistics, History, and Awards - databaseFootball.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20110528203310/http://databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=LYONSMIT01 . 2011-05-28 . 2020-10-10.
7. Web site: Van Gilder . Rachel . Doles . Jack . December 28, 2023 . Forest Hills Northern grad drafted to Major League Soccer . WOOD-TV.
8. Web site: Gr . Steve Vedder The . Press . Rapids . 2011-03-24 . Ex-local stars Steve Scheffler, David Kool to speak at Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast . 2020-10-10 . mlive . en.
9. Web site: 2019-07-11 . Retired NFL lineman Jared Veldheer back in Grand Rapids to host youth camp . 2020-10-10 . mlive . en.