Welcome to Innovation Central High School (9-12)
Welcome to Innovation Central High School (ICHS). My name is Dr. Jason McGhee, and I am the principal of the wonderful Innovation Central High School. Here at ICHS, we lead by example, inspire others, focus on academics, and excel in character. We have five academies for scholars to choose from, providing post-secondary opportunities for college, skill trades, and the workforce.
Please browse the website or call our school for more information. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.
Principal
Jason McGhee, Ph.D.

Innovation Central High School
School Hours
Breakfast 7:10 a.m.
Start Time 7:40 a.m.
Dismissal 2:21 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 10:25 a.m.
School Transparency
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.
Academy Of Teaching & Learning (Grade 9)
- In partnership with Ferris State University School of Education.
- Rigorous college and career preparation curriculum.
- Hands-on experience working with children to become a teacher and social justice change agent.
Academy Of Design & Construction (Grades 9,10)
- Focus on architecture, engineering, design, and construction through real world experiences.
- Help build a Habitat for Humanity house.
- Design buildings, homes, and furniture on state-of-the-art design software.
Academy Of Health Sciences & Technology (Grades 9, 10)
- Customized, career-focused courses of Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Terminology, and multiple health classes.
- Opportunities for job shadowing and internships with the leading health care providers in the region.
- Partnerships with Life EMS, local hospitals, colleges, and universities.
Academy Of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (Grades 9, 10)
- Sequence of classes that focus on engineering and biomedical engineering.
- Science, technology, engineering, and math partnerships with seven leading universities.
- Culture of high expectations and achievement with rigorous courses that lay the foundation for a successful transition to engineering schools at the university level.
Academy Of Business, Leadership, & Entrepreneurship (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
- State of the art 21st century learning environment.
- Courses in business technology, marketing, management, multi-media, accounting, and business law.
- Partnerships with job providers and universities.
The investment projects at the Innovation Central High & GR Montessori Middle High School building represent monumental improvements in the state’s oldest functioning high school building.
New Heating and Air Conditioning
One of the main objectives is the replacement of the heating system. The new system provides air conditioning for the first time in the building that opened in 1911. The new system also meets all requirements for proper building ventilation.
The building is also receiving:
- New electric and gas service
- Historically correct window replacement
- Lighting upgrades to LED fixtures
- A new fire suppression system
- Bathroom fixture replacements
- Minor interior finishes upgrades such new ceilings, flooring, and painting.
Exterior Improvements
Outside, the project includes some masonry restoration, a new roof section and the rebuilding the main front steps.
Publish Date: November 17, 2023
The installation of the exterior wall of the north auditorium is complete. The new electrical transformer is installed and the power switchover will take place on Saturday, November 18. The full HVAC system will be started on Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21. The commissioning will start on December 4 and is anticipated to be complete by December 15.
The project's anticipated completion date is anticipated by January 5, 2024.
Publish Date: November 3, 2023
The construction activities in the last phase are ongoing with a completion date of January 4, 2024. The north auditorium exterior wall panels have been fully installed and the building envelope will be tight by mid-November.
The final rooftop units' installation will take place on November 7 and the new electrical transformer is anticipated to be installed in early December upon receipt. The substantial completion date for the full project is January 5, 2024.
The HVAC system at Grand Rapids Montessori is functional, and the controls work is ongoing. The commissioning work for the HVAC system will start in mid-November, and the anticipated completion date for the project is November 30.
The playground and exterior work are ongoing with an anticipated completion date of November 17.
Publish Date: October 13, 2023
The construction activities on the third and fourth floor east wing are ongoing. The new exterior panel installation is ongoing and anticipated to be complete by October 27. The full exterior scope for the auditorium is anticipated to be complete by mid-November while the interior scope is anticipated to be complete with the full project completion in January 2024.
Publish Date: September 29, 2023
The construction activities on the third and fourth floor east wing are ongoing. The new structural steel for the north auditorium walls has been installed and the new exterior panels installation starting on Monday, Oct. 2. The exterior scope for the auditorium is anticipated to be complete by mid-November while the interior scope is anticipated to be complete with the full project completion in January 2024.
Publish Date: September 15, 2023
Over the past couple of weeks, the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression infrastructure work continued on the third and fourth floors. They also finished the demolition of the deteriorated structural steel of the north auditorium wall. The installation of the new steel started last Monday and will continue over the next couple of weeks. The anticipated completion date for the project is January 2, 2024.
Innovation Central High School Photo Tour
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28 Nov
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Reimagine GRPS with Us! Community & Scholar Feedback Session 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMReimagine GRPS with Us! Community & Scholar Feedback SessionDate: Nov 28Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: City High / Middle School, 1720 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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5 Dec
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Reimagine GRPS with Us! Community & Scholar Feedback Session 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMReimagine GRPS with Us! Community & Scholar Feedback SessionDate: Dec 5Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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6 Dec
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Reimagine GRPS with Us! Community & Scholar Feedback Session 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMReimagine GRPS with Us! Community & Scholar Feedback SessionDate: Dec 6Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Burton Elementary, 2133 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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7 Dec
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Reimagine GRPS with Us! Community & Scholar Feedback Session 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMReimagine GRPS with Us! Community & Scholar Feedback SessionDate: Dec 7Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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9 Dec
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Ottawa Hills City Sprints Swim InvitationalDate: Dec 9Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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12 Dec
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GRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) Meeting 9:30 AM to 11:00 AMGRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) MeetingDate: Dec 12Time: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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GRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) Meeting 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMGRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) MeetingDate: Dec 12Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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18 Dec
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No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Dec 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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This week’s ‘Reimagine’ vlog focuses on the intense community engagement efforts underway ahead of the Board vote in December.

Grand Rapids Public Schools leaders have shared recommended changes to the Board of Education regarding the use of the school district’s buildings in the years to come and the use of the $305 million bond overwhelmingly passed by voters in the November election.

Retiring after 30 years of service at Grand Rapids Public Schools, Brenda Cage says that she isn't done yet.