Take A New Look At GRPS
By Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr., Superintendent of Schools

All too often I hear people say, “Well, it wasn’t like that when I went to school…” or I talk with someone who has formulated an opinion of our schools, but they have never set foot in one of our schools or classrooms.

For most parents and residents of Grand Rapids, myself included, when we went to school, the Internet didn’t exist, personal computers were virtually non-existent, and cell phones were the size of watermelons.

The world has changed. The demographics and socio-economic conditions in the city have changed. Schools, instruction and learning opportunities have all changed.

We live in a global economy – in the Information Age – with new educational and workforce demands that require a broader set of skills above and beyond the basics. Students and workers will be connected locally and internationally with people from other nations with different cultures, languages and socio-economic backgrounds. 21st Century job providers are seeking workers with a global mindset, skills in intercultural communications, and awareness of values, cultural norms and world views.

No other school district in West Michigan prepares students for the real world and global economy like GRPS!

As a district, our student population represents nearly 70 countries with 49 different languages spoken. The diversity of people, cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds is a value-added benefit to the GRPS educational experience that is unlike any other in the region.

We believe every child is unique and that there is no “one-size-fits-all” education to ensure every child achieves their academic potential. This is why we are proud to offer the region’s largest, most comprehensive selection of educational choices, programs, and services -- so parents and students together can choose the best schools and education programs for academic growth and success.

CHECK US OUT! Do your homework and get to know us better!

Take a new look at GRPS! Schedule a tour of one or more of our schools! You are welcome and encouraged to visit us or call us with questions about the various schools and programs we offer. I guarantee that you will be amazed and proud of what you see and experience.

If you are looking to enroll your child or children in school, here are a few questions and answers with reasons why we hope you will make GRPS Your Choice!

Want to enroll your child in an advanced college prep school?
City High-Middle School is the top performing college prep school in all of West Michigan and the second highest performing school in the entire state of Michigan. Also, opening this year is the Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy.

Interested in all-day kindergarten or pre-school?
GRPS has the region’s largest selection of all day kindergarten and pre-school. All but five of our neighborhood elementary schools offer all day kindergarten.

Do you want your child in a state-of-the-art learning environment?
Thanks to the voters and taxpayers of Grand Rapids, GRPS has 11 new state-of-the-art elementary and middle schools complete with the latest technology and educational design to support student achievement.

Is your child an English Language Learner?
GRPS has the region’s largest selection of English Language Learner programs and services. The area’s top Spanish-English Immersion program is located at Southwest Community Campus. We have 21 schools designated as Language Centers with more than 170 highly qualified bilingual teachers.

Does your child want to become a doctor, nurse, health care attorney, or medical technician?
Our Small School of Health Sciences and Technology at Central High School offers the region’s only comprehensive secondary education in health sciences and technology. It’s located next to the Medical Mile and partnered with the top medical institutions in the region (Van Andel Institute, Spectrum Health, GVSU Health Sciences, and many more).

Does your child want to become an engineer?
Our pre-engineering program at Creston High School (GRAPCEP/Small School of Engineering and Biomedical) is arguably the best in the region with a 99% graduation rate and 56% of the graduates enrolling in college math, science or engineering – 30% above the national average.

Is your child interested in a  career in the construction industry?
Our Small School of Construction at Union High School is partnered with some of the top contractors and building trades organization in the region.

Is your child looking at a career in business?
GRPS has two small schools – one at Creston High School and the other at Ottawa High School – that focus on business, entrepreneurship, and marketing.

Looking for a hands-on, experiential education?
There are no other programs in the state like Zoo School, Blandford School, C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy, and Grand Rapids Montessori.

Do you prefer the Montessori model of instruction?
GRPS has the only K-12 Montessori program in Michigan at Grand Rapids Montessori. Montessori is also offered at North Park Elementary.

Are you looking for a year round school?
GRPS has four year round schools.

Do you like the idea of your student wearing a school uniform?
We have the largest selection of public schools in the region that require school uniforms – and the FIRST public high school ever to require uniforms at Central High School.

Do you want your student involved in after school programs?
GRPS is proud to offer the LOOP After School program at EVERY elementary and middle school in the district.

And the list goes on and on.
Chances are if you want it, we offer it. We are proud of our diversity. We are proud of our school choices and opportunities. We are proud of our teachers and all our employees who make things happen. And we are proud of our accomplishments.

For more information on GRPS school choices or to request an enrollment application, please contact 616.819.3276 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .