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.
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

We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator
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
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12 Aug
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GRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall Meeting 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMGRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall MeetingDate: Aug 12Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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13 Aug
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GRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall Meeting 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMGRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall MeetingDate: Aug 13Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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24 Aug
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First Day of 2026-2027 School YearDate: Aug 24Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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28 Aug
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Half Day of School for ScholarsDate: Aug 28Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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1 Sep
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First Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)Date: Sep 1Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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4 Septhru Sep 7
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No School | Labor DayDate: Sep 4 - Sep 7Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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16 Sep
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GRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall Meeting 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMGRPS Superintendent Search Town Hall MeetingDate: Sep 16Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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19 Oct
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Oct 19Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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2 Novthru Nov 3
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Nov 2 - Nov 3Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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25 Novthru Nov 27
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Thanksgiving BreakDate: Nov 25 - Nov 27Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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If there’s an opportunity to lead, represent or advocate, chances are Odon Kiara has taken advantage of it.
On behalf of Grand Rapids Public Schools, thank you! Your support of the GRPS Sinking Fund is an investment in every scholar who walks through our doors. We are deeply grateful for the confidence you have placed in our district and our future.
Coit Principal Focuses on Helping Every Scholar Thrive August 5, 2026
Ever since kindergarten, Molly Ali knew she wanted to become an educator.






