Welcome to Kent Hills Elementary
(PK-5)
As the principal of Kent Hills Elementary School, I am pleased to lead a team that is committed to the success of each and every scholar. Our staff is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment that challenges each scholar to achieve at the highest levels. Scholars will grow into independent learners while being provided with opportunities to grow socially and emotionally through cooperative learning.
Kent Hills Elementary is a small neighborhood school that welcomes you to join our family. If you are interested in learning more about what we have to offer, please stop by for a visit. We would be delighted to introduce your family to our Kent Hills family.
Principal
Chad Nielsen

Kent Hills 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
At Kent Hills, all scholars belong.
Kent Hills Elementary School provides a safe, nurturing environment that enables all scholars to achieve their maximum potential. Above all, our veteran staff is committed to scholar learning, challenging each child to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Scholars learn and play on our updated playgrounds and throughout our expansive green space, allowing peer-to-peer relationships to thrive. We have a diverse scholar body that is recognized and celebrated for the unique identities and cultural heritages each scholar brings to the school.
We take pride in ensuring our scholars and their families feel challenged, supported, and safe at Kent Hills. In a recent survey, we found that:
- 98% of families feel welcomed at Kent Hills
- 97% of caregivers feel their child is challenged at Kent Hills
- 92% of caregivers believe the school provides their child with additional support when needed
- 96% of families feel the school rules are consistently enforced
Kent Hills Elementary is receiving air conditioning for the first time as part of a major investment in the northeast side elementary school. The project upgrades the old heating-only system to a heating, cooling and ventilation system. The work also includes new electrical and controls infrastructure to the new units.
Publish Date: September 29, 2023
The heating system scope is complete and the units are fully functional. Unfortunately, the delivery of the cooling unit was delayed until the end of October due to supply chain issues. The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-November.
Kent Hills Elementary is situated within a beautiful park setting surrounded by mature trees rising above the property in an established neighborhood. The expansive green spaces provide scholars and teachers with opportunities to take their learning outside and expand on academic concepts. The playground equipment has been recently updated with engaging play structures that support active play. Scholars also have dedicated specials rooms that support more comprehensive art, music and physical education programs. There is also an expansive library where scholars access various levels and types of books.
Kent Hills Elementary Photo Tour
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4 Oct
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Fall Count DayDate: Oct 4Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Dean Transportation Update & Parent Feedback | Suggestions 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMDean Transportation Update & Parent Feedback | SuggestionsDate: Oct 4Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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7 Oct
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Ottawa Hills Girls Swim InvitationalDate: Oct 7Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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10 Oct
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GRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) Meeting 9:30 AM to 11:00 AMGRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) MeetingDate: Oct 10Time: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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GRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) Meeting 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMGRPS Parent Action Leaders (PALs) MeetingDate: Oct 10Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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13 Oct
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Ottawa Hills Homecoming Football Game 7:00 PM to 10:00 PMOttawa Hills Homecoming Football GameDate: Oct 13Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Oct
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No School; No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Oct 23Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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31 Oct
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Half Day for Scholars; No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Oct 31Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Change is happening at Ottawa Hills High School as community investments are turned over for the benefit of scholars.

A new weight room was unveiled at Ottawa Hills High School, the culmination of efforts from community partners and donors.

As Zoo School turns 50, volunteers are planning an open-house style event with a taco dinner, music, games and more to highlight the commitment to excellence in education offered by Grand Rapids Public Schools.