Ford Building
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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. 

Denishea Killingham
Principal

School Apps

Gerald R. Ford Academic Center

851 Madison Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-819-2640 Fax: 616-819-2660
Denishea Killingham
Principal
Maria Hampton
Scholar Success Coordinator
Kim Ashton
Head Secretary
Lynnae Edmond
Kent School Services Network (KSSN) Coordinator

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. 

KSSN

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.
  • 3 Nov
    • FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)
      Date: Nov 3
      Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 5 Nov
    • FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)
      Date: Nov 5
      Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish.
  • 10 Nov
    • FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)
      Date: Nov 10
      Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
      Location: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish.
  • 12 Nov
    • FAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School)
      Date: Nov 12
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish
  • 19 Nov
    • Burton School 100th Year Celebration
      Date: Nov 19
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: 2133 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Short program at 6:30 pm
  • 25 Nov
    thru Nov 27
  • 26 Nov
    • GRPS 34th Annual Turkey Trot
      Date: Nov 26
      Location: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 16 Dec
    thru Dec 18
Burton Elementary School has been designated an Apple Distinguished School

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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.

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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.

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