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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14 May
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Last Day of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)Date: May 14Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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18 May
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CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMCA Frost Middle High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 18Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Union High School Graduation Ceremony 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMUnion High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 18Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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19 May
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Southwest Middle High Academia Bilingue Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMSouthwest Middle High Academia Bilingue Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Innovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation Ceremony 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMInnovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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20 May
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Ottawa Hills High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMOttawa Hills High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Grand Rapids Public Museum High School Graduation Ceremony 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMGrand Rapids Public Museum High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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21 May
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Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMGrand Rapids University Preparatory Academy Graduation CeremonyDate: May 21Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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The Class of 2026 is continuing to raise the bar, with 103 graduates earning the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy from the Michigan Department of Education.
Meet Nicholas Ladomato-Fisher, a senior at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy (UPREP). For him, UPREP is where he found belonging.
The Ottawa Hills boys track and field team completed their season-long turnaround Friday night, earning a share of the OK White Conference championship at Houseman Field after finishing 0-6 in dual meets just one year ago.






