Congress Building
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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. 

Jonathan Harper
Principal

School Apps

Congress Elementary

940 Baldwin St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: 616-819-2201 Fax: 616-819-2203
Jonathan Harper
Principal
Britni Rositas
Head Secretary

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. 

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)  
  • 5 Nov
    • FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)
      Date: Nov 5
      Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish.
  • 10 Nov
    • FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)
      Date: Nov 10
      Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
      Location: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish.
  • 12 Nov
    • FAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School)
      Date: Nov 12
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish
  • 19 Nov
    • Burton School 100th Year Celebration
      Date: Nov 19
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: 2133 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Short program at 6:30 pm
  • 25 Nov
    thru Nov 27
  • 26 Nov
    • GRPS 34th Annual Turkey Trot
      Date: Nov 26
      Location: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 16 Dec
    thru Dec 18
  • 21 Dec
    thru Jan 1
  • 4 Jan
  • 11 Jan
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