Caledonia High School

When we found out that we were going to relocate to the area, we toured several high schools and felt pretty confident that the ones we picked were all somewhat comparable. When I saw the community feedback for CHS, I immediately crossed it off my list because I was worried that the community was not very accepting of new comers and could potentially be cliquish. However, when it came to finding a house that met all our criteria it just happened to land in the area. I can honestly say I wish I had gone with my instincts. We came from a community where we were respected and felt a sense of belonging; I must say as a family we have never felt so unwelcome. Our student participates in sports and we were at almost all the games. We didn t know until the end of the season that afterwards most of the players/families got together at a local venue. Our student has been bullied, called names by large groups, invited to several group activities, then quickly uninvited because other students didn t want them there and sadly they are not shy as to tell why. Thank goodness for one student who must feel a bit of empathy for ours otherwise lunch time would feel awfully lonely.
—Submitted by a parent

My girls went to Caledonia from elementary through graduation and it was an excellent school system. One daughter struggled with her grades, and every single teacher of hers was willing to work with her and help her succeed. As my daughters went to college locally, their professors were able to tell that they graduated from a good school because of their excellent writing and presentation skills. Caledonia schools set kids up to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student who's been going through the Caledonia school system since Kindergarten, Caledonia schools are great! The high school is great with a beautiful building that everyone takes care of. Academics are pretty good as well. 95% of the teachers are willing to put in an extra effort to help you if you'll do the work. There's a few teachers and staff throughout the school that aren't the most friendly, but almost everyone is. My peers are decent as well. There's cliques in Caledonia, but most people are friendly. Sports and smarts are big in this school, but if you aren't into that stuff, there's a lot of art options that are great as well!
—Submitted by a student

My experiences with Caledonia have been nothing short of phenominal. We relocated our kids here from a private Christian school two years ago and have been absolutely elated about how well they have adapted and the relationships they have built with their teachers. Those who call the school 'close- minded' propably mean 'morally strong' which is what we need more of these days. The emphasis on character is refreshing and, unlike some others, I do find that the K-12 website has been an extremely useful tool. We are now in the process of relocating again (out of state) and my kids are extremely sad to have to leave Cal. It has truly been a great place to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter transferred to Caledonia two years ago as a Freshman. My daughter never had a problem with a teacher until starting Caledonia. She was put in a classroom with a teacher that would yell at her, absolutely no willingness to help my daughter if she were struggling and quite frankly the entire year continued that way. There were student teachers in every class. My daughters homework was literally lost and then found two months later after she received no credit for the homework and she received no apology from the teachers or student teachers, this happened too many times to count! Her sophomore year she had two 'temporary' teachers due to an overflow of students. This made it difficult to communicate with either teacher because they literally would leave immediately after their class was taught. Overall we have been less than happy with our experiences!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Caledonia High School. I am very pleased with the learning environment there. There are only a few things that I would change. I wish that our school focused some attention on the students who are heavily involved in art, theater, and music. We have some really talented kids here and they are pushed aside so that the athletes are put in front.
—Submitted by a student

Caledonia High School is a great school. This school has many different art programs and music programs. As far as music and art programs go there is many different sports to choose from as well.
—Submitted by a student

Caledonia is without a doubt the best school academically my kids have gone to and I'm glad they understand that. But it is a very close minded environment and while this may be a small town people have to understand that there's a lot more around them and theres way more to the world than Caledonia. I don't think they give the kids enough independance at school and they are the most immature kids I've ever heard of.
—Submitted by a parent

I would like to reply to one of the previous statments about the schools computer system. I would like to think that the composer of that comment has to remember that as humans we are not perfect and as machines, they are not perfect either. It is up to the Parents, School staff, and the students to make sure that our children have the best possible education that they diserve. While I have to say that the school has welcomed my kids to the district 100% and being that they are of a minority with less than 2% in the school, I give full suport to the school staff and how they have kept me informed of my kids performance, or lack there of. I would remind some parents that teaching starts at home, and continuing education begains at the school level. Caledonia has my support!
—Submitted by Jerry, a parent

Formally, a Grand Rapids Public School Student and Employee born and raised in this area. As educators would put it... Give us the resources and we will guide your children in the direction that creates a future for them, with continued involvement and great support, from both sides. Administrators, Teachers and Parents alike, The school District of Caledonia should be very proud of it's current development, it most certainly has changed in the past decade. The future holds great things for your childrens, children...in Caledonia. I believe the schools and their employees are most certainly doing the best that they can to educate the children. If they weren't those positions would have never been given to them. There doing the best, they can do. Give it a little time, things will be just fine, take it from me... it's growing to be a beautiful community. Just keep up the good work. Be Proud.
—Submitted by Chuck Padron, a parent

Caledonia school seems to have paid a ton of money for updates. Sold the K-12 website as the 'New best thing' since a pencil, and yet, it is less useful than a pencil. No teacher puts homework on the website. Update of grades don't happen when they website says it will happen. Last they will watch a child fail and make no attemt to get involved with the parent. I cannot believe that their GREAT computer system does not automatically generate an e-mail, phone call or letter to a parent that child is in danger of failure. This makes me sad, and thinking do all our school systems run under so ineffective methods? No wonder there is not enough money.
—Submitted by Iris Lumbert, a parent

I agree with the August 2004 parent review. We now have a brand new facility, as well, to compliment the wonderful staff and program. The students themselves are very happy with their school, and our wide range of extra-curricular activites from the arts to sports helps keep them that way.
—Submitted by Mary Brandt, a student

I don't know who wrote that above but Caledonia is a great place for kids to learn. My kids feel welcome and free do be who they want. They also have a great mentor program where if some one needs a little help adjusting they can have a mentor be there to support and encourage them. There academics are noted by many as one of the best around. I give Caledonia High School a 5 out of five rating.
—Submitted by a parent

Caledonia is a suffocating environment where every student is expected to be a carbon copy of the others. Caledonia leaves no room for individualism.
—Submitted by a student