Ford Building
GRPS Expo & Information Fair Join us on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at GRPS University and learn more about the region’s largest, most comprehensive selection of school choices offered at GRPS.
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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. 

Denishea Killingham
Principal

School Apps

Gerald R. Ford Academic Center

851 Madison Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-819-2640
Denishea Killingham
Principal
Maria Hampton
Scholar Success Coordinator
Kim Ashton
Head Secretary
Lynnae Edmond
Kent School Services Network (KSSN) Coordinator

School Hours

Breakfast 8:50 a.m.
Start Time 9:10 a.m.
Dismissal 4:08 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 12:20 p.m. 

KSSN

We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator

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.

  • 14 Jan
    • Alexander Community Engagement Meeting
      Date: Jan 14
      Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
      Location: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      This meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
    • Alexander Community Engagement Meeting
      Date: Jan 14
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      This meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
  • 15 Jan
  • 19 Jan
  • 23 Jan
    • Union Redhawks Boys Basketball Youth Night
      Date: Jan 23
      Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
      Location: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 26 Jan
    • Union Redhawks Girls Basketball Youth Night
      Date: Jan 26
      Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 28 Jan
    • GRPS Expo & Information Fair
      Date: Jan 28
      Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
      Location: 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar

      Join GRPS on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at GRPS University for the annual Expo & Information Fair! With the largest selection of school choices in West Michigan, this is your chance to explore our schools, learn about enrollment, and meet GRPS staff while enjoying free dinner, giveaways, and fun activities.

      Bring the whole family and get ready for the 2026–2027 school year—see you there!

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