Palmer Elementary Building

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 Fax: 616-819-2928

Leanne Opoka Lange

Principal

Joan Day

Head Secretary

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

Annual Reports More...

School Safety Drills Reports More...

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.

Palmer Elementary Photo Tour

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Events

19 Oct
- No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  Date: Oct 19
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
2 Nov
thru Nov 3
- No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  Date: Nov 2 - Nov 3
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
25 Nov
thru Nov 27
- No School | No LOOP Programming | Thanksgiving Break
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming | Thanksgiving Break
  
  Date: Nov 25 - Nov 27
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
26 Nov
- GRPS 34th Annual Turkey Trot
  
  GRPS 34th Annual Turkey Trot
  
  Date: Nov 26
  
  Location: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
16 Dec
thru Dec 18
- Half Days for Scholars | No LOOP Programming
  
  Half Days for Scholars | No LOOP Programming
  
  Date: Dec 16 - Dec 18
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
21 Dec
thru Jan 1
- No School | No LOOP Programming | Winter Break
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming | Winter Break
  
  Date: Dec 21 - Jan 1
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
4 Jan
- First Day of Second Semester
  
  First Day of Second Semester
  
  Date: Jan 4
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
11 Jan
- No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  No School | No LOOP Programming
  
  Date: Jan 11
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar

View School Calendar

School News

SNN: Student artwork soars in Heritage Hill ArtPrize exhibit September 25, 2026

As folks make their way through the Grand Rapids streets this year, taking in the sights and sounds of the city’s preeminent art festival, they’re bound to notice hundreds of larger-than-life dragonflies peppering the Heritage Hill neighborhood.

Community Feedback Shapes Candidate Profile for Next Superintendent September 23, 2026

The Grand Rapids Board of Education has created a desired candidate profile for the next superintendent of GRPS, using feedback provided by more than 1,700 scholars, families, staff, and community members over the past two months.

Union High School Celebrates Culture and Community September 22, 2026

Union High School hosted its second annual Culture Celebration on Friday, September 18, bringing scholars, staff, and the community together for an afternoon of food, talent, and cultural connection.