User:Maxroom/Grand Rapids Adventist Academy

Grand Rapids Adventist Academy (GRAA) operates as a co-educational K-12 day academy by authority of the Michigan Conference, Lake Union, and North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist as well as the state of Michigan.

GRAA has six Seventh-day Adventist(SDA) constituent churches from the area: Grand Rapids Central, Grand Rapids Spanish Maranatha, Maranatha Bible Fellowship, Three Angels Fellowship, Wyoming, and Wyoming Spanish.

Every student entrusted in our care is a gift of God to be educated for both life and eternity.

History
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Over one hundred years ago, dedicated people were impressed to embark on a unique mission of creating a school for the greater Grand Rapids area that would educate the whole child. They believed in “the harmonious development of the mental, physical, spiritual and social powers.” Character development would be a priority. The founders desired that their students 'enter to learn and depart to serve.'

In 1904, one of those concerned Christians, Cyrus Clark, facilitated the school by pitching a tent in his backyard and later moving the school to his workshop when the weather turned cold. Through the years, the school has been held in various locations, notably, the old "Alger Street" building. In 1980, the present building was purchased from the Grand Rapids Public School disctrict. In 2008, a high school addition was completed, just to the south of the original building.

Today, just as in 1904, GRAA is here to provide for the mental, physical, spiritual and social needs of Christian young people. Its program has expanded to include a full K-12 educational program. By integrating historic Seventh-day Adventist Bible teachings into all academic areas, the staff endeavors to lead young people into a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ and to prepare them for a life of service here on earth.

Our Spiritual Goals

 * To present Jesus Christ as a personal Savior to whom youth can know and relate
 * To teach values such as honesty, forgiveness, kindness, respect, and cooperation
 * To teach Biblical truths such as Redeeming Grace, Creation, the Sabbath, stewardship, & Jesus’ second coming

Extracurriculars
Witness is the select high school 'touring' choir. La Bendicion is the high school concert band.

Elementary extras include Beginner & Cadet Bands, Cadet Choir, and "Out of the Classroom" - a local access production at WKTV

Traditions
School Colors: Blue and White

Athletic Teams:
 * Spartans - Boys basketball
 * Lady Spartans - Girls basketball & volleyball

Annual Mission Trips: (have included)
 * All Nations reservation in Washington state
 * Holbrook reservation in Arizona
 * Community service project in Ripley, West Virginia