Welcome to Buchanan Elementary (PK-5)
We are honored to serve a school with amazing scholars and a supportive community. As a school we focus on building positive relationships so that each scholar feels valued and supported.
We welcome you to visit our school and take a tour by calling 616-819-2252. You will get to meet our wonderful secretaries and support staff. Our open door policy will empower our families to maintain a positive communication pathway. Looking forward to seeing you at Buchanan Elementary.
Principal
Michael Thomasma

Buchanan Elementary
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
We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator
At Buchanan Elementary, we believe that our scholars benefit from a school culture that embraces their identities as Bilingual Learners; our school takes great pride in diversity and celebrating our scholars' rich cultural heritages.
We believe that every scholar deserves...
- The opportunity to maintain their first language into adulthood. Research shows that there are more economic, social, and educational benefits for those who participate in a late-exit bilingual program, and we are proud to provide that for our scholars.
- The opportunity to acquire Spanish language skills even if their first language is not Spanish. Acquisition of the Spanish language supports our desire to ensure every scholar is provided a rigorous, stimulating educational experience.
- The opportunity for a prosperous future in which the number of languages they speak, read, and write is viewed as an asset.
- The opportunity to learn through their first language with the goal of proficiency in English and Spanish; we believe Biliteracy is an investment in our global community.
- The opportunity to develop academic proficiency in both languages over time.
Meet Our Principal
Buchanan Elementary, while newly constructed, is a well-known gem on the southwest side of Grand Rapids. The building has central air, three preschool classrooms that connect to a play area, and beautiful spaces to read, converse and of course learn! Take a virtual tour by viewing our building photos or request an on-site tour to visit our beautiful building and grounds by calling 616-819-2252!
Buchanan Elementary Photo Tour
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6 Aug
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Southeast Career Pathways Ribbon Cutting & Open House 4:30 PM to 5:30 PMSoutheast Career Pathways Ribbon Cutting & Open HouseDate: Aug 6Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PMLocation: 1250 Sigsbee St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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18 Aug
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First Day of 2025-2026 School YearDate: Aug 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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25 Aug
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First Day of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)Date: Aug 25Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Two seniors at Grand Rapids City High School won a nationwide student film contest for their short film about food insecurity, earning them $1,000 and a trip to Hollywood.

He was a kid from southeast Grand Rapids who spent his childhood playing sandlot baseball on the open fields along 28th Street—then just a quiet two-lane road.

Two members of the Class of 2025, who dual-enrolled while in high school at GRPS, are featured as part of Western Michigan University's 'First Year Faces' series.