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. 

KSSN

We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator

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

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SNN Podcast: Multiracial Black Student Alliance celebrates ‘spreading culture and diversity’

Each week at City High Middle School this year, about two dozen high schoolers gathered to celebrate and learn about Black culture, from music and cooking to history and current issues.

From Museum High to XQ Headquarters: Emry Herring’s journey of lifelong learning

Emry Herring will spend the summer at the XQ Institute in Oakland, California, continuing a journey that started inside the classrooms of Grand Rapids Public Museum High School.

Walking back, looking forward: Southwest seniors visit their roots

Southwest Middle High School Academia Bilingüe seniors started their graduation day by returning to the place many of them started their education, Southwest Elementary School Academia Bilingüe.