GERALD R FORD ACADEMIC CENTER

Gerald R Ford Academic Center is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools school district, located in Grand Rapids, MI with about 284 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 18 teachers, Gerald R Ford Academic Center has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, located in the Madison Area neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan, serves as a PK-5 elementary school within the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) district. Named in honor of the 38th President of the United States—who spent his formative years in Grand Rapids—the school functions as a community-focused institution dedicated to providing a foundational academic experience. Its curriculum is designed to support student growth in core subjects while fostering a supportive environment that reflects the neighborhood's commitment to education.

Beyond traditional classroom instruction, the school is deeply integrated into the local community, benefiting from its namesake’s legacy of public service. The center emphasizes a well-rounded approach to development, often participating in district-wide initiatives aimed at literacy, social-emotional learning, and equity. As an urban school, it serves a diverse student body, working to provide essential resources and structured learning opportunities to help children navigate their early academic years and prepare for future success in middle and high school.

For more information, contact Gerald R Ford Academic Center at (616) 819-2640 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.