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
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
27 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 27Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
28 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 28Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
29 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 29Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
Ridgemoor Park Montessori FMP Open House 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMRidgemoor Park Montessori FMP Open HouseDate: Apr 29Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Ridgemoor Park Montessori School, 2555 Inverness Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
School Budget 101: A Parent Workshop About School Funding 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMSchool Budget 101: A Parent Workshop About School FundingDate: Apr 29Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarJoin us for an educational workshop designed to help GRPS families better understand how school funding works.
-
-
30 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 30Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
North Park Montessori FMP Open House 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMNorth Park Montessori FMP Open HouseDate: Apr 30Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: North Park Montessori Academy, 3375 Cheney Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
14 May
-
Last Day of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)Date: May 14Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
WZZM 13 On Your Side: This Teacher of the Week is a rockstar at her school April 27, 2026
The Teacher of the Week this week is the most veteran at her school, Congress Elementary. But that doesn't mean she doesn't know how to have fun.
GRPS extends stop-arm camera ticketing warning period April 24, 2026
Grand Rapids Public Schools has announced a one-week extension of the stop-arm camera warning period before tickets are issued for illegally passing stopped school buses.
Innovation Central scholars attain CPR certification April 24, 2026
Ninety-five scholars from the Academy of Health Sciences & Technology and the Academy of Design & Construction at Innovation Central High School have earned Adult and Infant First Aid, CPR, & AED Certification through the American Red Cross.






