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

School Apps

Buchanan Elementary

1775 Buchanan Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-819-2252
Michael Thomasma
Principal
Elena Conley
Assistant Principal
Jacqueline Suarez
Head Secretary
Dr. Mayda Bahamonde-Gunnell
Executive Director PK-12 Instructional Leadership (Southwest)

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

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

  • 2 Jun
    • Innovation Central High School & Riverside Middle Spring Open House
      Date: Jun 2
      Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Innovation Central High School - Grand Rapids Public Schools, 421 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 4
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Please join us on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, for a Spring Open House. All 6th - 9th-grade incoming scholars will be able to tour the Innovation Central Campus and meet school staff. Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/wup-ghou-rcw Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720
  • 3 Jun
    thru Jun 5
  • 5 Jun
  • 18 Aug
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New lawmaker renews Aberdeen scholars’ push for state insect

Fifth-graders at Aberdeen Academy have gained a powerful new ally in their campaign to name the stonefly as Michigan’s official state insect.

20 GRPS scholars named finalists in 2025 SMART Art Awards

Twenty Grand Rapids Public Schools scholars have been named finalists for the 2025 SMART (Students Making Art with a Renewable Theme) Art Awards. 

Celebrating the Class of 2025

Grand Rapids Public Schools is proud to celebrate the Class of 2025, with approximately 750 graduates receiving their diplomas and taking their next steps toward bright and promising futures.