Northern High School in Grand Rapids, MI

At a glance

Reported students

1,088

NCES CCD 2024–25

Teachers (FTE)

70.27

NCES CCD 2024–25

Student–teacher ratio

15.5:1

Calculated; not a class-size measure

Grades served

09–12

NCES preliminary directory 2025–26

Michigan high enrollment

89th percentile

Compared with 978 same-level schools reporting enrollment.

District median enrollment

467

Northern High School: 1,088 reported students.

State peer staffing position

30th percentile

15.5:1 reported; state peer median 18.1:1. Ratio is not class size.

Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22

These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.

Students: 1,108
Teachers (FTE): 57.59
Student–teacher ratio: 19.2:1

What the reported data says about Northern High School

Northern High School is a public high school serving grades 09–12 in Grand Rapids. It is one of 18 current school records connected to Forest Hills Public Schools. NCES reports 1,088 students for 2024–25.

Among 978 high schools in Michigan with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 280 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 89th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.

The reported student–teacher ratio is 15.5:1, below the Michigan median of 18.1:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.

The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (70.7%) and Hispanic or Latino (8.5%). English learners represent 4.4% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 6%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.

The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports AP student enrollment, computer science. The school reported 21 AP courses. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.

Questions worth asking Northern High School

1How do the reported 15.5:1 student–teacher ratio and 70.27 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
2Have the reported academic programs changed since the 2021–22 CRDC collection?
3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 3.8 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
4What meal assistance, transportation, after-school, and family-support services are currently available?

Bring the full school visit checklist →

Enrollment needs

English learners: 4.4%
Students with disabilities: 6%
Free/reduced-price lunch: 17.6%
Lunch program: Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO

Reported support staff

Counselors (FTE): 3.8
Nurses (FTE): 0.05
Psychologists (FTE): 0.5
Social workers (FTE): 1

CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.

Student demographics

Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment

White70.7%
Hispanic8.5%
Black6.5%
Asian8.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native0.1%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
Multiracial6%

Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.

Programs reported by the school

AP student enrollment

Students enrolled

21 distinct courses reported

Gifted and talented

Not reported as offered

Computer science

Offered

CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.

Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.

Central High School

High · Grades 09–12

999 reported students

Eastern High School

High · Grades 09–12

768 reported students

Forest Hills Transition Center

High · Grades 12–12

8 reported students

Eastern Middle School

Middle · Grades 06–08

528 reported students

Northern Trails 56 School

Middle · Grades 05–06

520 reported students

Knapp Forest Elementary School

Elementary · Grades PK–05

520 reported students

View all 18 district schools →

Public schools near Northern High School

Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.

School	Grades	Students	Distance
Forest Hills Transition Center High · Forest Hills Public Schools	12–12	8	0.2 mi
Kent Career Tech Center High · Kent ISD	09–12	0	1.1 mi
MySchoolKent High · Kent ISD	06–12	0	1.1 mi
Kent Education CenterBeltline High · Kent ISD	09–12	43	1.3 mi
Eastern High School High · Forest Hills Public Schools	09–12	768	2.9 mi
Lighthouse Academy The Pier High · Charter · Lighthouse Academy	09–12	7	2.9 mi

Compare all 130 public schools in Grand Rapids, MI →

Frequently asked questions about Northern High School

What grades does Northern High School serve?

Northern High School reports grades 09–12 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as a high school in Forest Hills Public Schools.

How many students attend Northern High School?

Northern High School reported 1,088 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 89th percentile among 978 Michigan high schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 1,108 students.

What is the student–teacher ratio at Northern High School?

The calculated ratio is 15.5:1, based on 1,088 students and 70.27 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Michigan median for the same school level is 18.1:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.

Is Northern High School a public, charter, or magnet school?

Northern High School is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on Forest Hills Public Schools attendance boundaries and transfer rules.

What share of Northern High School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?

17.6% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.

Which school district is Northern High School in?

Northern High School is part of Forest Hills Public Schools, based in Grand Rapids, MI, which operates 18 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.

What public schools are near Northern High School?

The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Forest Hills Transition Center (0.2 mi), Kent Career Tech Center (1.1 mi), MySchoolKent (1.1 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.