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
![](/downloads/logos_assets/school_logos/buchanan.png)
Buchanan Elementary
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
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
Buchanan Elementary, while newly constructed, is a well-known gem on the southwest side of Grand Rapids. The building has central air, three preschool classrooms that connect to a play area, and beautiful spaces to read, converse and of course learn! Take a virtual tour by viewing our building photos or request an on-site tour to visit our beautiful building and grounds by calling 616-819-2252!
Buchanan Elementary Photo Tour
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18 Feb
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FAFSA Workshop - Paul I. Phillips Boys & Girls Club 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - Paul I. Phillips Boys & Girls ClubDate: Feb 18Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Paul I. Phillips Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, 726 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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20 Feb
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FAFSA Workshop - Ottawa Hills High School 5:30 PM to 7:30 PMFAFSA Workshop - Ottawa Hills High SchoolDate: Feb 20Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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24 Febthru Feb 25
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Mid-Winter BreakDate: Feb 24 - Feb 25Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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27 Feb
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FAFSA Workshop - CA Frost Middle High School 4:00 PM to 8:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - CA Frost Middle High SchoolDate: Feb 27Time: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: CA Frost Science Academy High School, 1417 Covell Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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5 Mar
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FAFSA Workshop - Southwest Middle High 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop - Southwest Middle HighDate: Mar 5Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Southwest Middle High School - Academia Bilingue, 327 Rumsey St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish.
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14 Mar
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End of 3rd Marking PeriodDate: Mar 14Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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17 Mar
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Mar 17Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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18 Mar
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Start of 4th Marking PeriodDate: Mar 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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20 Mar
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FAFSA Workshop - Ottawa Hills High School (Ottawa Hills scholars only) 12:30 PM to 2:30 PMFAFSA Workshop - Ottawa Hills High School (Ottawa Hills scholars only)Date: Mar 20Time: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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4 Aprthru Apr 11
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Spring BreakDate: Apr 4 - Apr 11Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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![](/downloads/_storycategories_/sam_kik_-_1st_place_conference_meet_union_1.jpg)
All three GRPS wrestling programs have made waves this season with standout performances from wrestlers throughout the district.
![](/downloads/_storycategories_/mlk_art-1_1.jpg)
Three Grand Rapids Public Schools scholars were announced as winners of the 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Legacy Contest.
![](/downloads/_storycategories_/board_news-largethumb_7.jpg)
The Grand Rapids Board of Education approved the following statement during its regular board meeting on Feb. 10, 2025.