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.
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)
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5 Nov
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FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College) 6:00 PM to 8:00 PMFAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)Date: Nov 5Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish.
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10 Nov
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FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College) 1:30 PM to 3:30 PMFAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)Date: Nov 10Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PMLocation: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish.
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12 Nov
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FAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School) 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMFAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School)Date: Nov 12Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarTranslation services available in Spanish
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19 Nov
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Burton School 100th Year Celebration 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMBurton School 100th Year CelebrationDate: Nov 19Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: 2133 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarShort program at 6:30 pm
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25 Novthru Nov 27
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Thanksgiving BreakDate: Nov 25 - Nov 27Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 Nov
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GRPS 34th Annual Turkey TrotDate: Nov 26Location: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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16 Decthru Dec 18
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Half Days for Scholars | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Dec 16 - Dec 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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21 Decthru Jan 1
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Winter BreakDate: Dec 21 - Jan 1Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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4 Jan
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First Day of Second SemesterDate: Jan 4Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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11 Jan
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Jan 11Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Inspired by Those Who Helped Him, Melendez Pays It Forward November 5, 2026
When Arnaldo Melendez walks the halls of Burton Middle School, he sees pieces of his own story reflected in the scholars he serves.
Museum High Scholars Explore Healthy, Sustainable Snacking November 5, 2026
Scholars at Grand Rapids Public Museum High School recently had the opportunity to learn about healthy eating and sustainability through an interactive food demonstration led by dietetic intern Amy Boggio.
Local high school students got an up-close look at nearly two centuries of voting artifacts.





