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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31 Mar
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Native American Education Program (NAEP) Library Ribbon-Cutting 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMNative American Education Program (NAEP) Library Ribbon-CuttingDate: Mar 31Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar5:30 pm: Program 5:45-7:00 pm: Open House Light refreshments provided.
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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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21 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Public Reception for GRPS Families & Friends 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Public Reception for GRPS Families & FriendsDate: Apr 21Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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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 21Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
Native 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 2026-2027 school year.
The public hearing will be held from 5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the Straight School Building, 850 Chatham NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
If you have any questions, please call 616-819-3318
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22 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 22Time: 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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23 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 23Time: 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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24 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 24Time: 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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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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Union celebrates winter all-conference athletes March 24, 2026
The Union Redhawks are proud to announce their winter 2025-26 All-Conference selections.
Ottawa Hills celebrates winter all-conference athletes March 24, 2026
The Ottawa Hills Bengals are proud to announce their winter 2025-26 All-Conference selections.
Gov. Whitmer visits Mulick Park to see literacy instruction in action March 24, 2026
Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited Mulick Park Elementary to see firsthand how scholars are strengthening their reading skills through LETRS science of reading instruction.
