Welcome to Gerald R. Ford Academic Center (PK-8)
As the principal of Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, I take pride in offering all scholars a college-focused culture where they will be taught to embrace the idea that college is important. Our Ford family will prepare your scholar for this goal by helping them build habits of excellent scholarship and leadership.
We welcome new families to visit us and take a tour to see us in action to determine if our school is the right fit for your family.
Principal
Denishea Killingham Neal
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center
School Hours
Breakfast 8:50 a.m.
Start Time 9:10 a.m.
Dismissal 4:06 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 12:20 p.m.
School Transparency
At the Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, we believe that an effective school does so much more than cover traditional curriculum. We teach our scholars to become initiators, seekers, and builders.
Our mission is to develop the intellectual habits of mind, character traits, and perseverance needed to achieve career and college readiness; to develop personal integrity and success; and to lead and serve the common good of our local and global communities.
Our vision at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center is to prepare all scholars to become independent learners who possess the desire, skills, and abilities needed for lifelong learning. At our school we ensure that all of our preschool through 8th grade scholars are actively involved in productive tasks that combine and extend their skills. Our school offers opportunities for scholars to participate in projects during Spanish class and show off their skills playing the violin in music class.
Our mission and vision are achieved by creating goals around a safe learning environment that are centered on scholars, directed by teachers, and supported by home and community.
Consider Gerald R. Ford Academic Center for your scholar if:
- You are seeking highly qualified and dedicated teachers who believe in your child's potential to learn and achieve.
- You want your child to learn in a college-going culture of high expectations.
- You want your child to learn in small classes that foster civic community leadership, develop character and integrity, and participate in service-learning projects.
- You value the stability and consistency of a preschool to grade 8 community.
- You want a Spanish language requirement.
- You are willing to sign a contract and fulfill parent/guardian expectations.
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.
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center Photo Tour
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22 Apr
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Round 3 Theme School Application Window Opens (closes May 24)Date: Apr 22Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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24 Apr
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Secondary & Shared-Time Public Reception at Citywide Art Show 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMSecondary & Shared-Time Public Reception at Citywide Art ShowDate: Apr 24Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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24 Aprthru May 9
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Citywide Art Show (8:00 am - 5:00 pm)Date: Apr 24 - May 9Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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25 Apr
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Elementary Reception at Citywide Art Show 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMElementary Reception at Citywide Art ShowDate: Apr 25Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 Apr
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Preschool Here I Come 9:00 AM to 3:00 PMPreschool Here I ComeDate: Apr 26Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District CalendarEvents will take place at all preschool locations with the exception of Grand Rapids Montessori and Ridgemoor Park Montessori.
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1 May
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Southeast Quadrant Neighborhood Enrollment Night (Location TBD) 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMSoutheast Quadrant Neighborhood Enrollment Night (Location TBD)Date: May 1Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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2 May
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Southwest Quadrant Neighborhood Enrollment Night (Location TBD) 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMSouthwest Quadrant Neighborhood Enrollment Night (Location TBD)Date: May 2Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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7 May
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Northeast Quadrant Neighborhood Enrollment Night (Location TBD) 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMNortheast Quadrant Neighborhood Enrollment Night (Location TBD)Date: May 7Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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The latest ‘Reimagine’ Vlog from Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby highlights celebrations planned for June at East Leonard and Stocking elementary schools.
Thirty GRPS high school scholars spent spring break visiting Historically Black Colleges and Universities to prepare for their futures.
The playground of CA Frost Environmental Science Academy was filled with excitement as scholars from every grade gathered to get a peek at the highly anticipated Eclipse of 2024.