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
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
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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22 May
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City High Middle School Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMCity High Middle School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 22Time: 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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23 May
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Half Day for Scholars | No School (pm)Date: May 23Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 May
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Memorial DayDate: May 26Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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28 May
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Grand Rapids Learning Center Graduation Ceremony 6:00 PM to 7:00 PMGrand Rapids Learning Center Graduation CeremonyDate: May 28Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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3 Junthru Jun 5
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Half Day for Scholars | Exams (am); No School (pm)Date: Jun 3 - Jun 5Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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5 Jun
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LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR SCHOLARSDate: Jun 5Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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18 Aug
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First Day of 2025-2026 School YearDate: Aug 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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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.

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.

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.