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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10 Nov
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FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College) 1:30 PM to 3:30 PMFAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)Date: Nov 10Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PMLocation: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish.
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12 Nov
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FAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School) 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School)Date: Nov 12Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish
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19 Nov
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Burton School 100th Year Celebration 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMBurton School 100th Year CelebrationDate: Nov 19Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: 2133 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarShort program at 6:30 pm
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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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26 Nov
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GRPS 34th Annual Turkey TrotDate: Nov 26Location: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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16 Decthru Dec 18
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Half Days for Scholars | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Dec 16 - Dec 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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21 Decthru Jan 1
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Winter BreakDate: Dec 21 - Jan 1Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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4 Jan
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First Day of Second SemesterDate: Jan 4Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Inspired by Those Who Helped Him, Melendez Pays It Forward November 5, 2026
When Arnaldo Melendez walks the halls of Burton Middle School, he sees pieces of his own story reflected in the scholars he serves.
Museum High Scholars Explore Healthy, Sustainable Snacking November 5, 2026
Scholars at Grand Rapids Public Museum High School recently had the opportunity to learn about healthy eating and sustainability through an interactive food demonstration led by dietetic intern Amy Boggio.
WGVU News: Grand Rapids high school students explore 200 years of local election history at public museum archives November 5, 2026
Local high school students got an up-close look at nearly two centuries of voting artifacts.
