Welcome to Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy
(6-12)
Dear GRUPA Families and Community,
As principal of Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone to our page to learn more about who we are. It is our mission to help every child feel welcomed, connected, and a part of the GRUPA family.
At GRUPA we have dedicated staff who believe in creating a family centered environment that is focused on individualized learning plans. We value a strong partnership with parents/guardians, which is why we collaborate with caregivers through advisory, parent/scholar conferences, and our semester exhibitions. We feel it is truly a privilege to be a part of a community where parents/guardians, staff, scholars, and community partners care for each other and strive to build positive relationships that support academic and social growth. Please feel free to contact me at 616-819-1010 for more information. We also encourage new families to set up a tour!
School Apps
Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy
School Hours
Grades 6-7
Breakfast 7:35 a.m.
Start Time 8:00 a.m.
Dismissal 2:43 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 10:45 a.m.
Grades 8-12
Breakfast 7:10 a.m.
Start Time 7:35 a.m.
Dismissal 2:18 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 10:20 a.m.
School Transparency
Our goal is to prepare scholars from college and career!
At Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy (GRUPA), we believe that learning extends beyond the brick and mortar of our beautifully designed building. Therefore, the staff is committed to using innovative strategies such as place-based learning, integrated arts, and post-secondary learning experiences to ensure high scholar engagement in the learning process.
Scholars at GRUPA create an individualized learning plan with input from their advisor and caregiver(s). This plan guides their work and is based on the scholar's personal interests, skill level, maturity, and learning style. Scholars participate in interest-based projects in addition to their traditional classwork. With its smaller class sizes and incredibly caring staff, GRUPA is for scholars who value individualized learning and rigorous college and career preparation.
Points of Pride:
- TEEN CEO Program (reverse job shadow, job shadow, internship)
- Kent Career Technical Center
- Peer mentoring
- YMCA, Adventure Point, Kroc Center partnerships for 6th and 7th grade
- 8th grade camp
- leadership opportunities
- SAT preparation
- early college classes
- exhibitions
- college visits
- soft skills development (public speaking, problem solving, time management, etc.)
- art integration
- field trips
- over 90% graduation rates
- over 90% acceptance to post-secondary institutions
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.
GR University Preparatory Academy
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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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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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16 Febthru Feb 17
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Mid-Winter BreakDate: Feb 16 - Feb 17Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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5 Mar
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2026 LatinX Youth ConferenceDate: Mar 5Location: Grand Rapids Community CollegeCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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3 Aprthru Apr 10
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Spring BreakDate: Apr 3 - Apr 10Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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18 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 18Time: 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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MLK Jr. Social Justice Contest winners announced January 19, 2026
Three GRPS scholars were announced as winners of the 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Legacy Contest.
Both GRPS Wrestling Teams Perform Strongly at Dunneback Memorial Tournament January 16, 2026
The Dunneback Memorial Wrestling Tournament, held earlier this month, showcased strong performances from both Union and Ottawa Hills.
Reimagine Alexander & Stocking: Community meetings held, online feedback form open January 16, 2026
The future of two former school sites will be centered on community feedback, and there is still time for you to add your voice.
