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.
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center
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.
School Transparency

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.
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center Photo Tour
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28 Aug
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Half Day of School for ScholarsDate: Aug 28Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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1 Sep
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First Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)Date: Sep 1Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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4 Septhru Sep 7
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No School | Labor DayDate: Sep 4 - Sep 7Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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16 Sep
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GRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall Meeting 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMGRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall MeetingDate: Sep 16Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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19 Oct
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Oct 19Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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2 Novthru Nov 3
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Nov 2 - Nov 3Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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25 Novthru Nov 27
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Thanksgiving BreakDate: Nov 25 - Nov 27Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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16 Decthru Dec 18
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Half Days for Scholars | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Dec 16 - Dec 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Four New Playgrounds Create More Inclusive Spaces for GRPS Scholars August 24, 2026
GRPS celebrated the opening of four fully accessible playgrounds on the first day of school, marking a significant step forward in the district’s ongoing efforts to create inclusive spaces where all scholars can play, move, and learn together.
Principal’s Path to Education Started with Influential Teacher in Middle School August 21, 2026
Today, Wayne Hill serves as principal of Brookside Elementary School, but his journey into education began in seventh grade when he had his first male teacher.
City High Middle Tops West Michigan Rankings August 20, 2026
City High Middle School once again claimed the top spot in West Michigan in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.







