Palmer Elementary Building
GRPS Expo & Information Fair Join us on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at GRPS University and learn more about the region’s largest, most comprehensive selection of school choices offered at GRPS.
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Welcome to Palmer Elementary (PK-5)

I take great pride in serving as the Principal of Palmer Elementary. As one of the cultural centers in GRPS, we embody a diverse scholar population representing many countries and languages. Each of our scholars is unique, and our knowledgeable staff strives to provide them with an individualized academic experience that is challenging and robust. Our goal is simple: prepare our scholars for success today and into their future. 

Interested in becoming part of the Palmer family? Please contact our school to set up a time to visit. We hope a tour of our school will help you determine if Palmer is the ideal fit for you and your scholar. 

Leanne Opoka Lange
Principal

School Apps

Palmer Elementary

309 Palmer St. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Phone: 616-819-2929
Leanne Opoka Lange
Principal
Joan Day
Head Secretary

School Hours

Breakfast 8:00 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:28 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m. 

Palmer: Where school and community are one.

Palmer Elementary is a neighborhood school located on the northeast side of Grand Rapids. We are nestled in the Creston Neighborhood and embrace the community feel in our school program. We believe in building leadership and responsibility among our scholars through the implementation of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) initiatives. As one of the district’s cultural centers, we encompass a diverse scholar population which represents multiple countries and languages. Our strong community partnerships provide academic and enrichment opportunities for all scholars. 

The dedicated staff at Palmer strive to deliver equitable and rigorous instruction for all scholars. At Palmer we are a family dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment that is conducive to learning. We are the HAWKS! We are Honest, Accountable, Welcoming, Kind, and Safe. 

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.

  • 19 Jan
  • 23 Jan
    • Union Redhawks Boys Basketball Youth Night
      Date: Jan 23
      Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
      Location: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 26 Jan
    • Union Redhawks Girls Basketball Youth Night
      Date: Jan 26
      Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 28 Jan
    • GRPS Expo & Information Fair
      Date: Jan 28
      Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
      Location: 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar

      Join GRPS on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at GRPS University for the annual Expo & Information Fair! With the largest selection of school choices in West Michigan, this is your chance to explore our schools, learn about enrollment, and meet GRPS staff while enjoying free dinner, giveaways, and fun activities.

      Bring the whole family and get ready for the 2026–2027 school year—see you there!

  • 30 Jan
    • Ottawa Hills Bengals Boys Basketball Youth Night
      Date: Jan 30
      Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
      Location: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 10 Feb
    • Ottawa Hills Bengals Girls Basketball Youth Night
      Date: Feb 10
      Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
      Location: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 16 Feb
    thru Feb 17
  • 5 Mar
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Both GRPS Wrestling Teams Perform Strongly at Dunneback Memorial Tournament

The Dunneback Memorial Wrestling Tournament, held earlier this month, showcased strong performances from both Union and Ottawa Hills. 

Reimagine Alexander & Stocking: Community meetings held, online feedback form open

The future of two former school sites will be centered on community feedback, and there is still time for you to add your voice.

Redhawks Boys Basketball Showing Major Turnaround This Season

The Union Redhawks varsity boys basketball team continues its resurgence this season, already surpassing its combined win total from the previous two years with more than half of the schedule still remaining.