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

School Apps

Buchanan Elementary

1775 Buchanan Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-819-2252
Michael Thomasma
Principal
Elena Conley
Assistant Principal
Jacqueline Suarez
Head Secretary
Dr. Mayda Bahamonde-Gunnell
Executive Director PK-12 Instructional Leadership (Southwest)

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 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

  • 23 Dec
    thru Jan 3
  • 6 Jan
  • 14 Jan
    • FAFSA Workshop at Southwest Middle High
      Date: Jan 14
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Southwest Middle High School - Academia Bilingue, 327 Rumsey St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish.
  • 16 Jan
  • 20 Jan
  • 22 Jan
    • FAFSA Workshop - Union High School (Union scholars only)
      Date: Jan 22
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish, Kinyarwanda and Swahili.
  • 23 Jan
    • FAFSA Workshop - Innovation Central High School
      Date: Jan 23
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: Innovation Central High School - Grand Rapids Public Schools, 421 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 4
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish & Kinyarwanda.
  • 29 Jan
    • GRPS School Choice Expo 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
      GRPS School Choice Expo
      Date: Jan 29
      Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
      Location: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 30 Jan
    • FAFSA Workshop - Grand Rapids Public Museum High School
      Date: Jan 30
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Grand Rapids Public Schools Museum High School, 54 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish.
  • 4 Feb
    • FAFSA Workshop - CA Frost Middle High School
      Date: Feb 4
      Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: CA Frost Science Academy High School, 1417 Covell Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
Calendar
Last Month Previous December 2024 Next Next Month
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
29
30
31
       
Season of Gratitude: GRPS Reflects on 2024

As we begin our holiday break, I hope you’re able to take time to relax and enjoy the season with loved ones.

GRPS scholars honored in Rosa Parks Essay Contest

Four GRPS scholars were awarded prizes by the Rosa Parks Education Committee in the Rosa Parks Essay Contest.

WOOD TV: Grammy-nominated teacher passes on love for music to GRPS students

It’s not every day students in elementary school get to work with a Grammy-nominated music engineer who plays ten instruments and loves teaching — unless they attend Grand Rapids Public School Coit Creative Arts Academy.