Palmer Elementary Building
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Welcome to Palmer Elementary (PK-5)

I take great pride in serving as the Principal of Palmer Elementary. As one of the cultural centers in GRPS, we embody a diverse scholar population representing many countries and languages. Each of our scholars is unique, and our knowledgeable staff strives to provide them with an individualized academic experience that is challenging and robust. Our goal is simple: prepare our scholars for success today and into their future. 

Interested in becoming part of the Palmer family? Please contact our school to set up a time to visit. We hope a tour of our school will help you determine if Palmer is the ideal fit for you and your scholar. 

Leanne Opoka Lange
Principal

School Apps

Palmer Elementary

309 Palmer St. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Phone: 616-819-2929
Leanne Opoka Lange
Principal
Joan Day
Head Secretary

School Hours

Breakfast 8:00 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:28 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m. 

Palmer: Where school and community are one.

Palmer Elementary is a neighborhood school located on the northeast side of Grand Rapids. We are nestled in the Creston Neighborhood and embrace the community feel in our school program. We believe in building leadership and responsibility among our scholars through the implementation of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) initiatives. As one of the district’s cultural centers, we encompass a diverse scholar population which represents multiple countries and languages. Our strong community partnerships provide academic and enrichment opportunities for all scholars. 

The dedicated staff at Palmer strive to deliver equitable and rigorous instruction for all scholars. At Palmer we are a family dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment that is conducive to learning. We are the HAWKS! We are Honest, Accountable, Welcoming, Kind, and Safe. 

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.

  • 31 Mar
    • Native American Education Program (NAEP) Library Ribbon-Cutting
      Date: Mar 31
      Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      5:30 pm: Program 5:45-7:00 pm: Open House Light refreshments provided.
  • 3 Apr
    thru Apr 10
  • 21 Apr
    • Notice of Public Hearing - Native American Education Program
      Date: Apr 21
      Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      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 2026-2027 school year.

      The public hearing will be held from 5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the Straight School Building, 850 Chatham NW, Grand Rapids, MI  49504

      If you have any questions, please call 616-819-3318

       

  • 22 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 22
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 23 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 23
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 24 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 24
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 25 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 25
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 26 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 26
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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