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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) broke ground today on a new school behind Aberdeen Academy, marking the first new school construction on the city's northeast side in six decades. The new school, which will cost $36 million, is expected to open in 2027 and will accommodate up to 450 students.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at 4:30 p.m., featured speeches from local leaders, including Mayor David LaGrand and state Representative Stephen Wooden. The public was invited to attend the event, which is part of GRPS's Reimagine plan.
The new building's design reflects the school's Redhawk mascot, with two classroom wings extending from a central hub housing the gym and cafeteria. Once completed, the school will serve pre-K through fifth-grade students from Aberdeen Academy. Meanwhile, Aberdeen's sixth through eighth graders will transition to the new middle school program at Innovation Central.
According to WOODTV, the current Aberdeen Academy building, constructed in 1929, will remain operational during construction. The new school will replace both Aberdeen and Palmer elementary schools, with students from Palmer moving to either the new school or Kent Hills.
The school will feature a media center and a dedication wall, with interior designs that incorporate organic colors and forms to foster a collaborative and inviting atmosphere. The project is funded by a bond passed by voters in 2023, with a total estimated cost of $38 million.
Renderings shared by GRPS highlight the innovative design aimed at helping students "take flight" in their educational journey.