Grand Rapids Public Schools is excited to offer the Blandford program to 6th grade students. Blandford is designed to heighten an awareness of the environment, stimulate creative thinking, develop leadership, promote intellectual growth, and increase self-esteem. The staff is committed to fostering your child's potential to learn and achieve through a learning environment that values hands-on, project-based learning experiences. Blandford provides challenges and opportunities for a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience that focuses on nature and the great outdoors. If you are looking for an enriching and unique educational experience for your child, look no further than Grand Rapids Public Schools' Blandford program!

Blandford Nature Center is a unique learning environment that has something to offer students of all backgrounds. The nature center consists of over 100 acres of ponds, streams, woods, and fields, providing ample opportunity for students to explore and learn about the natural world. In addition to the traditional classroom, Blandford also has a more hands-on learning space that supports the outdoor theme. Attracting students from public and non-public schools throughout Grand Rapids, as well as a handful of students from nearby cities, the student body at Blandford is a heterogeneous mixture of ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds. This diversity gives Blandford students the opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives while also gaining a greater understanding of their own personal identities. Whether it's exploring the woods, playing in the streams, or simply spending time in the traditional classroom, Blandford Nature Center provides an enriching and educational experience for all who step foot on its grounds.

While we have too many special projects and programs to name them all, a few highlights include: The chicken adoption project allows children to adopt a chicken and help take care of it. This is a great opportunity to learn about responsibility and where our food comes from. International Night dinner is an annual event where we come together to enjoy a delicious meal and learn about other cultures. We also have a performance of A Christmas Carol every year, which is always a lot of fun. Our fall and spring camp are both very popular, and the Wildflower Tea is always a sell-out event. BEEP Bizarre is another highlight, where children can enjoy face painting, crafts, and games. There really is something for everyone!