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

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

3 Apr
thru Apr 10
- No School | No LOOP Programming | Spring Break
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming | Spring Break
  
  Date: Apr 3 - Apr 10
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
21 Apr
- Citywide Art Show - Public Reception for GRPS Families & Friends 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Citywide Art Show - Public Reception for GRPS Families & Friends
  
  Date: Apr 21
  
  Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
- Notice of Public Hearing - Native American Education Program 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Notice of Public Hearing - Native American Education Program
  
  Date: Apr 21
  
  Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Location: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
  
  Calendar: 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
22 Apr
- Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
  
  Date: Apr 22
  
  Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
23 Apr
- Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
  
  Date: Apr 23
  
  Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
24 Apr
- Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
  
  Date: Apr 24
  
  Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
25 Apr
- Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
  
  Date: Apr 25
  
  Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
26 Apr
- Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
  
  Date: Apr 26
  
  Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
27 Apr
- Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
  
  Date: Apr 27
  
  Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
28 Apr
- Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
  
  Date: Apr 28
  
  Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  
  Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar

View School Calendar

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