Frequently Asked Questions

Kentwood Public Schools is one of three districts in Kent County to have growing student enrollment during the past 10 years, with the second-highest percentage of student growth in the county. New housing communities are being constructed throughout the district currently, with more being planned. In short, Kentwood has become a “destination district” in our region and state. Kentwood Public Schools is committed to offering a high quality education, with equitable opportunities for all students. By adding our 11th elementary school, we will be well-positioned to continue our commitment to excellence and equity in education for many years to come. 

Yes. In order to create a group of students for the new building, adjustments will be made to the attendance zones for all elementary schools.

When a new school opens, it is necessary to rework attendance zones to create a group of students to attend the new school. This also provides us an opportunity to look at the overall attendance zones of all schools to ensure we are meeting goal # 2 of our strategic plan, providing equitable opportunities and outcomes for each student.

The district is using current enrollment data, looking at home construction, both current and planned, for our area, and considering stakeholder feedback to make decisions regarding the new elementary attendance zones. Stakeholder feedback from fall 2023 revealed three priorities when it comes to determining new attendance zones for elementary schools: 1) creating/maintaining neighborhood schools; 2) maintaining diversity in our buildings; and 3) considering population growth/balance for elementary schools. 

The new boundaries will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year.

The construction of the extensive renovation of the existing building to create the new Hamilton Elementary and Early Childhood Center began in Spring 2024.

The scheduled date for opening is set for the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

Hamilton will be a preschool - 5th grade building, including a dedicated space for an Early Childhood Center.

Focus groups, town hall meetings, and surveys took place in the fall of 2023 and again in the spring of 2024 to give members of the community opportunities to share their voices and opinions regarding decisions about the new Hamilton Elementary & Early Childhood Center. There will be more opportunities for families to provide input during the 2024-25 school year as we prepare to implement the new zones and open the new building for the 2025-26 school year.

The district is undergoing a comprehensive review of data, including existing attendance zones within our district, to determine which students will have the opportunity to attend the new school. We have conducted surveys and held town hall meetings and focus groups to get input from families, students, staff, and community members to include their thinking in our decision-making process. 

We have not made final decisions regarding this yet. We continue to get input from families, students, staff, and community members so we can include their thinking in our decision-making process.

We have not made decisions regarding this issue yet. We continue to get input from families, students, staff, and community members so we can include their thinking in our decision-making process. To note, transportation is not provided by KPS for students engaged in “within district transfers.” Kentwood Public Schools is committed to providing a quality educational experience at each of our schools.

Students who are attending KPS via Schools of Choice will remain in our district. We have not made the decision yet as to whether these students could potentially change elementary schools within our district as we adjust attendance zone boundaries. We continue to get input from families, students, staff, and community members so we can include their thinking in our decision-making process.

We have not made a final decision regarding this issue yet. We continue to get input from families, students, staff, and community members so we can include their thinking in our decision-making process.

We understand that change like this can be challenging, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for our students and families. The district is making plans to ensure that each child and family who moves to a new school will be warmly welcomed into the new school community. 

As a district, we will ensure that special services and accommodations follow your child to their new school. In addition, we will take time with special needs students and families to introduce them to their new schools, classrooms, and teachers. Your child’s physical and emotional health are important to us.

The decisions for staffing will come in early Spring once the final plans regarding elementary attendance zones are determined.