Welcome to Congress Elementary
(PK-5)
Thank you for your interest in Congress Elementary. I am proud to lead such an amazing group of scholars, families, and staff members. We pride ourselves on having a growth mindset. We focus on rigorous academics, social emotional learning, and maintaining positive relationships. We believe all scholars have the potential to reach their academic goals. Partnering with our families and our community reflects our enriching educational experience.
If you would like more information about Congress Elementary, please call our main office at 616-819-2201.
Congress 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
Relationships are at the heart of all we do at Congress Elementary.
Congress is a unique neighborhood school nestled in the East Hills community. Local businesses are within walking distance and have been integral partners and supporters of scholars, staff, and families.
Housed in a historic building, Congress Elementary is celebrated for its inviting school culture and scholar diversity. Congress Elementary is also identified as a Cultural Center. Teachers have been trained and hold English Language (EL) credentials to support best practice teaching. We are a smaller population but provide an enriching educational experience. We offer Art, Music (general music skill building with free violin lessons), P.E., and Spanish.
We place substantial emphasis on teamwork, and we pride ourselves on communicating clearly with families to support our scholars. Working collaboratively with caregivers, we ensure our strategies and lessons address scholars’ scholastic and social-emotional needs simultaneously. At Congress, our scholars are challenged daily because we promote and believe in the power of a growth mindset.
Congress is grateful to have strong caregiver involvement through the Parent Teacher Community Council (PTCC) and collaboration with community organizations throughout our city and state.
As a Congress cub, your child can benefit from the following partnerships and programs:
- Kids Hope USA (academic and social mentoring)
- Trinity Outreach (evening tutoring and science night)
- GROW after-school program, The Salvation Army
- TeachingWorks program, University of Michigan
- High Impact Leadership program, Western Michigan University
- Artists in Residence (AIR) School, Grand Rapids Symphony
- Girls on the Run (GOTR)
- The Language Artist program, Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Jump Jam, Spectrum Health
- GRPS Athletics (including cross county, track & field, basketball, and soccer)
Meet Our Principal
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31 Mar
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Native American Education Program (NAEP) Library Ribbon-Cutting 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMNative American Education Program (NAEP) Library Ribbon-CuttingDate: Mar 31Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar5:30 pm: Program 5:45-7:00 pm: Open House Light refreshments provided.
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3 Aprthru Apr 10
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Spring BreakDate: Apr 3 - Apr 10Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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21 Apr
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Notice of Public Hearing - Native American Education Program 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMNotice of Public Hearing - Native American Education ProgramDate: Apr 21Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: 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 2026-2027 school year.
The public hearing will be held from 5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the Straight School Building, 850 Chatham NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
If you have any questions, please call 616-819-3318
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22 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 22Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 23Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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24 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 24Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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25 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 25Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 26Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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27 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 27Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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28 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 28Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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After finishing third in the OK Gold Conference last season, the Union girls’ soccer team enters the new year aiming to build on that success.
For the Ottawa Hills Bengals soccer team, winning starts with culture.
In the latest episode of The Roby Report Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby visited Buchanan Elementary School to talk with scholars about the incredible teachers making a difference in their lives every day.





