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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3 Nov
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FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College) 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)Date: Nov 3Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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5 Nov
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FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College) 6:00 PM to 8:00 PMFAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)Date: Nov 5Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish.
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10 Nov
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FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College) 1:30 PM to 3:30 PMFAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)Date: Nov 10Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PMLocation: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish.
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12 Nov
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FAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School) 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School)Date: Nov 12Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish
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19 Nov
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Burton School 100th Year Celebration 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMBurton School 100th Year CelebrationDate: Nov 19Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: 2133 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarShort program at 6:30 pm
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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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26 Nov
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GRPS 34th Annual Turkey TrotDate: Nov 26Location: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: 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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Burton Elementary School has been designated an Apple Distinguished School November 2, 2026
Grand Rapids Public Schools is pleased to announce that Burton Elementary School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2026 - 2029 program term.
GRPS Launches ‘Literacy in the City,’ Touts Improved Reading Scores October 29, 2026
GRPS has launched ‘Literacy in the City’ as the district rolls out new Science of Reading curriculum and training districtwide that has already proven to have an impact in schools.
Board of Education Selects Dr. Allison Tingwall As Next Superintendent October 28, 2026
The Grand Rapids Board of Education voted Wednesday, October 28, to hire Dr. Allison Tingwall as the next superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools, pending successful contract negotiations.





