Burton Elementary Building
Previous Next

Welcome to Burton Elementary
(PK-5)

Hello, hola, muraho, habari, haye!

Welcome to our Burton Elementary website! We are excited to share the amazing things that are happening within our Burton community. As the principal of Burton Elementary, I am proud of how our scholars, families, staff, and community work together to support our young Redhawks in soaring to new heights academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. Our diverse community works together to guide our scholars to push through to be the best they can be each and every day. 

We offer preschool through 5th grade scholars the opportunity to learn and grow in the classroom and beyond. Our passionate staff work hard to support all of our scholars’ individual and unique needs. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Burton Elementary family, please reach out to us today! We look forward to soaring with you!

Amarena Nelson
Principal

School Apps

Burton Elementary

2133 Buchanan Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-819-2262
Amarena Nelson
Principal
Tracey Mann
Assistant Principal
Christine Hoque
Head Secretary
Aliyah Rivera
Kent School Services Network (KSSN) Coordinator

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. 

KSSN

We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator

Burton Elementary promotes a diverse, respectful community of academic achievement by involving scholars, parents, and community in the learning process.

As one of the district’s cultural centers, we provide bilingual support to English learners. We have dedicated bilingual staff to support our scholars and families.

The staff at Burton Elementary are committed to student success. They go above and beyond to ensure that each scholar's needs are met, that families are involved in their child’s education, and that scholars have a positive experience.

Education is expanded beyond the four walls of our classrooms, and our staff facilitate this exploration with excitement and enthusiasm. Our scholars matter, and not only do we believe in them, but we teach them to believe in themselves.

Burton Elementary was awarded with the Apple Distinguished Schools for Technology in 2019. We believe that an Apple a day is the Burton way.

Burton Elementary Photo Tour


  • 3 Apr
    thru Apr 10
  • 21 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Public Reception for GRPS Families & Friends
      Date: Apr 21
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
    • Notice of Public Hearing - Native American Education Program
      Date: Apr 21
      Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar

      Native American Parents, Native American Students and the General Public are invited to share recommendations regarding programs and services to meet the special needs of Native American students in Grand Rapids Public Schools.

      The input will be used to develop the district’s application for federal funding for the 2026-2027 school year.

      The public hearing will be held from 5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the Straight School Building, 850 Chatham NW, Grand Rapids, MI  49504

      If you have any questions, please call 616-819-3318

       

  • 22 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 22
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 23 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 23
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 24 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 24
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 25 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 25
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 26 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 26
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 27 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 27
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 28 Apr
    • Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public
      Date: Apr 28
      Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
Union golf tees up for exciting 2026

The Union Redhawks boys’ golf team enters the 2026 season with growing numbers and clear goals in mind. Under the leadership of coaches Colson Ceglarek and Jamie Devoe, the program continues to build momentum.

Fox17 Online: FOX 17 helps get books into the hands of kids in West Michigan

Research shows a connection between childhood poverty, lack of access to reading resources, lower reading proficiency and the ability to prepare for the world beyond school.

Union alum inspires scholars in the same place that inspired her

When Kristin Babinski walks the halls of Union High School, she’s not just a teacher — she’s a proud alum giving back to the school that helped shape her future.