Stand Out Schools in Grand Rapids
With the size of Grand Rapids, it’s no surprise that local schools are overflowing with top-rated extra curriculars, stand out specialty programs and inspiring staff at area schools. The real question is, who shines above the rest?
We asked our readers to weigh in and cast votes for their favorites for the Best of Grand Rapids, school edition.
Cue the theater music, dust off those football uniforms and band instruments and get those clapping hands ready for a round of applause for our educators. Votes are officially in!
Top Voted Academic Programs, Extra Curriculars & Most Inspiring Principals
We asked our readers to vote in categories including schools with the best academic and/or tutoring programs, best high school football, theater and band programs, best elementary language immersion and most inspiring principal.
Give us your best drum roll and read on for the best of school winners for 2025!
Top Voted Tutoring and Academic Programs
Winner: Kumon Math and Reading Center of Grand Rapids – North
1. Kumon Math and Reading Center of Grand Rapids – North
2. Streams of Hope
3. Sylvan Learning of Grand Rapids
4. Reading Successs Plus
5. Outside the Box Creative Tutoring
6. The Tutoring Center – Wyoming
7. EQPD (GVSU K-12 Connect)
Top Voted Elementary Language Immersion Program
Winner: Ada Vista Elementary School
1. Ada Vista Elementary School
2. Grandville Calvin Christian
3. NorthPointe Christian Elementary
4. Roguewood Elementary School (Rockford Public Schools)
5. El Puente Elementary (Jenison Public Schools)
6. Zeeland Christian
7. Grand Rapids Christian
8. Meadow Brook Elementary
9. West Ottawa Dual Language Spanish Immersion
10. Southwest Community Campus (GRPS)
Top Voted High School Band Program
Winner: Rockford High School
1. Rockford High School
2. Jenison High School
3. West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts
4. Forest Hills Central High School
5. West Catholic High School
6. Byron Center High School
7. Grandville High School
8. Northview High School
9. Caledonia High School
10. East Grand Rapids High School
Top Voted High School Football Program
Winner: Rockford High School
1. Rockford High School
2. Lowell High School
3. West Catholic High School
4. Forest Hills Central High School
5. Hudsonville High School
6. Byron Center High School
6. Catholic Central High School
8. Grandville High School
9. East Grand Rapids High School
10. Jenison High School
Top Voted High School Theater Program
Winner: Rockford High School
1. Rockford High School
2. Jenison High School
3. Forest Hills Northern High School
4. Homeschool Performing Arts
5. Byron Center High School
6. Forest Hills Eastern High School
6. West Catholic High School
8. Grand Rapids Christian High School
9. Caledonia High School
10. East Grand Rapids High School
Top Voted Inspiring Principal
Winner: Jeremy Karel – Valley View Elementary School
1. Jeremy Karel – Valley View Elementary School
2. Joe Oosterheert – Jenison Christian School
3. Molly Burnett – Murray Lake Elementary
4. Kevin Varner – Our Lady of Consolation Catholic School
5. Domenic Franconi – Assumption Catholic School
6. Christina Mendoza – Orchard View Elementary
7. Heather Lalonde – Jenison ECC
8. Kathleen Pool – Godfrey-Lee Public Schools ECC
9. Pat Kalahar – Holy Spirit Catholic School
10. Johana Rodriguez – Godfrey Elementary
A Round of Applause for GR Schools
Whether you’re new to the area and looking for the best to fit your student’s interests or a proud parent cheering from the sidelines, there’s no denying Grand Rapids area schools are something special.
With so many outstanding programs and inspiring leaders making our top 10 list, there’s plenty to celebrate.
So go ahead, give your home-team, extra curricular star students and dedicated leaders a round of applause – it’s well deserved!
