Dickinson Building

Welcome to Dickinson Academy (PK-8)

I am deeply proud to be the principal of Dickinson Academy Cultural Center. These walls give our students knowledge and represent an incredibly colorful mosaic of traditions, languages, and worldviews that add so much value to our education.

Our classrooms resonate with a mix of multiculturalism as each student speaks one of 12 different languages. The languages spoken further demonstrate the distinctiveness and uniqueness of our school community. Our diversity is more than mere statistics; it defines our very being.

Our staff, hailing from various backgrounds and possessing diverse skills, are the backbone of our school. We are a united front, always vigilant to ensure that every student is seen, heard, and respected, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.

“We are Stronger and Better Together.”

Cindy Rivera Madera

Principal

School Apps

Dickinson Academy

448 Dickinson St. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Phone: 616-819-2505

Fax: 616-819-2502

Cindy Rivera Madera

Principal

Thomas James

Scholar Success Coordinator

Maria Mateo

Head Secretary

Stephanie Suero

Kent School Services Network (KSSN) Coordinator

School Hours

Breakfast 8:10 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:28 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m.

School Transparency

Annual Reports More...

School Safety Drills Reports More...

KSSN

We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator

At Dickinson Academy, we foster a supportive environment where everyone develops into confident, resourceful, and responsible members of our school, neighborhood, and global community.

Dickinson Academy strives to build a nurturing, cohesive, and student-focused community by facilitating meaningful interactions inside and outside the classroom. Our dedication to intentional and relevant teaching ensures that every student can excel academically and socially.

We value strong collaborations between our school, families, and the broader community. To support this, we collaborate closely with the Kent Schools Services Network. As a Cultural Center, we also provide English as a Second Language (ESL) services through our experienced, bilingual staff.

Meet Our Principal

Dickinson Academy Points of Pride

School Assemblies
Scholar leadership groups
Field trips and experiential learning opportunities
Cultural recognitions and celebrations
Spirit and Inclusion Weeks
Family and Academic Nights
STEM Greenhouse programming
After school tutoring programs
Social Emotional Learning

Dickinson Academy was built in 2008 and is designed for academic excellence. Special features include hallway design that encourages group learning to acoustic engineering that makes it easier to hear teachers in the classroom. It is located in Southeast Grand Rapids.

Dickinson Academy Photo Tour

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Events

27 May
- Grand Rapids Learning Center Graduation Ceremony 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Grand Rapids Learning Center Graduation Ceremony
  
  Date: May 27
  
  Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Location: Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
1 Jun
thru Jun 3
- Half Day for Scholars | No LOOP Programming
  
  Half Day for Scholars | No LOOP Programming
  
  Date: Jun 1 - Jun 3
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
3 Jun
- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR SCHOLARS
  
  LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR SCHOLARS
  
  Date: Jun 3
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar

View School Calendar

Senior Showcase: Grad already has 36 college credits May 26, 2026

Meet Christian “CJ” McBride, a senior at Grand Rapids Learning Center.

Charity Webbley Motivates Scholars to Keep Growing May 26, 2026

For 18 years, Congress Elementary fifth-grade teacher Charity Webbley has dedicated herself to helping scholars grow academically, socially and emotionally while building a classroom culture rooted in love, respect and perseverance.

The Roby Report: Meet the School Closing King May 22, 2026

In the latest episode of The Roby Report Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby went one-on-one with the king of school closings: Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Blake Harms.