Buchanan Building
Previous Next

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.

Michael Thomasma
Principal

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
Vanessa Cervantes
Kent School Services Network (KSSN) Coordinator

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

GRPS Sinking Fund Millage Proposal on August 4 Ballot

Grand Rapids voters will weigh in on a sinking fund millage for Grand Rapids Public Schools in the August 4 election.

Read More
Beyond Free Tuition: The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Supports Students Every Step of the Way

For many students and families, the idea of college can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Questions about cost, applications, and what comes next after high school can create uncertainty – even for students who are fully capable of succeeding. In Grand Rapids, one program is working to remove those barriers entirely.

Read More
Four School Names Announced To Create Greater Unity and Honor Historic Names

The Grand Rapids Board of Education approved names for four schools as part of the Reimagine GRPS initiative, strengthening school identities, creating greater unity within school communities, and honoring the rich histories that have shaped generations of scholars.

Read More