Welcome to Gerald R. Ford Academic Center (PK-8)
As the principal of Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, I take pride in offering all scholars a college-focused culture where they will be taught to embrace the idea that college is important. Our Ford family will prepare your scholar for this goal by helping them build habits of excellent scholarship and leadership.
We welcome new families to visit us and take a tour to see us in action to determine if our school is the right fit for your family.
Principal
Denishea Killingham Neal
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center
School Hours
Breakfast 8:50 a.m.
Start Time 9:10 a.m.
Dismissal 4:06 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 12:20 p.m.
School Transparency
At the Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, we believe that an effective school does so much more than cover traditional curriculum. We teach our scholars to become initiators, seekers, and builders.
Our mission is to develop the intellectual habits of mind, character traits, and perseverance needed to achieve career and college readiness; to develop personal integrity and success; and to lead and serve the common good of our local and global communities.
Our vision at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center is to prepare all scholars to become independent learners who possess the desire, skills, and abilities needed for lifelong learning. At our school we ensure that all of our preschool through 8th grade scholars are actively involved in productive tasks that combine and extend their skills. Our school offers opportunities for scholars to participate in projects during Spanish class and show off their skills playing the violin in music class.
Our mission and vision are achieved by creating goals around a safe learning environment that are centered on scholars, directed by teachers, and supported by home and community.
Consider Gerald R. Ford Academic Center for your scholar if:
- You are seeking highly qualified and dedicated teachers who believe in your child's potential to learn and achieve.
- You want your child to learn in a college-going culture of high expectations.
- You want your child to learn in small classes that foster civic community leadership, develop character and integrity, and participate in service-learning projects.
- You value the stability and consistency of a preschool to grade 8 community.
- You want a Spanish language requirement.
- You are willing to sign a contract and fulfill parent/guardian expectations.
We have incorporated distance learning for years and are poised to be a leader in the district as a blended model of new technologies and old practices, giving our students the best of both worlds. Our 1-to-1 student technology device approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn inside and outside the classroom.
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center Photo Tour
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9 May
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Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Volunteer Celebration 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMFamily & Community Engagement (FACE) Volunteer CelebrationDate: May 9Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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15 May
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Last Day of Great Start Readiness Preschool Program (GSRP)Date: May 15Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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16 May
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English Language Secondar Awards Night (virtual) 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMEnglish Language Secondar Awards Night (virtual)Date: May 16Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMCalendar: GRPS District CalendarPlease watch for additional details.
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18 May
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Ottawa Hills Marti Beckering Softball TournamentDate: May 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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20 May
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CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMCA Frost Middle High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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City High Middle School Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMCity High Middle School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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21 May
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Southwest Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMSouthwest Middle High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 21Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Innovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMInnovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation CeremonyDate: May 21Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Ten scholars will be inducted into the highly esteemed Ottawa Hills High School Academic Hall of Fame.
Preschoolers in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) explored the mysteries of nature this spring by witnessing the life cycles of butterflies.
Scholars at CA Frost Environmental Science Academy are putting their learning to work by hosting a community event.