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

Fax: 616-819-2502

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.

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

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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Events

23 Apr
thru May 1
- 2025 Citywide Art Show 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  2025 Citywide Art Show
  
  Date: Apr 23 - May 1
  
  Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Location: 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  
  Public Receptions for GRPS Families & Friends Secondary Schools & Shared-Time Schools: Wednesday, April 23, from 5:00-7:00 pm K-5 and K-8 Schools: Thursday, April 24, from 5:00-7:00 pm
25 Apr
- North Park Montessori 100th Anniversary Celebration 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  North Park Montessori 100th Anniversary Celebration
  
  Date: Apr 25
  
  Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Location: North Park Montessori Academy, 3375 Cheney Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
30 Apr
- Notice of Public Hearing: Native American Education Program 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Notice of Public Hearing: Native American Education Program
  
  Date: Apr 30
  
  Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Location: Straight School, 850 Chatham NW
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  
  Native American Parents, Native American Students and the General Public are invited to share recommendations regarding programs and services to meet the special needs of Native American students in Grand Rapids Public Schools. The input will be used to develop the district’s application for federal funding for the 2025-2026 school year.
19 May
- CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  
  CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony
  
  Date: May 19
  
  Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  
  Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
- Union High School Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  
  Union High School Graduation Ceremony
  
  Date: May 19
  
  Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  
  Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
20 May
- Last Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
  
  Last Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
  
  Date: May 20
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
- Southwest Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  
  Southwest Middle High School Graduation Ceremony
  
  Date: May 20
  
  Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  
  Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
- Innovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  
  Innovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation Ceremony
  
  Date: May 20
  
  Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  
  Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
21 May
- Ottawa Hills High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  
  Ottawa Hills High School Graduation Ceremony
  
  Date: May 21
  
  Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  
  Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
- Grand Rapids Public Museum High School Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  
  Grand Rapids Public Museum High School Graduation Ceremony
  
  Date: May 21
  
  Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  
  Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar

View School Calendar

‹ April 2025 ›

Apr 4

No School | No LOOP Programming | Spring Break