Welcome to Buchanan Elementary (PK-5)
We are honored to serve a school with amazing scholars and a supportive community. As a school we focus on building positive relationships so that each scholar feels valued and supported.
We welcome you to visit our school and take a tour by calling 616-819-2252. You will get to meet our wonderful secretaries and support staff. Our open door policy will empower our families to maintain a positive communication pathway. Looking forward to seeing you at Buchanan Elementary.
Principal
Michael Thomasma

Buchanan Elementary
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.
School Transparency
At Buchanan Elementary, we believe that our scholars benefit from a school culture that embraces their identities as Bilingual Learners; our school takes great pride in diversity and celebrating our scholars' rich cultural heritages.
We believe that every scholar deserves...
- The opportunity to maintain their first language into adulthood. Research shows that there are more economic, social, and educational benefits for those who participate in a late-exit bilingual program, and we are proud to provide that for our scholars.
- The opportunity to acquire Spanish language skills even if their first language is not Spanish. Acquisition of the Spanish language supports our desire to ensure every scholar is provided a rigorous, stimulating educational experience.
- The opportunity for a prosperous future in which the number of languages they speak, read, and write is viewed as an asset.
- The opportunity to learn through their first language with the goal of proficiency in English and Spanish; we believe Biliteracy is an investment in our global community.
- The opportunity to develop academic proficiency in both languages over time.
Meet Our Principal
Buchanan Elementary, while newly constructed, is a well-known gem on the southwest side of Grand Rapids. The building has central air, three preschool classrooms that connect to a play area, and beautiful spaces to read, converse and of course learn! Take a virtual tour by viewing our building photos or request an on-site tour to visit our beautiful building and grounds by calling 616-819-2252!
Buchanan Elementary Photo Tour
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
-
24 Febthru Feb 25
-
No School | No LOOP Programming | Mid-Winter BreakDate: Feb 24 - Feb 25Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
27 Feb
-
FAFSA Workshop - CA Frost Middle High School 4:00 PM to 8:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - CA Frost Middle High SchoolDate: Feb 27Time: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: CA Frost Science Academy High School, 1417 Covell Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
5 Mar
-
FAFSA Workshop - Southwest Middle High 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - Southwest Middle HighDate: Mar 5Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Southwest Middle High School - Academia Bilingue, 327 Rumsey St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish.
-
-
14 Mar
-
End of 3rd Marking PeriodDate: Mar 14Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
17 Mar
-
No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Mar 17Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
18 Mar
-
Start of 4th Marking PeriodDate: Mar 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
20 Mar
-
FAFSA Workshop - Ottawa Hills High School (Ottawa Hills scholars only) 12:30 PM to 2:30 PMFAFSA Workshop - Ottawa Hills High School (Ottawa Hills scholars only)Date: Mar 20Time: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
4 Aprthru Apr 11
-
No School | No LOOP Programming | Spring BreakDate: Apr 4 - Apr 11Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
19 May
-
CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMCA Frost Middle High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
Union High School Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMUnion High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
![]() ![]() |
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S | M | T | W | T | F | S | |||||||||
1 | |||||||||||||||
2 | 3 |
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8 | |||||||||
9 | 10 | 11 |
12
|
13 | 14 | 15 | |||||||||
16 | 17 |
18
|
19 |
20
|
21 | 22 | |||||||||
23 |
24
|
25
|
26 |
27
|
28 |

The Class of 2024 at Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) has set a new benchmark for success, with both an increase in the number of graduates and a steady rise in the district’s graduation rate.

The teaching academy within historic Innovation Central High School is now named the Hattie Beverly Academy of Teaching, Learning, & Social Justice.

Union High School hosted the inaugural Women in Sports Luncheon, providing high school female athletes with an inspiring platform to connect, share experiences, and learn from successful women in the sports world.