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.
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center
School Hours
Breakfast 8:50 a.m.
Start Time 9:10 a.m.
Dismissal 4:08 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 12:20 p.m.
School Transparency

We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator
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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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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30 Jan
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Ottawa Hills Bengals Boys Basketball Youth Night 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMOttawa Hills Bengals Boys Basketball Youth NightDate: Jan 30Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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10 Feb
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Ottawa Hills Bengals Girls Basketball Youth Night 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMOttawa Hills Bengals Girls Basketball Youth NightDate: Feb 10Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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16 Febthru Feb 17
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Mid-Winter BreakDate: Feb 16 - Feb 17Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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5 Mar
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2026 LatinX Youth ConferenceDate: Mar 5Location: Grand Rapids Community CollegeCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Both GRPS Wrestling Teams Perform Strongly at Dunneback Memorial Tournament January 16, 2026
The Dunneback Memorial Wrestling Tournament, held earlier this month, showcased strong performances from both Union and Ottawa Hills.
Reimagine Alexander & Stocking: Community meetings held, online feedback form open January 16, 2026
The future of two former school sites will be centered on community feedback, and there is still time for you to add your voice.
Redhawks Boys Basketball Showing Major Turnaround This Season January 15, 2026
The Union Redhawks varsity boys basketball team continues its resurgence this season, already surpassing its combined win total from the previous two years with more than half of the schedule still remaining.







