Welcome to Innovation Central High School (9-12)

Welcome to Innovation Central High School (ICHS). My name is Derrick P. Martin, and I am the Principal of Innovation Central High School. At ICHS, we have a proud tradition of excellence, as the oldest continuously operating high school in Michigan. Here at ICHS, we Lead by example, Inspire others, Focus on academics, and Excel in character. Our mission is to help scholars build a L.I.F.E. beyond graduation. We offer scholars multiple paths to creating a life beyond graduation through our five distinct career-focused academies, college & career preparation programs, dual college enrollment, AP courses, and hands-on experience in industry. We achieve this through our more than 50 public & private partnerships.   

Please browse the website or call our school for more information.

Derrick MartinPrincipal
Derrick Martin

School Apps

Innovation Central High School

421 Fountain St. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-819-2310
Derrick Martin
Principal
Harold Wiggins
Assistant Principal
Natasa Karic
Scholar Success Coordinator

Lead Teachers

Michelle Alber
Academy of Business, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship
Elisabeth Giem
Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Kathy Hodder
Academy of Health Sciences and Technology
Joseph Reed
Academy of Design and Construction
Alia Shenk
Academy of Teaching, Learning, and Social Justice

School Hours

Breakfast 7:10 a.m.
Start Time 7:40 a.m.
Dismissal 2:23 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 10:25 a.m. 

Innovation Central proudly offers five distinctive academy programs that are designed to prepare scholars for life after high school. Our scholars graduate prepared to go to college or enter the workforce immediately. 

If you are interested in pursuing a 4 year college degree, or considering a 2 year study at a community college or getting certified and going directly into the workforce, then Innovation Central is the high school for you! We offer 5 distinct academies that serve as our Centers of Innovations that provide unique learning opportunities and career experiences allowing you to compete among the best. At ICHS, we encourage scholars to live L.I.F.E. where they LEAD themselves, INSPIRE others, FOCUS on success and EXCEL in character. One of our biggest goals is to bridge together the school, our families and our surrounding communities so that we continue to thrive toward graduation and on to the workforce and beyond.
 

Meet Our Principal


Academy of Business, Leadership, & Entrepreneurship

Scholars engage their interest in business by taking courses in business, entrepreneurship, marketing, management, multimedia, business law, and accounting. Scholars explore business through managing and running our school store, local, state, and national competitions, and applying for business start-up investments. The academy is further enriched with the active involvement of professionals in industry and partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and colleges & universities.


Academy of Design & Construction

Scholars engage their interest in design and construction by taking courses in architecture, engineering, design, and construction. Scholars explore design &construction through hands-on experiences in our workshop, Habitat for Humanity, designing & building homes and furniture, and using state-of-the-art design software. The academy is further enriched with active involvement of professionals in the industry and partnerships with businesses, institutions, and universities.


Academy of Health Sciences & Technology

Scholars engage their interest in the fields of health science and technology by taking career-focused courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, EMT, and pharmacology. Scholars explore health sciences and technology through hands-on experiences and partnerships with Corewell Health, Life EMS, colleges, and universities. These opportunities can lead to professional certification, giving scholars a head start on rewarding careers in the fastest-growing industry in West Michigan.


Academy of Teaching, Learning & Social Justice

Scholars engage their interest in teaching, learning, & social justice by taking courses in teaching pedagogy, learning theories and practices, and social justice history and theories. Scholars explore teaching, learning, and social justice through hands-on experiences teaching in classrooms, and developing social justice initiatives. This is accomplished through partnerships with local schools, colleges &universities, and community & social justice organizations.


Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Scholars engage their interest in STEM by taking courses in principles of engineering, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, and engineering design and architecture. The academy provides opportunities for hands-on experience in the field of STEM through partnerships with professionals in industry, businesses, institutions, and universities. These rigorous courses lay the foundation for a successful transition to university-level engineering programs and careers in STEM.

Innovation Central High School Photo Tour


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Fox 17 Online: Grand Rapids high school seniors win national film contest

Two seniors at Grand Rapids City High School won a nationwide student film contest for their short film about food insecurity, earning them $1,000 and a trip to Hollywood.

Coming up short—Tigers' outfielder learns new position on the fly for World Series

He was a kid from southeast Grand Rapids who spent his childhood playing sandlot baseball on the open fields along 28th Street—then just a quiet two-lane road. 

Class of 2025 grads preparing for next chapter

Two members of the Class of 2025, who dual-enrolled while in high school at GRPS, are featured as part of Western Michigan University's 'First Year Faces' series.