Pine River High School

I am a former student and also a parent of children currently attending PR. As a former student, I can say that the education was adequate at best; there was no value put on excelling, there was no diversity in class choices and the teachers were present but not engaged. I was never expected to give 100%, therefore never did. College was a rude awakening for me as I discovered that not only my 'all A' status at PR was equivalent to C-D's at other schools, but that my learning skills were too lax to properly function in higher education. As a parent, I am dismayed that these same issues still exist at PR and many leadership/behavioral issues have become much worse. The only reason my children attend this school district is because of the wonderful small town atmosphere and because I will play an active role in their learning/education.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a great bare bones country school, but also offers a few extras, such as shop, band, choir, graphic arts, a couple languages, and a few different gym classes. the biggest advantage is that they offer ctc, the local career tech center, to students who want to aim straight for a job out of high school rather than college, which unfortunately is the norm around here. not very high tech, and the leadership has gone downhill in the last 3 or 4 years, but overall a great place for your kids to learn
--Submitted by a parent

I think Pine River is Great. They have Great teachers. but they are very strict about cell phones and ipods. i think its a good place to learn and make great friends that lasts a lifetime. Thanks Pine River!
--Submitted by a student

I have 3 children in the Pine River School District. I live in Grand Rapids,MI and many,many times I have asked the school for report cards, band schedules, school picture info be sent to me and I have not had any of the above done. Oh, one time this year-got kids reports cards. Why just one time? I have emailed the Ms.Gardner in regards to certain events coming up as to time,place,never heard a thing back. Why not? I am never informed of Parent-Teacher Conferences. They DO have my name,address,phone #. I would go to them, if anyone would let me know when. Seeing I am the kids mother. If they are having problems in school,whether it be school work, redline, discipline problems I am never notified, even though I have asked several times to be notified. Never happens-why not? I can't review something when I am never informed of what is going on. Sincerely, Teresa
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff at this school are amazing. They care so much about every child and will do anything to gaurantee their success. It is the most positive and productive place to send a child. My kids will go no other place!
--Submitted by a parent

As a graduate of Pine River (class of 2005), I would have to say that my overall experience, while not extraordinary, was more than sufficient enough to get me to college. As a sophomore at Grand Valley, I continue to draw upon my high school education to help me with college. In my opinion, a good prep school is one that touches on a wide range of things to ensure that the student has the base knowledge to survive in college, and that is exactly what Pine River did for me. During my four years, the teachers (overall) were helpful, the sports were dominant, and I made lasting friendships that continue to this day. I would reccomend this school to anyone who wishes their children to have an enjoyable experience.
--Submitted by a former student

As a former student of PRHS I feel confident enough to say that the schooling was wonderful. Although I enjoyed the classes, there were many teachers who looked down at certain students based off of their looks and/or background. While these few teachers may have been biased-or even going as far to say forcefully conservative-it makes the students push harder to get that extra help and gain the confidence they need for outside of the schools walls. My overall experience at PRHS was memorable and amusing.
--Submitted by Jasmine Culp, a former student

I am currently a senoir attending this school, and my overveiw is that it is horrible education wise. Last year I slept in many of may classes everyday, and I got an 'A' is each class. This school has no challenge for me. They got rid of calculas, a course I needed. No Physics either. The only good this there is wood shop, where I actually learn things, and band. I love them music program. We also have a wide range of sports. I have to learn everything I need for college this year, with no help from the school. Hopefully I succeed. I recommend this school for extracurricular activities, but not for education.
--Submitted by Jason C., a student

I am a 1996 graduate of PRHS and I would consider the education I recieved there great. It was some time ago, but none the less I found myself entering the world prepaired and ready to face what was ahead. I am currently attending Troy State University in Alabama, and I am nearly finished with my degree in Elementary Edu. In this program we've had to think of the teachers that have influenced us, and someone we want to model ourselvs after. The teachers I had at Pine River were so great that I have a hard time picking just one. Which is fine I just have a larger group to choose from. I learned many things at this school, and I hope to return to Michigan and teach at the school that gave me so much. ~Summer Wheat, Fort Rucker, Al.
--Submitted by Summer Wheat, a former student

I am a former graduate of PRHS and found college to be a shocking experience. I had a few excellent teachers but overall my education, I feel was disappointing. I majored in the sciences and was completely lost even in the lowest level classes. Hopefully, education as well as administration at the high school level will improve so that my children can have a much better experience.
--Submitted by a former student