Jenison High School

2140 BAUER RD

School District

Jenison Public Schools
Grade

8-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 22, 2024

Jenison schools are amazing. Yes, the standards are high! But that is a good thing! Growing up in the inner city (and surviving in the schools there) I specifically sought out Jenison for my kids. The reason I selected this district is because when I moved here from Muskegon as a young adult- every person I met & worked with that was nice, down to earth and smart- all came from Jenison schools. I figured it couldn’t be a coincidence. So yes, we may be in our Jenison bubble- but the entire community is welcoming to others. My kids are thriving at this district. I have a 9 year old at Bursley elementary where he has a ton of support and intervention due to lower language skills. I see improvements daily in his confidence to speak and read. My 14 year old daughter goes to Jenison Middle school- has a ton of friends, gets straight A’s, participates in band & swim. Each and every teacher, coach, interventionist has been incredible. Supportive, patient, genuinely nice people! A+ to Jenison for keeping the standards high but also providing the support needed early to those students who are struggling to keep up.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2022

BEWARE!!! This school is full racism, bulling and politics. Many families have left the district for these reasons. The weak leadership starting with the superintend who only cares about hiding problems and looking good while letting coach’s/teachers with bad behavior play mind games with kids. They like flashing words like trust , respect, etc. on their billboards in front of the schools proclaiming “THE WILDCAT WAY.” It’s only for show.
Submitted by other on May 05, 2020

As a prior student of Jenison high I would give them a 2 out of 5. There are some cool teachers there and some bad teachers, same goes for management. I did learn quite a bit, but there is very strong favoritism towards the wealthy. EX: I was used as an example of white moving outwards to suburbs (I went to union prior to going to Jenison) I was also constantly hounded about attendance even though I got good grades and listened. I also had credits removed because I would not attend Saturday because of my tardies even though I was a very well behaved student... simple abuse of powers. Keep all of this in mind when picking a school for your children, thank you.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2020

I think Jenison High School is an outstanding school! They are doing a wonderul job preparing my kids.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2019

I made a huge mistake in bringing my children to this school. The principal talks a good game as how "we're one big family." Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a "Jenison bubble." People don't leave the area and they certainly don't welcome newcomers to the area. A lot of nepotism among the educators/administrators. Teachers are, in my opinion, too close to students--trying to be their "friends" instead of mentoring them as an adult should. Certain teachers try to push their political beliefs onto students also. I also felt there is an unspoken attempt to weaken or destroy family ties thereby causing the students to become more dependent on the teachers. One teacher emailed my child several times--inviting my student to activities and suggesting that my student meet up with certain friends that were into drugs/drinking -- which is a BIG problem at the high school, especially in the band program. My advice--stay away from this school. I would rate it -10 if possible.
Submitted by teacher on March 28, 2018

I work with a great staff, and students have many opportunities to find their niche. Our music programs are topnotch. This is not the provincial school that you may remember from 20+ years ago.