ABOUT FHPS
Forest Hills Public Schools, established in 1956 through the consolidation of 13 local school districts, now serves over 9,000 students across 17 school buildings spanning nearly 68 square miles in the Grand Rapids area. Renowned for its strong academic performance, FHPS offers a diverse curriculum including career-tech pathways, Spanish and Mandarin immersion, environmental outdoor education, and extensive AP offerings. Guided by its mission to provide every learner with opportunities to build meaningful, productive lives, FHPS maintains moderately sized schools and a student‑centered approach that emphasizes high-quality instruction and community partnership.
DOING WHAT IS BEST FOR KIDS
At Forest Hills Public Schools, every decision we make is rooted in doing what’s best for kids. We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where each student is empowered to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our goal is to propel every learner to achieve their individual potential and thrive both in school and beyond.
WHAT OUR FAMILIES ARE SAYING
ONE SCHOOL DISTRICT, THREE ATTENDANCE AREAS
To foster a sense of community and keep school sizes manageable, FHPS is divided into three distinct attendance areas, each anchored by its own high school. By structuring the district into these three attendance areas, FHPS ensures a balanced student population, encourages strong local bonds, and supports high-quality educational experiences, from neighborhood elementary schools to their corresponding high school.
ATTENDANCE AREA MAP
CENTRAL ATTENDANCE AREA
EASTERN ATTENDANCE AREA
NORTHERN ATTENDANCE AREA
OUR MISSION
In partnership with our community, Forest Hills Public Schools will provide all learners with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to build meaningful and productive lives.
OUR VISION
All learners achieving individual potential.
OUR HISTORY
In 1956, thirteen one‑room schoolhouses across Grand Rapids, Cascade and Ada consolidated to create the Forest Hills district, initially operating eight school buildings. The community chose the name “Forest Hills” that August through a citizens’ advisory committee. Soon after, in fall of 1958, the first high school, now Forest Hills Central, opened, followed by Forest Hills Northern in 1972 and Forest Hills Eastern in 2004. Over the decades the district has grown significantly: today it spans roughly 68 square miles, serves approximately 9,000 students across 17 schools—including elementary, middle, high schools, plus a Fine Arts Center, Aquatic Center, and other community enrichment spaces. Between strong academic outcomes and regular expansion, FHPS has become one of Michigan’s top-performing and geographically largest districts.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The District’s Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles were established by Dr. Michael Washburn, FHPS Superintendent, and the FHPS Board of Education during Washburn’s 21-year tenure as school superintendent. Dr. Washburn served as superintendent from 1985-2006.
CARING
We are committed to the principle of Caring.
We believe in:
- Maintaining a family atmosphere
- Supporting each other
- Being warm, sincere, and genuine
- Accepting and including everyone
- Confronting the tough issues
- Keeping each other safe and secure
COLLABORATION
We are committed to the principle of Collaboration.
We believe in:
- Solving problems together
- Working toward win/win
- Building partnerships
- Sharing best practices
- Volunteering
- Being generous
- Engaging parents as full partners
OPEN COMMUNICATION
We are committed to the principle of Open Communication.
We believe in:
- Listening
- Sharing
- Promoting trust
- Building community through dialogue
- Encouraging participation from all
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVENESS
We are committed to the principle of Diversity and Inclusiveness.
We believe in:
- Helping students value their unique talents and gifts
- Knowing, understanding and appreciating each other
- Valuing individual differences
- Celebrating our heritage
- Healing racism
- Embracing differences to enrich, strengthen, and connect our community
- Striving for equity
- Considering all viewpoints to arrive at better decisions
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
We are committed to the principle of High Expectations.
We believe in:
- Expecting all children to learn
- Requiring all to give their best
- Providing opportunities for all to contribute
- Assuming parents want what’s best for their child
- Maintaining high academic standards
- Offering challenging opportunities
- Helping students make healthy choices
- Contributing to the development of good character
LEARNING
We are committed to the principle of Learning.
We believe in:
- Learning for its own sake
- Offering a range of educational opportunities
- Providing diverse experiences
- Individualizing learning programs
- Accommodating multiple intelligences and learning styles
- Preparing students for lifelong learning
- Providing quality resources
- Accessing the world beyond our classrooms
RESPECT
We are committed to the principle of Respect.
We believe in:
- Fostering high regard for self and others
- Modeling civility
- Appreciating differences
- Adhering to our code of conduct
- Having zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviors
TRUST
We are committed to the principle of Trust.
We believe in:
- Being honest
- Being consistent
- Being loyal
- Assuming others’ intentions are good
- Keeping promises
- Demonstrating good stewardship
TOURS & ENROLLMENT
COME SEE WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER
Come and be part of the Forest Hills community! We would love to show you around one of our schools. To schedule a tour during the school year, simply reach out to the school directly. Realtors are welcome to make this call on a family’s behalf, too. If you are considering a home, apartment, or property in the area, we are happy to help confirm it falls within the Forest Hills school district and which school attendance area it is part of. Just give our administration building a call at 616-493-8800.
For Schools of Choice families, tours are not available, but our administration team is happy to answer any questions you may have.
JOIN THE FHPS FAMILY
You’re embarking on something exciting! Take the next step and enroll today! We cannot wait to welcome your family and help your student begin their story here at Forest Hills Public Schools.