Welcome to César E. Chávez Elementary
(PK-5)
As principal of César E. Chávez Elementary, it is my pleasure to welcome new and returning families to our school. I am thrilled to have scholars back in our classrooms. Our staff eagerly awaits their laughter, energy, and enthusiasm for learning.
César E. Chávez Elementary is such a special place to learn and grow. We are proud of our beautiful school and have high expectations for each and every scholar. Our scholars are kind, compassionate, and resilient. Together with our dedicated staff, we strive to make connections with scholars to help them feel valued, accepted, and safe. Our overarching goal is to encourage active scholar engagement that fosters a lifetime love for learning.
Principal
Aimee Garcia

César E. Chávez Elementary
School Hours
Breakfast 8:10 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:26 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m.
School Transparency
We believe in inspiring scholars to own their roles as thinkers, lifelong learners, and change agents.
At César E. Chávez Elementary, we create and maintain a high quality, safe learning environment that enables every child to exceed expectations. We are a modern neighborhood school that celebrates diversity and provides assistance to English Learners to ensure academic success. Our outstanding scholars, committed staff, dedicated partnerships, and supportive parents all work together to help today’s learners develop the skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s global market and community. We want our scholars to thrive in all aspects of their lives; therefore, we believe in fostering every child’s inner sense of purpose, independence, and ability to adapt.
Committed Teachers
The teachers at Chávez go above and beyond to ensure that scholars’ needs are met, that parents are involved in their child’s education, and that scholars have a positive experience. With our committed teachers, our learners are challenged and engaged to do their best every day.
Culture & Language
Chávez is located in the heart of one of Grand Rapids’ Hispanic/Latinx communities in which Spanish is the first language in more than 90% of scholars’ homes. Scholars are supported by a bilingual transition program that teaches scholars in their native language while they learn English. As a cultural center, Chávez holds programs and events to celebrate diversity and culture.
Parents as Partners
We believe in empowering families and engaging the community to support academic achievement for all scholars. Chávez values parents as partners in their child’s education. Parents are actively involved as volunteers and regularly participate in many family events throughout the year.
Safe & Secure
Scholars continue to feel safe at Chávez. We rely on the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) program along with our trauma-informed practices to support the whole child’s development. The number of scholars being recognized for making good choices and showing positive behavior continues to increase while behavioral referrals continue to decline. This year’s PBIS assemblies and celebrations engaged K-5 scholars in our S.T.A.R. behavior through participation games, a focus on restorative practices, and a belief that all our scholars are “Rising Stars” at Chávez.
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.
César E. Chávez Elementary Photo Tour
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30 Mar
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No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Mar 30Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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31 Marthru Apr 7
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No School; No LOOP Programming - Spring BreakDate: Mar 31 - Apr 7Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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7 Apr
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Theme School Application Period Closes (3rd Round)Date: Apr 7Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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8 Apr
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Theme School Application Period Opens (4th Round)Date: Apr 8Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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20 Apr
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GRCC Community Fair 6:00 PM to 8:00 PMGRCC Community FairDate: Apr 20Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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11 May
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Last Day of Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) PreschoolDate: May 11Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Family & Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) Volunteer Celebration 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMFamily & Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) Volunteer CelebrationDate: May 11Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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18 May
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LOOP Collaborative Youth FairDate: May 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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22 May
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City High Middle School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMCity High Middle School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 22Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MICalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 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 23Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MICalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Scholar-led committees planned events and created decorations during Black History Month at City High Middle School

Back in person for the first time since 2020, the annual event helped scholars consider challenges, choices and changes.

She didn't grow up in Grand Rapids but Vernis Schad is as much a part of the city as any of its founders.