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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25 May
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Memorial DayDate: May 25Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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27 May
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Grand Rapids Learning Center Graduation Ceremony 6:00 PM to 7:00 PMGrand Rapids Learning Center Graduation CeremonyDate: May 27Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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1 Junthru Jun 3
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Half Day for Scholars | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Jun 1 - Jun 3Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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3 Jun
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LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR SCHOLARSDate: Jun 3Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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In the latest episode of The Roby Report Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby went one-on-one with the king of school closings: Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Blake Harms.
A graduating senior from City High Middle School has been selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
As yet another example of their community-based learning model, Grand Rapids Public Museum School students recently got outside to help those who may call its streets home.






