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!
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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25 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 25Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 26Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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27 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 27Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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28 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 28Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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29 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 29Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Ridgemoor Park Montessori FMP Open House 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMRidgemoor Park Montessori FMP Open HouseDate: Apr 29Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Ridgemoor Park Montessori School, 2555 Inverness Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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School Budget 101: A Parent Workshop About School Funding 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMSchool Budget 101: A Parent Workshop About School FundingDate: Apr 29Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarJoin us for an educational workshop designed to help GRPS families better understand how school funding works.
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30 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 30Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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GRPS extends stop-arm camera ticketing warning period April 24, 2026
Grand Rapids Public Schools has announced a one-week extension of the stop-arm camera warning period before tickets are issued for illegally passing stopped school buses.
Innovation Central scholars attain CPR certification April 24, 2026
Ninety-five scholars from the Academy of Health Sciences & Technology and the Academy of Design & Construction at Innovation Central High School have earned Adult and Infant First Aid, CPR, & AED Certification through the American Red Cross.
Largest student art show in the state now open April 23, 2026
The GRPS Citywide Art Show, the largest student art show in Michigan, is now open in downtown Grand Rapids.






