Gerald R Ford Academic Center

Gerald R Ford Academic Center is a small public school in Grand Rapids, MI, serving 213 students in grades PK through 8 as part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools district, where the vast majority of families (85%) qualify for free or reduced lunch.

While the school's overall state ranking is low, that single number hides some remarkable bright spots. Most notably, the school has shown exceptional results with its African American students, ranking in the 87th percentile statewide for this group in 2023-2024—a 4-star performance that far exceeds what nearby schools achieve with similar students. Another standout is attendance: only 26.8% of students are chronically absent, which is dramatically better than the district average of 41.3% and even beats the state average. This is especially impressive given the high poverty rate, and it suggests the school has strong family engagement. There are also pockets of academic excellence, such as 8th grade social studies, where 48% of students are proficient—surpassing both the district (28.1%) and state (47%) averages.

For context, just half a mile away sits Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center, a charter school with a 91st percentile ranking and only 29% of students in poverty. There, 3rd grade reading proficiency is 70.8% compared to 15% at Gerald R Ford. However, that comparison highlights the challenges of serving a high-poverty population rather than a lack of effort. The school spends a substantial $19,106 per student, and its success with attendance and specific student groups suggests that what works for some students isn't yet reaching all. If you're considering this school, it's worth asking about the strategies behind its subgroup successes and how they might be expanded to benefit every child.