Coit 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 Coit Creative Arts Academy (PK-5)

My name is Molly Ali, and I am honored to serve as the Interim Principal at Coit Creative Arts Academy. As someone who believes deeply in the power of education, creativity, and community, I am thrilled to lead a school that celebrates the arts while striving for academic excellence.

At Coit, our staff is dedicated to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and the development of the PYP Learner Profile. We are proud to be a place where scholars can explore their unique talents and grow in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment.

To our prospective scholars and families, we invite you to join our vibrant community! Whether your passion is music, dance, visual arts, theater, or something yet to be discovered, Coit is a place where your creativity will be celebrated and your academic journey supported. We can’t wait to meet you and help you shine!

Molly Ali
Interim Principal

School Apps

Coit Creative Arts Academy

617 Coit Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-819-2390
Molly Ali
Interim Principal
Cara Sauber
Head Secretary
Crystal Hill
DHHS Coordinator

School Hours

Breakfast 8:50 a.m.
Start Time 9:10 a.m.
Dismissal 4:08 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 12:20 p.m. 

KSSN

We are a Community School!
Connect with your KSSN Coordinator

Creative. Original. Imaginative. Thinkers. We are Coit.

Coit Creative Arts Academy offers an inquiry-based curriculum that integrates creative expression, visual arts, music, dance, and movement with academic excellence.

We are proud to be an authorized International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP). With a commitment to high-quality, challenging, and inquiry-based education, we continue to promote conceptual understanding and critical thinking as our learners build new knowledge and skills. Our PYP teachers work collaboratively across grade levels and content areas, as well as in partnership with a wide range of arts and university partners, to help our scholars make meaning of the world around them.

With a strong emphasis on social emotional learning via the Learner Profile, our scholars develop agency through voice, choice, and ownership. They confidently communicate using written and spoken word, song, visual arts, and movement. Valuing all voices and experiences, we prepare our scholars to be leaders and global citizens.

Primary Years Programme

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.

Coit Creative Arts Academy is the elementary ARTS school for the Grand Rapids Public Schools located in the Belknap neighborhood on the Northeast side of the city. The original building was built in 1880 and it is the oldest working school in Michigan. In 2002, the building was renovated into an arts school. We have a full art, music and dance studio and a full stage in the gym. Our scholars have created a pollinator garden outside and enjoy two playgrounds, one dedicated to Pre-K and the other shared by all scholars.

Coit Creative Arts Academy Photo Tour


  • 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
  • 3 Apr
    thru Apr 10
  • 18 May
    • CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony
      Date: May 18
      Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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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.