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

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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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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19 May
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CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMCA Frost Middle High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Union High School Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMUnion High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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20 May
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Last Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)Date: May 20Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Southwest Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMSouthwest Middle High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Innovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMInnovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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21 May
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Ottawa Hills High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMOttawa Hills High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 21Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Grand Rapids Board of Education Trustee Arick Davis has been honored with the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) Award for Inspiration.

Scholars from Southwest Middle High School and Union High School took part in a march to honor what would have been the 98th birthday of labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar E. Chavez.

GRPS Family and Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) is here to build a cooperative link between home, school, and the community.