Center for Economicology

1720 PLAINFIELD AVE NE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49505

60 Students

Middle School 6th - 6th

School Overview

The **Center for Economicology** is a unique, small-scale independent school located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that serves students in grades K–8. Founded on the principle of "economicology"—a term coined by the school’s founder, Dirk Koning—the institution focuses on the vital intersection of economy and ecology. The curriculum emphasizes the belief that economic systems and the natural environment are inextricably linked, encouraging students to become responsible stewards of both the planet’s resources and the community’s financial health.

The school is defined by its progressive and highly personalized approach to education. By maintaining small class sizes and a tight-knit community, the Center for Economicology fosters a hands-on learning environment that moves beyond traditional textbooks. Students are frequently engaged in project-based learning, outdoor exploration, and interdisciplinary studies that challenge them to think critically about sustainability, ethical decision-making, and their personal role in creating a balanced and prosperous future.

Total Students

2.4

Full-Time Teachers

25.5

Student/Teacher Ratio

40.0%

Free/Reduced Lunch

Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Center for Economicology
Demographic	Student Count
White	29
Hispanic	20
Black	7
Asian	3
Two or More	1

White
29 (48.3%)
Hispanic
20 (33.3%)
Black
7 (11.7%)
Asian
3 (5.0%)
Two or More
1 (1.7%)

School Location

School Details

Status:	Open
School Level:	Middle School
School Type:	Regular School
Charter Status:*	Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction:	Supplemental Virtual
Shared Time Status:	No
District:	Grand Rapids Public Schools
Phone:	(616)819-2380
Grade Range:	6th - 6th
Total Students:	60
Full-Time Teachers (FTE):	2.4
Pupil/Teacher Ratio:	25.5
NSLP Participation:¹	Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch:	23
Qualified Reduced Lunch:	1

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

¹ National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught

Grade 6 60