Grand Rapids Public Schools

Strong Schools, Strong Communities

For more than 150 years, Grand Rapids Public Schools has been a leader in West Michigan. With 40 schools in one dynamic district, we take pride in preparing our scholars for the real world. GRPS is Michigan’s eighth-largest public school district and the third-largest employer in the City of Grand Rapids. Our 14,000 scholars represent more than 80 countries with over 70 different languages spoken, creating a value-added educational experience and benefit that is above and beyond basic education. 

Come be a part of the energy, excitement, and momentum at Grand Rapids Public Schools! 

District Mission

To ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society

Career Learning

Strengthening our schools strengthens our future workforce, helping develop talent in our district. The scholars and staff in Grand Rapids Public Schools are grateful to our voters for approving the Strong Schools, Strong Communities millage which we are putting to good use for scholars. Some of the areas we emphasize include helping scholars consider and connect with possible careers. We do this by building the skills expected in the workplace and teaching about options for after graduation including college, technical training or going directly into the workforce.

Academics and Beyond

Strong academics are the basis for all of K-12 learning, beginning with literacy, mathematics, science and social studies. In addition to these areas, we engage students in a wide variety of courses including fine arts, physical education, JROTC, and various classes in technology.  We also have theme schools which have alternative curricula (Montessori, International Baccalaureate, Museum Education, and college prep). After-school opportunities range from robotics (elementary, middle and high school) to a full complement of interscholastic and intramural athletics.

Support for Students

Most scholars will need a little help at some point in their schooling. They might struggle with a particular subject, an assignment, or a life challenge for themselves or their family. We work hard to support scholars so they succeed, including hiring the best staff to assist them. In addition, we utilize Title dollars to provide additional supports to students in low-income families including Youth Advocate Specialists, counseling, and lab classes that support the Michigan Merit Curriculum to help ensure students meet challenging academic standards.

Early Childhood

Early childhood is a crucial time in children’s lives, a time when they engage in the world around them and learn all the basics they’ll use in school and beyond. Our preschoolers get to explore new concepts daily through hands-on activities with rich literacy and math learning materials integrated into the classroom’s interest areas.  Children “Purposely Play” throughout the day. GRPS World-Class preschoolers also take their learning outdoors to do real-world learning thanks to our use of Creative Curriculum, which keeps the content highly engaging and relevant to young children.

Fund Allocation

How Grand Rapids is using the funds generated from the enhancement millage:

• Curriculum – We are using the enhancement funds to update and upgrade our curriculum, including new technology-based science and mathematics curricula. The funds are also being used to adequately train our teachers and other staff on the delivery of these new curricula.
• Early Childhood – We are using the enhancement funds to provide additional staff resources and materials for our Early Childhood programs.
• Third Grade Literacy – Enhancement funds are being used to provide additional staff resources and materials to improve third grade literacy.
• College and Career Readiness  – Enhancement funds are being used to provide additional staff resources and materials to ensure all graduates of Grand Rapids Public Schools are college and/or career ready. Expanding access to Advanced Placement Courses, supporting mentoring programs for our Centers of Innovation students, additional counseling support for our high schools students are just some of the ways we are using the enhancement funds to prepare our students for successful college and employment careers.

Enhancement millage dollars received

2017-18 amount received - $3,573,999.13
2018-19 amount received - $3,682,003.55
2019-20 amount received - $3,648,486.12
2020-21 amount received - $3,813,679.80
2021-22 amount received - $3,760,398.17
2022-23 amount received - $3,920,704.42
2023-24 amount received - $4,198,624.89
2024-25 amount expected - $4,468,556.17