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

  • 15 Apr
    • New NE Elementary School Community Meeting
      Date: Apr 15
      Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Aberdeen Academy, 928 Aberdeen St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 25 Apr
    • North Park Montessori 100th Anniversary Celebration
      Date: Apr 25
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: North Park Montessori Academy, 3375 Cheney Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 30 Apr
    • Notice of Public Hearing: Native American Education Program
      Date: Apr 30
      Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Straight School, 850 Chatham NW
      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 2025-2026 school year.
  • 19 May
    • CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 19
      Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • Union High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 19
      Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 20 May
  • 21 May
    • Ottawa Hills High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 21
      Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • Grand Rapids Public Museum High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 21
      Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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For the Love of the Game — The Teacher Who Lived and Taught History

Born in 1902—before the Titanic, the assembly line, or commercial radio—Henry “Hank” Schrump lived to see the personal computer age.

You’re invited to Coffee with the Board

The Grand Rapids Board of Education has announced three more Coffee with the Board events.

Guiding success: Lisa Cook’s impact at Southeast Career Pathways

As Head Counselor at Southeast Career Pathways, Lisa Cook is dedicated to guiding scholars toward graduation and renewed confidence in their academic journey.