Welcome to Congress Elementary 
(PK-5)

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)