GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – As we prepare to open our first new elementary school in northeast Grand Rapids in more than 60 years, GRPS continues to partner with our community on key decisions, including the name of the school.
The new PreK-5th grade school will open at the site of Aberdeen Academy for the 2027-28 school year. The process to name the school began at the groundbreaking in October 2025 when community members were invited to submit name ideas. A total of 137 entries were received.
A committee of parents and staff from Aberdeen Academy and Palmer Elementary reviewed the submissions and narrowed them to a shortlist of six names for a public vote.
The six finalists in alphabetical order are:
- Aberdeen Elementary School
- Briggs Elementary School
- Creston Elementary School
- Excelsior Elementary School
- GR Unity Elementary School
- Northeast Elementary School
Voting is open through May 29, 2026. The poll results will be presented to the Grand Rapids Board of Education in June for consideration. The board will use the poll results as a key piece of data, but is not bound by the results.
Below is a summary of the rationales provided for each name, along with the poll.
Aberdeen Elementary School
-Respondents support keeping the name Aberdeen, citing its deep historical roots dating back to 1929, its connection to the neighborhood, park, and street, and its significance to generations of students and families. They believe maintaining the name preserves the school’s identity, honors its legacy, and reflects its role as a community-centered school, even as facilities are updated or combined.
Briggs Elementary School
-Respondents said the Briggs family farm was located on property in the area and the Briggs Centennial Home is on the corner of Arlington and Plainfield. This name would tie the school into the history of the area.
Creston Elementary School
-Respondents support using the name Creston to honor the neighborhood’s strong identity, history, and pride, especially following the loss of Creston High School. They believe the name would unify students from both schools, strengthen community connections, and restore a sense of belonging tied to the broader Creston community.
Excelsior Elementary School
-Respondents explained that "Excelsior" is associated with achievement and excellence. It is Latin for "higher" or "loftier."
GR Unity Elementary School
-Respondents stated that our world needs unity, and as we bring two school communities together, we should start that unity with the children.
Northeast Elementary School
-Respondents suggest giving the school a new, neutral name like Northeast to reflect its location. They feel a fresh name tied to the northeast side could better represent the new building and its broader community.