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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19 Oct
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Oct 19Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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2 Novthru Nov 3
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No School | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Nov 2 - Nov 3Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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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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18 Jan
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Martin Luther King, Jr. DayDate: Jan 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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15 Febthru Feb 16
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No School | No LOOP Programming (Mid-Winter Break)Date: Feb 15 - Feb 16Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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As folks make their way through the Grand Rapids streets this year, taking in the sights and sounds of the city’s preeminent art festival, they’re bound to notice hundreds of larger-than-life dragonflies peppering the Heritage Hill neighborhood.
The Grand Rapids Board of Education has created a desired candidate profile for the next superintendent of GRPS, using feedback provided by more than 1,700 scholars, families, staff, and community members over the past two months.
Union High School Celebrates Culture and Community September 22, 2026
Union High School hosted its second annual Culture Celebration on Friday, September 18, bringing scholars, staff, and the community together for an afternoon of food, talent, and cultural connection.





