Forest Hills Central High School is located in Ada Township, Michigan, near Grand Rapids. It is one of three high schools in the Forest Hills Public Schools system. The district also includes Forest Hills Eastern High School and Forest Hills Northern High School.
Serving 999 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 72% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 76% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 999 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Graduation Rate: ≥99% (Top 1% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 72% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 76% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 56% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the southeast part of Grand Rapids, MI, covering an area of approximately 22.5 square miles, with most students living within a 10-12 minute drive and an average distance of 4.3 miles to the school. The furthest edge of the attendance zone extends up to 6.7 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 999 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
999 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the top 5% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.34, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#70 out of 3025 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
35%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
16:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
7%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
5%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
3%
18%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
White
81%
63%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
≥99%
81.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.2%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Green and White
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #70 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northern High School, East Grand Rapids High School, Eastern High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
72% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 76% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 99%, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 81.8%.
How many students attend Central High School?
999 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Central High School students are White, 7% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Forest Hills School District.
School Reviews
Review Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
