Kenowa Hills Public Schools
2025-26 AWARDS

KENOWA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL ONCE AGAIN RECOGNIZED AMONG MICHIGAN'S BEST

September 4, 2025

Grand Rapids, MI – Kenowa Hills High School has once again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best high schools. The 2025–2026 Best High Schools rankings place Kenowa Hills among the top high schools in Michigan, reaffirming the district’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.

The annual U.S. News rankings evaluate schools on multiple factors, including graduation rates, Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities, state assessment performance, and overall school quality. Kenowa Hills High School’s consistent dedication to supporting students through a rigorous, caring, and student-centered learning environment has resulted in this continued recognition.

“This recognition is another proud moment for the Knights community,” said Kenowa Hills Superintendent Gerald Hopkins. “It reflects years of hard work by our students, staff, and families. The educational journeys of our students begin well before high school and extend far beyond graduation, and this honor is a reflection of our community’s empowerment and commitment to success at every stage.”

Kenowa Hills High School Principal Nathan Robrahn echoed the sentiment: “Every day, I am humbled by the determination and character of our students and the care our teachers and staff provide. This ranking is a well-deserved celebration of the excellence we see daily within our halls. It is an honor to have our school recognized on such a prominent stage, and I could not be more proud of our Knights.”
 

ALL 3 KENOWA HILLS ELEMENTARY BUILDINGS NAMED CAPTURING KIDS’ HEARTS NATIONAL SHOWCASE SCHOOLS FOR 2024-25

May 2, 2025

Grand Rapids, MI – Kenowa Hills is proud to announce that all three Elementary buildings have once again been recognized as National Showcase Schools for the implementation of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) program from the Flippen Group. This is Alpine’s second year, Central’s third year in a row, and Zinser’s fifth consecutive year receiving the award.

The thorough award evaluation includes on-site consultations by Flippen Group experts, assessments of program implementation, and surveys gathering feedback from students, parents, staff, and principals. Each award recognizes the dedicated efforts of staff and administrators in all three buildings, emphasizing their commitment to fostering positive, nurturing relationships with students. According to Superintendent Gerald Hopkins, “the Capturing Kids’ Hearts designations awarded to each of our elementary buildings are a testament to the safe and welcoming learning environment our educators work to create daily."

At the core of Capturing Kids’ Hearts training lies the belief that gaining a child’s heart opens their mind. This comprehensive program focuses on cultivating impactful relationships with students through expert coaching and a character-driven curriculum. These sessions equip educators to implement transformative practices centered on social-emotional well-being, fostering a school culture built on relationships, trust, and enhancing student engagement.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, each elementary school will continue to build upon the recognized achievements of its award-winning CKH programs. Their steadfast dedication to creating a safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environment reflects KHPS's ongoing commitment to valuing, supporting, and empowering every learner to achieve their full potential.