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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14 Jan
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Alexander Community Engagement Meeting 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMAlexander Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 14Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMLocation: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarThis meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
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Alexander Community Engagement Meeting 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMAlexander Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 14Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarThis meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
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15 Jan
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Stocking Elementary Community Engagement Meeting 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMStocking Elementary Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 15Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMLocation: 863 7th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Stocking Elementary Community Engagement Meeting 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMStocking Elementary Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 15Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: 863 7th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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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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28 Jan
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GRPS Expo & Information Fair 4:30 PM to 6:30 PMGRPS Expo & Information FairDate: Jan 28Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PMLocation: 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
Join GRPS on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at GRPS University for the annual Expo & Information Fair! With the largest selection of school choices in West Michigan, this is your chance to explore our schools, learn about enrollment, and meet GRPS staff while enjoying free dinner, giveaways, and fun activities.
Bring the whole family and get ready for the 2026–2027 school year—see you there!
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Highlights from the Crosstown Classic at Van Andel Arena December 24, 2025
The Ottawa Hills Bengals and Union Redhawks faced off in two thrilling, hard-fought games, with the community showing up in full force to cheer them on at Van Andel Arena.
Thanks to its thriving Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Program, Union High School has been cultivating a culture where every scholar feels like they belong.
Students at Southwest Middle High School – Academia Bilingüe have come up with new ways to improve social connections and inspire belonging at their school for the 2025-2026 West Michigan Design Prize.







