Welcome to

Forest Hills

Welcome to the Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS) area!

Discover Forest Hills

Whether you're eyeing a move or just curious, you’ve stumbled upon one of the most sought-after pockets in West Michigan.

Forest Hills isn't actually a city—it’s a massive, 68-square-mile school district that blends upscale suburban living with a "small-town" soul. Here is why people move from all over the country to grab a zip code here:

The Three "Districts" within the District

One of the coolest things about FHPS is that it’s divided into three distinct attendance areas. Each has its own high school, sports teams, and unique personality, which keeps the "big" district feeling like a tight-knit community.

  • Forest Hills Central (The Rangers): Based in the Ada/Cascade area. It’s known for a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and powerhouse athletics.
  • Forest Hills Northern (The Huskies): Serving the northern Grand Rapids Township/Knapp’s Corner area. It’s celebrated for its global feel and diverse, high-achieving student body.
  • Forest Hills Eastern (The Hawks): The "newest" of the three (opened in 2004). It offers a slightly smaller school feel with state-of-the-art facilities and a very close-knit parent network.

What to Expect

Forest Hills feels established, spacious, and family-oriented. You can expect wide streets, mature trees, and homes on substantial lots with room for outdoor living. Unlike more urban neighborhoods, property parcels here are designed for privacy and recreation, and many include garages and sizeable yards. The community’s rhythm is steady and residential, centered around school schedules, neighborhood activities, and outdoor pursuits. There is no city-wide HOA, though select subdivisions may have private associations.

Lifestyle

Life in Forest Hills is relaxed yet active. Residents enjoy quick access to trails, parks, and community events while still being close to regional shopping and dining. Families benefit from top-rated schools and neighborhood networks, and professionals appreciate easy commuting via major roads. Outdoor enthusiasts find ample opportunities for biking, running, and lake access—all within a short drive from home.

You'll Love

The standout feature of Forest Hills is its blend of space and quality. You’re in a community with exceptional schools, well-maintained neighborhoods, and a strong sense of place. Buyers often love the combination of larger lots, mature landscaping, and the ability to balance suburban peace with metropolitan convenience. Whether you want room to grow, outdoor access, or a strong school district, Forest Hills delivers long-term appeal.

Where to Live, Eat & Play

Downtown Ada

  • Vibe: Walkable, charming, and boutique.
  • Highlights: Grab a coffee at MudPenny, walk across the historic Ada Covered Bridge, or enjoy a high-end dinner at The General. The new library and community space make it the perfect Saturday morning hangout.
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modern-marble-gold-kitchen

Cascade

Just south of Ada, Cascade offers a more established, "classic" suburban feel.

  • Vibe: Lush, wooded, and prestigious.
  • Highlights: It’s home to the Thornapple River, where you’ll see residents kayaking. The Cascade Roadhouse is a local staple, and the proximity to the airport (GRR) and 28th Street shopping is unbeatable.

What makes this district stand out?

  • Language Immersion: They offer world-class Spanish and Mandarin Chinese immersion programs starting in Kindergarten.
  • Goodwillie Environmental School: A 5th and 6th-grade magnet school where kids spend a huge chunk of their day learning outside in the woods.
  • The Fine Arts Center: A $10M+ facility that hosts Broadway-level performances and world-renowned speakers.
  • The Rankings: Consistently ranked as the #1 School District in the Grand Rapids Area (and top 15 in Michigan) by Niche.

Knapp’s Corner

Located on the northern edge, this is where convenience meets modern living.

  • Vibe: Vibrant, bustling, and convenient.
  • Highlights: This is the retail hub. You’ve got Celebration Cinema, Meijer, and IMAX, plus local favorites like Licari’s Pizza Kitchen. It’s also right next to Provin Trails for some of the best hiking in the county.

Recreation

  • Distance from Lake Michigan (Grand Haven State Park): 45 mins
  • Distance from Cannonsburg Ski Area: 25 mins

Thinking of visiting? I can help you find a great local coffee shop in one of these areas to start your tour, or give you more details on those immersion programs

Schools In The Area

Browse local schools, complete with ratings and contact info.
Pine Ridge Elementary School 616-493-8910 Public KG-4
Thornapple Elementary School 616-493-8920 Public KG-4
Central Middle School 616-493-8750 Public 7-8
Central High School 616-493-8700 Public 9-12
Pine Ridge Elementary School 616-493-8910 Public KG-4
Thornapple Elementary School 616-493-8920 Public KG-4
Ada Elementary School 616-493-8940 Public KG-4
Ada Vista Elementary School 616-493-8970 Public KG-4
St Robert Catholic School 616-455-4966 Private PK-3
Ada Christian School 616-676-1289 Private PK-8
Pine Ridge Elementary School 616-493-8910 Public KG-4
Thornapple Elementary School 616-493-8920 Public KG-4
Central Woodlands 5/6 School 616-493-8790 Public 5-6
Ada Elementary School 616-493-8940 Public KG-4
Goodwillie Environmental School 616-493-8920 Public 5-6
Ada Vista Elementary School 616-493-8970 Public KG-4
Eastern Middle School 616-493-8850 Public 6-8
Ada Christian School 616-676-1289 Private PK-8
St Robert Catholic School 616-455-4966 Private PK-3
Central Middle School 616-493-8750 Public 7-8
Eastern Middle School 616-493-8850 Public 6-8
Ada Christian School 616-676-1289 Private PK-8
Central High School 616-493-8700 Public 9-12
Eastern High School 616-493-8830 Public 9-12

Around The Area

Browse through the top rated businesses that Forest Hills has to offer!

Local News & Advice

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