Grand Rapids Schools News
HERE Education covers every school, deadline, and funding opportunity in Kent. From K-12 to Grand Valley State University — use our Right School Right Neighborhood quiz, search the full directory, and track what matters.
Kent is home to 6 school districts serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. High schools serving Grand Rapids families include Ottawa Hills High School (Bengals), Union High School (Red Hawks), Innovation Central High School (Phoenix), City High-Middle School (Ravens), Forest Hills Central High School (Rangers), and 7 more. HEREGrandRapids covers every school board meeting, budget cycle, and academic milestone across Kent.
Grand Rapids's higher-education landscape includes 6 institutions: Grand Valley State University; Calvin University; Aquinas College; Cornerstone University; Grand Rapids Community College; Davenport University. HEREGrandRapids covers admissions deadlines, scholarship windows, athletic schedules, and campus announcements for each institution.
MI's public-school governance flows through the MI Department of Education, which administers MI READY assessments each spring and enforces the Read to Succeed Act — requiring third-grade reading proficiency before promotion. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) governs interscholastic athletics across the state. Teacher pay begins at the state minimum and is locally supplemented — making salaries a perennial flashpoint at budget hearings.
HEREGrandRapids tracks school-board meetings across Kent — agendas, votes, and budget summaries published before local papers. Our reporters cover graduation rates and MI READY scores; teacher-contract negotiations; school resource officers; SAT and ACT data; Title I funding allocations; building bond referenda; and the Friday Night Football calendar. From dual-enrollment windows at local technical colleges to faculty announcements at area universities — if it happens in a Grand Rapids classroom or on a Kent campus, it is HERE.
Education News
Kent school board budget hearing scheduled for March
Community members invited to weigh in on the proposed 2026–27 budget for Kent schools.
Ottawa Hills High School renovation update
Work continues on facilities improvements at Ottawa Hills High School in Kent.
Grand Valley State University launches new workforce certificate program this fall
Grand Valley State University's new certificate program is designed for working adults in Grand Rapids.
Grand Valley State University receives STEM endowment gift
A donation will expand science and engineering programs at Grand Valley State University.
SC WINS scholarship expansion benefits Grand Rapids students
The SC WINS workforce scholarship is expanding eligibility — hundreds of Kent residents may now qualify.
Kent school rezoning proposal under review
A proposed boundary change could shift student attendance zones ahead of the 2026–27 school year in Kent.
Right School. Right Neighborhood. HERE!
Tell us what matters to your family — schools, community feel, budget — and we'll match you to the right Grand Rapids neighborhood.
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Your Grand Rapids Neighborhood Match
Grand Rapids offers a range of neighborhoods that match different school and lifestyle priorities. Connect with a local real estate expert to explore what fits your family best.
Grand Rapids School Directory, Report Cards, and School News
Kent High Schools
Grand Rapids Public Schools
County: Kent
Forest Hills Public Schools
County: Kent
Kentwood Public Schools
County: Kent
Diocese of Grand Rapids (Private)
County: Kent
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
County: Kent
Northview Public Schools
County: Kent
MI Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Type: Residential magnet high school for MI students
Applications open annually
School Report Cards
Official annual ratings from the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee and the South Carolina Department of Education. Showing every rated public school in Kent County for the 2024-25 school year.
Click any school to view the full report card on the official SC Report Cards site (graduation rate, academic progress, school climate, financial data).
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Statewide SC public school ratings are refreshed annually. Check back soon.
Featured Schools & Programs
Grand Valley State University serves Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan region.
Calvin University serves Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan region.
Aquinas College serves Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan region.
MI's elite residential magnet school for mathematically and scientifically gifted students. Open to all MI students.
$6,000 per year for high school seniors planning to teach in MI. Competitive program recognizing future educators.
High school juniors and seniors can earn college credit at Grand Rapids Community College at no cost under MI's Dual Enrollment program.
The HERE Decision Maker
6 questions, a personalized education & career roadmap. Free. No sign-up.
Where are you right now?
What matters most to you?
How do you learn best?
How much time can you commit?
What career field interests you most?
Where should we send your personalized roadmap?
We'll email your free education & career plan — no obligation.
Your Grand Rapids Education & Career Plan
Based on your answers, here are the top 3 paths we recommend in Grand Rapids.
We'll send a PDF summary plus local scholarship and program contacts.
Online & Hybrid Education
Accredited programs for Kent residents who need flexibility.
Online and hybrid degree and certificate programs. MI in-state tuition rates available for eligible students.
Online and hybrid degree and certificate programs. MI in-state tuition rates available for eligible students.
Google, IBM, Meta, and other employer-backed certificates. Many are accepted by Kent's manufacturing and tech employers. Some WIOA-funded.
The MI Technical College System offers online certificates and associate degree programs through the state's 16 technical colleges.
School Board Meetings
HEREGrandRapids covers every public school board meeting in Kent — agendas published in advance, votes summarized after.
Location: Kent — district office
Location: Kent — district office
Location: Kent — district office
Location: Kent — district office
Location: Kent — district office
Location: Kent — district office
Key Education Policy Issues — Kent
Education FAQ — Grand Rapids
How many school districts does Kent have?
Kent is served by 6 school districts. Each district has its own elected board, superintendent, and budget. Use our School Neighborhood Matcher above to find which district fits your family.
How do I enroll my child in a Kent school?
Enrollment is handled at the district level. Your school district is determined by your home address. Contact the relevant district office or visit their website for forms, residency requirements, and deadlines.
What colleges are in or near Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids and Kent are served by 6 higher-education institutions: Grand Valley State University, Calvin University, Aquinas College, Cornerstone University, and more. Use our Decision Maker tool above to find the right fit for your goals.
Is there financial aid available for Grand Rapids students?
Yes — the MI LIFE and Palmetto Fellows scholarships are merit-based awards for students attending MI colleges. MI WINS is a workforce scholarship for technical programs. FAFSA is available for all eligible students. Grand Rapids Community College's Dual Enrollment program lets high schoolers earn free college credits. The MI Teaching Fellows scholarship provides $6,000/year for future educators.
How does high school athletics work in Kent?
High school athletics in Kent are governed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). Schools compete in classifications based on enrollment (1A–5A for most sports). HEREGrandRapids covers every home game, playoff bracket, and signing-day announcement.
How do I submit a tip or story idea to HEREGrandRapids?
Use the Submit an Education Tip form at the top of this page. We cover school board decisions, program announcements, scholarship opportunities, enrollment deadlines, and any issue affecting Kent students and families. Tips can be submitted anonymously.