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

10 Nov
- FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College) 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
  
  FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)
  
  Date: Nov 10
  
  Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
  
  Location: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  
  Translation services available in Spanish.
12 Nov
- FAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School) 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  FAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School)
  
  Date: Nov 12
  
  Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  
  Location: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  
  Translation services available in Spanish
19 Nov
- Burton School 100th Year Celebration 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
  
  Burton School 100th Year Celebration
  
  Date: Nov 19
  
  Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
  
  Location: 2133 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USA
  
  Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  
  Short program at 6:30 pm
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

View School Calendar

School News

Inspired by Those Who Helped Him, Melendez Pays It Forward November 5, 2026

When Arnaldo Melendez walks the halls of Burton Middle School, he sees pieces of his own story reflected in the scholars he serves.

Museum High Scholars Explore Healthy, Sustainable Snacking November 5, 2026

Scholars at Grand Rapids Public Museum High School recently had the opportunity to learn about healthy eating and sustainability through an interactive food demonstration led by dietetic intern Amy Boggio.