Community of the Month: Ryan Valley

Ryan Valley is an upscale community in a natural environment. In addition to surrounding green space and abundant mature trees, nearby outdoor recreation activities in every direction punctuate the remote feel. Three golf courses, two of them private, are less than three miles away. The Fred Meijer Nature Preserve is a mile to the east, and the Cannonsburg State Game Area is two miles to the south. Three lakes lie a few miles to the north, and offer boating, fishing and swimming opportunities. The Cannonsburg Ski Area is almost within walking distance, highlighting summer and winter recreation.

Metropolitan activity is still less than 10 miles away. World class shopping and dining is a quick trip, and the city is constantly abuzz with festivals, art hops, parades and community activities. Van Andel Arena, located downtown, features professional hockey, international music acts and regular events and conventions. Nearby I-96 provides a straight shot to the beaches of Lake Michigan and US 131 heads north to the Manistee National Forest, also 30 minutes away.

Two school districts are available to Ryan Valley residents, giving families a school of choice option. The community sits in the Rockford Public Schools district, a desirable district that supplements its rigorous and relevant curriculum with and abundant extra-curricular offering. Rockford is one of only two districts to win a straight “A” letter grade through Michigan’s Department of Education Accountability Program in every single building for seven straight years. 80% of students participate in extra- and co-curricular activities, with more than 50% of students involved in varsity sports. RPS schools have won state and national accolades in choir and athletics and have had Odyssey of the Mind World Championship teams.

Forest Hills Public Schools, available by choice through application, is a sought after school that boasts small classrooms and low student/teacher rations for enhanced individual instruction. 95% of FHPS graduates pursue post-high school education. Each school in the district has a reputation for academic excellence and all of Forest Hills’ schools have made the Top 100 Schools in Michigan list. Technology is integrated into the curriculum at every grade.