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
GR University Preparatory Academy
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24 Aug
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First Day of 2026-2027 School YearDate: Aug 24Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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28 Aug
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Half Day of School for ScholarsDate: Aug 28Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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1 Sep
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First Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)Date: Sep 1Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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4 Septhru Sep 7
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No School | Labor DayDate: Sep 4 - Sep 7Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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16 Sep
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GRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall Meeting 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMGRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall MeetingDate: Sep 16Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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19 Oct
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Oct 19Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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2 Novthru Nov 3
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Nov 2 - Nov 3Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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25 Novthru Nov 27
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Thanksgiving BreakDate: Nov 25 - Nov 27Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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BOE in 60: Recap of August Board of Education meeting August 14, 2026
Watch BOE in 60, a one-minute recap of the August Grand Rapids Board of Education meeting.
Board of Education Names Chambers The Robert Dean Auditorium August 13, 2026
The Grand Rapids Board of Education has named its board chambers "The Robert Dean Auditorium" in honor of the longtime community leader, pastor, and public servant.
SNN: Young filmmakers capture the story and legacy of West Michigan nonprofit leaders August 13, 2026
In a West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology classroom, future sound engineers, directors and photographers moved like a well-oiled machine alongside film industry mentors, transforming the space into a film set.
