Welcome to Burton Elementary
(PK-5)

Hello, hola, muraho, habari, haye!

Welcome to our Burton Elementary website! We are excited to share the amazing things that are happening within our Burton community. As the principal of Burton Elementary, I am proud of how our scholars, families, staff, and community work together to support our young Redhawks in soaring to new heights academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. Our diverse community works together to guide our scholars to push through to be the best they can be each and every day. 

We offer preschool through 5th grade scholars the opportunity to learn and grow in the classroom and beyond. Our passionate staff work hard to support all of our scholars’ individual and unique needs. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Burton Elementary family, please reach out to us today! We look forward to soaring with you!

Principal
Amarena Nelson

School Apps

Burton Elementary

2133 Buchanan Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-819-2262
Amarena Nelson
Principal
Tracey Mann
Assistant Principal
Christine Hoque
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. 

Burton Elementary promotes a diverse, respectful community of academic achievement by involving scholars, parents, and community in the learning process.

As one of the district’s cultural centers, we provide bilingual support to English learners. We have dedicated bilingual staff to support our scholars and families.

The staff at Burton Elementary are committed to student success. They go above and beyond to ensure that each scholar's needs are met, that families are involved in their child’s education, and that scholars have a positive experience.

Education is expanded beyond the four walls of our classrooms, and our staff facilitate this exploration with excitement and enthusiasm. Our scholars matter, and not only do we believe in them, but we teach them to believe in themselves.

Burton Elementary was awarded with the Apple Distinguished Schools for Technology in 2019. We believe that an Apple a day is the Burton way.

We have incorporated distance learning for years and are poised to be a leader in the district as a blended model of new technologies and old practices, giving our students the best of both worlds. Our 1-to-1 student technology device approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn inside and outside the classroom.

Burton Elementary Photo Tour


  • 23 Apr
    thru May 1
    • 2025 Citywide Art Show 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      2025 Citywide Art Show
      Date: Apr 23 - May 1
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Public Receptions for GRPS Families & Friends Secondary Schools & Shared-Time Schools: Wednesday, April 23, from 5:00-7:00 pm K-5 and K-8 Schools: Thursday, April 24, from 5:00-7:00 pm
  • 25 Apr
    • North Park Montessori 100th Anniversary Celebration
      Date: Apr 25
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: North Park Montessori Academy, 3375 Cheney Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 30 Apr
    • Notice of Public Hearing: Native American Education Program
      Date: Apr 30
      Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Straight School, 850 Chatham NW
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Native American Parents, Native American Students and the General Public are invited to share recommendations regarding programs and services to meet the special needs of Native American students in Grand Rapids Public Schools. The input will be used to develop the district’s application for federal funding for the 2025-2026 school year.
  • 19 May
    • CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 19
      Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • Union High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 19
      Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 20 May
  • 21 May
    • Ottawa Hills High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 21
      Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • Grand Rapids Public Museum High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 21
      Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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