Dickinson Building

Welcome to Dickinson Academy (PK-8)

I am deeply proud to be the principal of Dickinson Academy Cultural Center. These walls give our students knowledge and represent an incredibly colorful mosaic of traditions, languages, and worldviews that add so much value to our education.

Our classrooms resonate with a mix of multiculturalism as each student speaks one of 12 different languages. The languages spoken further demonstrate the distinctiveness and uniqueness of our school community. Our diversity is more than mere statistics; it defines our very being.

Our staff, hailing from various backgrounds and possessing diverse skills, are the backbone of our school. We are a united front, always vigilant to ensure that every student is seen, heard, and respected, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.

“We are Stronger and Better Together.”

Cindy Rivera Madera

Principal

School Apps

Dickinson Academy

448 Dickinson St. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Phone:616-819-2505

Fax:616-819-2502

Cindy Rivera Madera

Principal

Thomas James

Scholar Success Coordinator

Maria Mateo

Head Secretary

Stephanie Suero

Kent School Services Network (KSSN) Coordinator

School Hours

Breakfast 8:10 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:28 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m.

School Transparency

Annual Reports More...

School Safety Drills Reports More...

KSSN

We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator

At Dickinson Academy, we foster a supportive environment where everyone develops into confident, resourceful, and responsible members of our school, neighborhood, and global community.

Dickinson Academy strives to build a nurturing, cohesive, and student-focused community by facilitating meaningful interactions inside and outside the classroom. Our dedication to intentional and relevant teaching ensures that every student can excel academically and socially.

We value strong collaborations between our school, families, and the broader community. To support this, we collaborate closely with the Kent Schools Services Network. As a Cultural Center, we also provide English as a Second Language (ESL) services through our experienced, bilingual staff.

Meet Our Principal

Dickinson Academy Points of Pride

School Assemblies
Scholar leadership groups
Field trips and experiential learning opportunities
Cultural recognitions and celebrations
Spirit and Inclusion Weeks
Family and Academic Nights
STEM Greenhouse programming
After school tutoring programs
Social Emotional Learning

Dickinson Academy was built in 2008 and is designed for academic excellence. Special features include hallway design that encourages group learning to acoustic engineering that makes it easier to hear teachers in the classroom. It is located in Southeast Grand Rapids.

Dickinson Academy Photo Tour

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Events

24 Aug
- First Day of 2026-2027 School Year
  
  First Day of 2026-2027 School Year
  
  Date: Aug 24
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
28 Aug
- Half Day of School for Scholars
  
  Half Day of School for Scholars
  
  Date: Aug 28
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
1 Sep
- First Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
  
  First Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
  
  Date: Sep 1
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
4 Sep
thru Sep 7
- No School | Labor Day
  
  No School | Labor Day
  
  Date: Sep 4 - Sep 7
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
19 Oct
- No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  Date: Oct 19
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
2 Nov
thru Nov 3
- No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  Date: Nov 2 - Nov 3
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
25 Nov
thru Nov 27
- No School | No LOOP Programming | Thanksgiving Break
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming | Thanksgiving Break
  
  Date: Nov 25 - Nov 27
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
16 Dec
thru Dec 18
- Half Days for Scholars | No LOOP Programming
  
  Half Days for Scholars | No LOOP Programming
  
  Date: Dec 16 - Dec 18
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
21 Dec
thru Jan 1
- No School | No LOOP Programming | Winter Break
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming | Winter Break
  
  Date: Dec 21 - Jan 1
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
4 Jan
- First Day of Second Semester
  
  First Day of Second Semester
  
  Date: Jan 4
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar

View School Calendar

SNN: The more books we can get in kids' hands, the better July 9, 2026

“Who’s excited to have a brand-new book?” teacher Lisa Frost asked students as they exited a recent book fair at Coit Creative Arts Academy.

Fox 17: Southwest MH Sophomore Named To Guatemalan National Team July 8, 2026

As top soccer talent competes in the World Cup this week, a 15-year-old from the Grand Rapids area will try to earn the right to represent Guatemala.

Brian Gordon Named GRPS Public Safety Officer of the Year July 8, 2026

Brian Gordon, who serves at Westwood Middle School, was named GRPS Public Safety & School Security's Officer of the Year as the department recognized officers for exemplary service during the 2025-26 school year.