Welcome to Brookside Elementary (PK-5)

Welcome and thank you for choosing GRPS and Brookside Elementary. It is my honor and privilege to serve as the principal of Brookside. Our staff is dedicated to helping each child reach their fullest potential in a nurturing and equitable environment that celebrates and honors the diverse races and cultures of our scholars, families, and staff. We are fortunate to have an outdoor classroom and an amazing green space that includes Plaster Creek, allowing our students and staff to explore more learning outside. 

If you would like more information about Brookside Elementary, please call us at 616-819-2242.

Principal
Benjamin Garlets

School Apps

Brookside Elementary

2505 Madison Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-819-2242
Benjamin Garlets
Principal
Maria Baughman
Head Secretary
Bridget Cheney
Executive Director PK-12 Instructional Leadership (Southeast)

School Hours

Breakfast 8:10 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:28 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m. 

At Brookside, we pride ourselves on positive relationships and academic growth. 

Beautiful, walkable, and surrounded by green space, Brookside Elementary combines a strong academic program with a consistent focus on restorative practices in a safe, vibrant learning community.

Located on the southeast side of Grand Rapids next to the Gerald R. Ford Nature Center and the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, our scholars benefit from learning in their own neighborhood. At Brookside, we are committed to ensuring all scholars experience an engaging curriculum and high achievement. Our staff work with each scholar to identify their needs and help them take their learning to the next level. We also partner with local organizations to ensure that our scholars can bring their learning to life. 

The partnership between school staff and caregivers at Brookside Elementary builds a positive, collaborative learning environment. Families are welcomed and encouraged to be involved in various aspects of their scholar’s growth, resulting in a partnership that benefits the Brookside community.

Brookside is proud to offer:

  • Parent Teacher Community Council
  • Community-based Mentoring
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Services for PK through 5th grade students
  • A partnership with the Kroc Center that includes:
    • Fine Arts and Movement Education
    • Swim Lessons
    • A Brookside Community Garden Plot
  • A partnership with Groundswell, LGROW, Plaster Creek Stewards, and EGLE, resulting in a student-cultivated rain garden 
  • Recipients of the Green Schoolyard Grant, resulting in the addition of natural play structures and an outdoor classroom

Meet Our Principal

We have incorporated distance learning for years and are poised to be a leader in the district as a blended model of new technologies and old practices, giving our students the best of both worlds. Our 1-to-1 student technology device approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn inside and outside the classroom.

  • 30 Apr
    • Notice of Public Hearing: Native American Education Program
      Date: Apr 30
      Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Straight School, 850 Chatham NW
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Native American Parents, Native American Students and the General Public are invited to share recommendations regarding programs and services to meet the special needs of Native American students in Grand Rapids Public Schools. The input will be used to develop the district’s application for federal funding for the 2025-2026 school year.
  • 19 May
    • CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 19
      Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • Union High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 19
      Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 20 May
  • 21 May
    • Ottawa Hills High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 21
      Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • Grand Rapids Public Museum High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 21
      Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 22 May
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Citywide art show dazzles with over 2,000 scholar entries

The GRPS Citywide Art Show, the largest student art show in Michigan, is now open in downtown Grand Rapids.

City High Middle artists sweep Congressional Art Competition

City High Middle School scholars claimed the top three honors in U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten’s Congressional Art Competition, with the winning piece earning a prestigious spot at the U.S. Capitol.

'Reimagine' Vlog: Future school meeting, scholar advocacy, and energy savings

 In the latest ‘Reimagine’ Vlog, Grand Rapids Public School Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby highlights a community meeting for a new school, scholars talking with state lawmakers about key issues, and how GRPS is saving energy and money.