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.
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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17 Decthru Dec 19
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Half-Day for Scholars | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Dec 17 - Dec 19Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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22 Decthru Jan 2
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Winter BreakDate: Dec 22 - Jan 2Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Dec
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Ottawa Hills vs. Union Varsity Basketball at Van Andel Arena 5:00 PM to 9:00 PMOttawa Hills vs. Union Varsity Basketball at Van Andel ArenaDate: Dec 23Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PMLocation: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarVarsity Girls - 5:00 pm
Varsity Boys - 7:00 pm
Use this link for tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Varsityboys8
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19 Jan
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Martin Luther King, Jr. DayDate: Jan 19Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Jan
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Union Redhawks Boys Basketball Youth Night 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMUnion Redhawks Boys Basketball Youth NightDate: Jan 23Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 Jan
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Union Redhawks Girls Basketball Youth Night 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMUnion Redhawks Girls Basketball Youth NightDate: Jan 26Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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30 Jan
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Ottawa Hills Bengals Boys Basketball Youth Night 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMOttawa Hills Bengals Boys Basketball Youth NightDate: Jan 30Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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10 Feb
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Ottawa Hills Bengals Girls Basketball Youth Night 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMOttawa Hills Bengals Girls Basketball Youth NightDate: Feb 10Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Future Redhawks visit Union High School for Winter Celebration December 12, 2025
First-graders from five elementary schools visited Union High School for the annual Winter Celebration - an opportunity to explore their future high school while enjoying festive, hands-on activities.
Watch BOE in 60, a one-minute recap of the December Grand Rapids Board of Education meeting.
The Road to Regionals: Union Bowling Team Looks to Build Momentum December 11, 2025
The Union Redhawks bowling team is gearing up for another competitive season, aiming to make a strong showing as the road to regionals begins.







