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.
Principal
Jennifer Williams

Congress 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.
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)
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.
Our newly modernized building is a hidden gem on the west side of Grand Rapids featuring updated entrances, classrooms, air conditioning, and an athletic wing, surrounded by sprawling green space for outdoor education and athletics.
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9 Aug
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Congress Elementary Registration Support 9:00 AM to 4:00 PMCongress Elementary Registration SupportDate: Aug 9Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PMLocation: Congress Elementary School, 940 Baldwin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: Congress CalendarThis event has a video call. Join: https://meet.google.com/nqk-mjrg-yms
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10 Aug
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Congress Elementary Registration Support 9:00 AM to 4:00 PMCongress Elementary Registration SupportDate: Aug 10Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PMLocation: Congress Elementary School, 940 Baldwin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: Congress CalendarThis event has a video call. Join: https://meet.google.com/gsq-apkh-vge
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18 Aug
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Congress Elementary Open House 5:30 PM to 7:30 PMCongress Elementary Open HouseDate: Aug 18Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Congress Elementary School, 940 Baldwin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: Congress CalendarThis event has a video call. Join: https://meet.google.com/mdf-ghck-iqu
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23 Aug
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First Day of 2022-2023 School YearDate: Aug 23Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Novthru Nov 25
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NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving BreakDate: Nov 23 - Nov 25Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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19 Decthru Jan 2
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NO SCHOOL - Winter BreakDate: Dec 19 - Jan 2Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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GRPS has adopted a new dress code policy that will provide scholars with freedom to express themselves while ensuring safety and educational goals.


Mark your calendar for your school's orientation and open house.