GRPMS is the product of a collaboration between numerous stakeholders, including the school district, the museum, Kendall College of Art and Design, and Grand Valley State University. Its founders wanted to build on the success of the GRPMS middle school, housed inside the museum’s current home, and provide a similar approach to hands-on learning for students in grades 9-12. This exciting proposal led to the high school’s selection as an XQ Super School.
GRPMS educators build meaningful, engaged learning experiences that connect students deeply with community-driven projects. They integrate various subjects—the humanities, STEM, and electives—into projects and blended thematic units. Through the lens of design thinking, students explore topics like sustainability and gentrification with local organizations and create real impact.
In addition, students help museum staff collect, process, and curate new materials in a design lab where they play a role in designing and updating existing exhibits. One student found a spacesuit from an Apollo mission, and another found a flapper dress from the 1920s. They also recorded interviews about the artifacts and created podcasts.
GRPMS students also learn from and work with partner organizations all over the city—from nonprofit groups to local scientists, artists, and businesses.
