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.
Principal
Denishea Killingham Neal
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
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.
We have incorporated distance learning for years and are poised to be a leader in the district as a blended model of new technologies and old practices, giving our students the best of both worlds. Our 1-to-1 student technology device approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn inside and outside the classroom.
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center Photo Tour
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29 Jan
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GRPS School Choice Expo 4:30 PM to 6:30 PMGRPS School Choice ExpoDate: Jan 29Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PMLocation: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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30 Jan
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FAFSA Workshop - Grand Rapids Public Museum High School 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - Grand Rapids Public Museum High SchoolDate: Jan 30Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Grand Rapids Public Schools Museum High School, 54 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish.
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4 Feb
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FAFSA Workshop - CA Frost Middle High School 4:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - CA Frost Middle High SchoolDate: Feb 4Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: CA Frost Science Academy High School, 1417 Covell Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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5 Feb
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FAFSA Workshop - Grand Rapids Public Museum High School 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - Grand Rapids Public Museum High SchoolDate: Feb 5Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Grand Rapids Public Schools Museum High School, 54 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish.
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6 Feb
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FAFSA Workshop - Southeast Career Pathways (SECP scholars only) 3:30 PM to 5:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - Southeast Career Pathways (SECP scholars only)Date: Feb 6Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PMLocation: Southeast Career Pathways, 1356 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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6 Febthru Feb 7
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No School for Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Scholars Only | Parent-Teacher ConferencesDate: Feb 6 - Feb 7Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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12 Feb
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Winter Count DayDate: Feb 12Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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FAFSA Workshop - Union High School (Union scholars only) 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - Union High School (Union scholars only)Date: Feb 12Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish, Kinyarwanda and Swahili.
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For Chelsea Keillor, teaching is not just a job - it’s a calling.
At Grand Rapids Public Schools, we want our scholars to enjoy their summer by exploring, learning, playing, and growing! That’s where Ignite: Summer Learning at GRPS comes in!
The following letter was sent to all GRPS families and staff on Friday, January 24, 2025.