Blandford Building
Previous Next

Welcome to Blandford School (6)

Welcome and thank you for choosing GRPS and Blandford School. Our staff is dedicated to helping each child reach their fullest potential and become independent, self-driven learners. We are fortunate to have Blandford Nature Center in our backyard which invites our scholars and staff to explore learning and use nature as their classroom. 

If you are interested in learning more about the rigor and zeal of Blandford School, please contact us directly at 616-819-2555. We'd be happy to show you around the school!

Erin Shadowens
Principal

School Apps

Blandford School

3143 Milo St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Phone: 616-819-2555 Fax: 616-819-5243
Erin Shadowens
Principal
Nicolette Ferguson
Head Secretary
Amy Lynn Mabin
Physical Education
Matthew Evans
Grade 6
Nick Maodush-Pitzer
Grade 6
Breanna Bouwman
Instructional Paraprofessional
Christopher Fiore
Art
Tom Gammans
Art

School Hours

Breakfast 7:50 a.m.
Start Time 8:10 a.m.
Dismissal 3:08 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:20 a.m. 

At Blandford, nature is your classroom! 

Blandford is a 6th grade program that offers outdoor learning experiences and a rigorous curriculum. The school is designed to heighten an awareness of the environment, stimulate creative thinking, develop leadership, promote intellectual growth, and increase self-esteem. Our Blandford staff is committed to fostering your child's potential to learn and achieve through a learning environment that values hands-on, project-based learning experiences. Scholars are provided with exciting challenges and opportunities for a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience that focuses on nature and the great outdoors. 

The Blandford "classroom" consists of over 100 acres of ponds, streams, woods, and fields along with a more traditional classroom that supports the outdoor theme. Attracting students from public and non-public schools throughout Grand Rapids, as well as a handful of students from nearby cities, the student body at Blandford is a heterogeneous mixture of ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds. 

While we have too many special projects and programs to name them all, a few highlights include:

  • chicken adoption
  • International Night dinner
  • performance of A Christmas Carol
  • fall and spring camp
  • Wildflower Tea
  • BEEP Bazaar 

Blandford School is located in a state of the art, LEED certified facility on the Northwest side of Grand Rapids. This building, along with Blandford Nature Center’s 143 acres of ponds, streams, woods, and fields, offers students an unparalleled learning environment.  Scholars will enjoy their collaborative learning experience by sharing two classrooms and a large meeting space both indoors and outside in nature.

Blandford School Photo Tour


A Day in the Life: Ottawa Girls Golf

Nya Neal's day can include biology, physics, golf, research, Michigan Youth in Government, yearbook, STEM education, and a shift at Panera Bread.

Read More
A Day in the Life: Union Girls Golf

Before most students arrive at school, Diane Howie and Arden Hammond are already working through their first commitments of the day.

Read More
Community Packs Houseman Field For Crosstown Rivalry

Houseman Field was buzzing Thursday night as the Grand Rapids community came together to cheer on scholar-athletes from Ottawa Hills High School and Union High School in the first football matchup between the two schools since 2023.

Read More