GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM SCHOOL

Grand Rapids Public Museum School is a Title I public middle school that is part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools school district, located in Grand Rapids, MI with about 181 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade 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 10 teachers, Grand Rapids Public Museum School has a student/teacher ratio of about 18:1. 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 Grand Rapids Public Museum School (commonly referred to as the Museum School) is a unique, project-based public middle and high school located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Operated through a partnership between Grand Rapids Public Schools, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and Kendall College of Art and Design, the school utilizes the museum’s extensive collections and exhibit spaces as its primary classroom. This immersive environment allows students to engage in "place-based" learning, where the curriculum is woven into the history, science, and culture of the city, effectively turning the entire community into a learning laboratory.

The school is designed to move beyond traditional textbooks, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. By working directly with museum curators, historians, and local community experts, students participate in authentic projects that address local issues and contribute to the civic life of Grand Rapids. This collaborative model aims to foster interdisciplinary academic growth while helping students develop the professional skills necessary to thrive in a modern, interconnected workforce.

For more information, contact Grand Rapids Public Museum School at (616) 819-2104 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.