Central High School

Fantastic school! Great academics prepared my daughter for Ivy League success. Also the kids support each other like no other. A real jewel.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I graduated FHC in 2002 and are so happy we did. Colleges and companies all over the country actually recognize the name and know about our high schools excellence. My husband took AP courses (Advanced Placement) which some people may not realize are Honors Courses. Even our standard classes are above the Honors programs of most other schools. Nearly all of our teachers had advanced degrees and genuinely cared about preparing us for not only college, but the rest of our lives. FHC was a safe place where we could develop our intellects beyond what the average person could. The diversity was not great, there was variety but the quantity of such was small. The music/art/sports/extracurricular activities are too many to count.
--Submitted by Haley, a former student

The academic programs available at Forest Hills Central High are quite disappointing. We moved here from another state where our children were in the Honors Programs,and were taken aback to find out they don't exist here. We were told that the children would be 'challenged' but so far that has not happened either. Another problem with the school system here is the segragation of the grades, and the guidance counselors make no effort to help, nor will they go out of they way to make any type of exceptions. I will be very glad when the oldest is done there, I have no plans to let the other children attend high school here in Grand Rapids.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Forest Hills Central in 2004. I am pleased to say that I had a very great high school experience. This school and these teacher have prepared me very well for college, and life outside of high school. I participated in choir all four years and found it very rewarding and satisfying. I was also a member of student council and I was in contact with the administration, which has gotten better since I've graduated, or so I have heard. Parent involvement is very high and there is a lot of participation from students in athletics and other extra curricular activities. There is also a wide variety of different classes. I enjoyed being a student at FHC because of its academics, but I also felt safe ansecure.
--Submitted by a former student

I graduated in 2004, and I feel that Central High has fully prepared me to succeed academically in college. The quality of education I received at FHC was great. Most of my teachers held a masters degree or higher in their field. Some even had experience teaching at the college level. The music department is very well led and highly successful. My only complaint is the lack of cultural, racial and religious diversity in the district and the city of Grand Rapids.
--Submitted by a former student

I have a son, who graduated class of 2004. He is now one of two young men, from FHC, who are attending the U.S. Naval Academy. I feel the academic offerings at FHC have prepared my son for a very challenging college career. This school offers Advance Placement classes, Japanese as a foreign language and etc. I have a daughter who will be a junior at FHC and her experience has been the same. Teachers care about their students. There are a lot of sports for kids to participate in both varsity and club. This gives your child a place to fit in. The music program is wonderful. Besides, all of these great things that are offered here in the FH public schools, the average child can get lost in the system. Parents need to get involved with the teachers and all will be good.
--Submitted by a parent

We have had several exchange students attend this school in the past, and each time it has been an effort to get them enrolled. We would like to host another student this year, but know we are being told that no exchange students are being accepted. We pay our taxes in this school district but find it a challange to enroll a student here. We are trying to teach our son about different cultures and this school has not done anything to help. I truly hope the present staff is gone by the time our son is ready to attend this school.
--Submitted by a parent