Welcome to Grand Rapids Montessori Academy (PK-6)
Welcome and thank you for choosing GRPS and Grand Rapids Montessori Academy. It is my honor and privilege to serve as the principal of Grand Rapids Montessori (GRM). We serve students in preschool through grade 12, embracing the Montessori philosophy at all grade levels. The mission of GRM is to provide an exceptional education through a nurturing and inspiring environment that strengthens each child's intellectual and emotional gifts, leading to responsible, compassionate lifelong learners.
At GRM, we value a thoughtful and well-prepared learning environment that is both purposeful and peaceful. Your scholar will be given the tools to learn, grow, and thrive within the classroom and in our community. If you would like more information about Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, please call us at 616-819-2405.
Principal
Kerri Reed
School Apps
Grand Rapids Montessori Academy
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 Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, we embrace the motto of G.R.A.C.E.: Growth, Responsibility, Acceptance, Courtesy, Empathy
Dr. Maria Montessori, the Italian pediatrician who founded the Montessori method, believed self-motivation was the key to learning. The Montessori teacher acts as a facilitator of that learning, stimulating interest in all facets of a child-centered learning environment. Montessori education recognizes the importance of all developmental areas, including social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs. At Grand Rapids Montessori, we work hard to support scholars’ development in each of those areas.
The Montessori Classroom
The Montessori method uses hands-on lessons and experiences to help scholars learn by doing. Scholars learn in cohorts of three age levels. Typically, scholars will have the same teacher for multiple years. The multi-age classroom allows the scholars to become part of a learning community that fosters respect, understanding, and tolerance where your child will:
- receive lessons as he/she/they are ready for them
- learn how to focus and concentrate
- become a self-directed learner
- achieve independence
- learn order
- be treated with respect and dignity
Children’s House (Preschool, Kindergarten)
Our Children’s House is a multi-age classroom that aims to help children gain independence, confidence, curiosity, and problem solving abilities. The Montessori lessons and hands-on materials provide children with activities that help them grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
Elementary 1 (Grades 1, 2, 3)
Elementary 1 scholars engage in a wide range of tasks, including learning to read, studying spelling patterns and word derivations, exploring advanced math concepts, and discerning number and spatial relationships with hands-on materials. They also learn to use a daily/weekly work plan, which outlines assignments, academic goals, and work choices. Elementary 1 scholars are inspired by their older classmates’ more challenging work.
Elementary 2 (Grades 4, 5, 6)
Elementary 2 is a safe place where scholars find their voice and become more independent in asking questions and meeting their needs. They continue to learn to use a daily/weekly work plan, and they participate in rigorous lessons and activities that develop their literacy and mathematical skills.
The biggest part of renovation at historic Grand Rapids Montessori Academy involves replacing the old heating system and providing a new cooling and ventilation system. During the project, we are also adding new flooring throughout the building, some painting updates, pavement repair, new electric and gas service and some upgrades to playground equipment.
Publish Date: January 11, 2024
The project is substantially complete and under the one-year guarantee period. The manufacturer is working through some controlling issues that were identified during the commissioning of the full HVAC system.
Publish Date: November 17, 2023
The HVAC system is fully installed and the commissioning is ongoing with anticipated completion by December 1.
Publish Date: November 3, 2023
The HVAC system is functional, and the control work is ongoing. The commissioning work for the HVAC system will start in mid-November, and the anticipated completion date for the project is November 30. The playground and exterior work are ongoing with an anticipated completion date of November 17.
Publish Date: October 13, 2023
The HVAC scope throughout the school is complete with a startup dates for the systems on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17.. The punch list work will continue until the end of October. The added exterior repairs scope for the playground, sidewalks, and stairs is being finalized and will be scheduled to be done by mid-November. This photo highlights the work on the fresh gym floor!
Publish Date: September 29, 2023
The mechanical scope is complete throughout the school except for the gym and library. The remaining scope is anticipated to be completed by mid-October with a substantial completion date of Oct. 27.
Publish Date: September 15, 2023
Over the past couple of weeks, the mechanical, electrical, controls work continued during second shift in the attic spaces, library, and on the roof to connect the new mechanical units. While the interior finishes work continued inside the building as well. The anticipated completion date for the project is October 27, 2023.
Grand Rapids Montessori Academy Photo Tour
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23 Aprthru May 1
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2025 Citywide Art Show 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM2025 Citywide Art ShowDate: Apr 23 - May 1Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarPublic Receptions for GRPS Families & Friends Secondary Schools & Shared-Time Schools: Wednesday, April 23, from 5:00-7:00 pm K-5 and K-8 Schools: Thursday, April 24, from 5:00-7:00 pm
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25 Apr
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North Park Montessori 100th Anniversary Celebration 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMNorth Park Montessori 100th Anniversary CelebrationDate: Apr 25Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: North Park Montessori Academy, 3375 Cheney Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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30 Apr
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Notice of Public Hearing: Native American Education Program 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMNotice of Public Hearing: Native American Education ProgramDate: Apr 30Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Straight School, 850 Chatham NWCalendar: GRPS District CalendarNative American Parents, Native American Students and the General Public are invited to share recommendations regarding programs and services to meet the special needs of Native American students in Grand Rapids Public Schools. The input will be used to develop the district’s application for federal funding for the 2025-2026 school year.
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19 May
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CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMCA Frost Middle High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Union High School Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMUnion High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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20 May
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Last Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)Date: May 20Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Southwest Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMSouthwest Middle High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Innovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMInnovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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BOE in 60: Recap of April Board of Education meeting April 17, 2025
Watch BOE in 60, a one-minute recap of the April Grand Rapids Board of Education meeting.
Gone Boarding: Teaching scholars to shape boards and build character April 16, 2025
In a classroom filled with sawdust, band saws, and vibrant energy, something powerful is happening.
13 On Your Side: Grand Rapids teacher in the running for 'America's Favorite Teacher' and $25K April 16, 2025
Grand Rapids teacher Aaron Fillenworth is in the running to become America's Favorite Teacher.
