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
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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14 Jan
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Alexander Community Engagement Meeting 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMAlexander Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 14Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMLocation: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarThis meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
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Alexander Community Engagement Meeting 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMAlexander Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 14Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarThis meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
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15 Jan
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Stocking Elementary Community Engagement Meeting 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMStocking Elementary Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 15Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMLocation: 863 7th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Stocking Elementary Community Engagement Meeting 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMStocking Elementary Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 15Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: 863 7th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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19 Jan
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Martin Luther King, Jr. DayDate: Jan 19Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Jan
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Union Redhawks Boys Basketball Youth Night 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMUnion Redhawks Boys Basketball Youth NightDate: Jan 23Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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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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Thanks to its thriving Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Program, Union High School has been cultivating a culture where every scholar feels like they belong.
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