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.”

Principal
Cindy Rivera Madera

School Apps

Dickinson Academy

448 Dickinson St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-819-2505
Cindy Rivera Madera
Principal
Thomas James
Dean of Scholars
Maria Mateo
Head Secretary
Bridget Cheney
Executive Director PK-12 Instructional Leadership (Southeast)

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. 

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.

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

Meet Our Principal

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.

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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GRPS Debuts 2024 Holiday Card Featuring Scholar Art and Music

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Fine Arts Department proudly unveiled the district’s 2024 holiday card during Monday’s Board of Education meeting, celebrating the creativity and talent of its scholars.

Making a difference: From volunteer to head secretary

For City High Middle School’s Head Secretary, her role is all about the relationships she builds and impact she hopes to leave.

FOX 17: Grand Rapids students 1 step closer to making stonefly Michigan's official state insect

A class of fifth graders at Aberdeen Academy have been sharing their enthusiasm about the insect with State Rep. Rachel Hood.

For assistance accessing information on our newsletter, please contact us at dickinsonacademy@grps.org.