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Grand Rapids Christian Elementary – Evergreen

United States, Grand Rapids

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $4,410 - 13,300
Ages 1 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 2300
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP)
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Lifestyle and Wellbeing, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School
Introduction

Grand Rapids Christian Elementary – Evergreen Campus, located at 1630 Griggs St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, serves children from Preschool through 5th grade (ages 1–11). The campus offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) as a Candidate School pursuing authorization. Learning is organized in four multi-age teams: a multi-age preschool, Team 1 (Kindergarten and First Grade), Team 2 (Second and Third Grade), and Team 3 (Fourth and Fifth Grade). Instruction is inquiry-based, transdisciplinary, and designed to build community. The curriculum weaves Bible, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Co-Curricular classes into a single program of inquiry presented on a two-year cycle (A in 2025–2026 and B in 2026–2027). The campus emphasizes a Christ-centered environment and whole-child development, and includes Campus Life with Adventure Programs and Athletics, plus Kids Care before and after school. The Evergreen program highlights international-mindedness, leadership, and service rooted in Christ.

1630 Griggs St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

The Essentials

Grand Rapids Christian Elementary – Evergreen has 2,300 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location
1630 Griggs St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506; Evergreen Campus is in the southeast part of Grand Rapids, accessible from Griggs Street SE; Grand Rapids Christian Schools serves the Greater Grand Rapids area with five campuses.

Stages
Preschool through 5th grade. Four levels in a multi-age classroom structure: Multi-age pre-school (3–4–5 year olds), Team 1 (Kindergarten and First Grade), Team 2 (Second and Third Grade), Team 3 (Fourth and Fifth Grade).

Type
Independent Christian day school (Preschool–5th Grade at Evergreen Campus).

Religious affiliation
Christian
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a dress code that applies to Evergreen, Iroquois, and Rockford Christian. Clothing must be appropriate and modest for school, with no pictures or slogans that are inappropriate; shorts must be longer than mid-thigh, and shoulder straps must be at least two fingers wide. Headwear may be worn in class.

Food Options
Hot lunch is available for purchase, including milk. Families provide snacks and lunches for daily intake. The National School Lunch Program is offered across GRCS campuses, including Evergreen.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Grand Rapids Christian Schools, an independent Christian day school system with five campuses.
Fees

Annual tuition at Grand Rapids Christian Elementary – Evergreen ranges from USD 4,410 to USD 13,300 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees
- Variable-tuition application (FACTS Grant & Aid): USD 45 (paid to FACTS when submitting the variable-tuition application).
- Preschool / Young Fives / Kindergarten registration: USD 80 per child (non-refundable / non-transferable).
- Early Learning Center (ELC) waitpool registration: USD 100 to secure a place in the waitpool; this fee is refundable if a placement is not offered prior to aging out of the program.
- Kids Care (before-/after-school care) registration: USD 50 per child per school year (non-refundable).

Annual Tuition — Published 2026–2027 (by grade group)
- Progressive Kindergarten (Evergreen & Iroquois) — Variable tuition range: USD 5,900–USD 10,299; Full tuition (published): USD 10,300 (annual).
- Progressive Kindergarten (Rockford) — Variable tuition range: USD 6,200–USD 10,799; Full tuition: USD 10,800 (annual).
- Five–full–day Kindergarten — Variable tuition range: USD 6,500–USD 11,299; Full tuition: USD 11,300 (annual).
- 1st–4th Grades — Variable tuition range: USD 6,500–USD 11,299; Full tuition: USD 11,300 (annual).
- 5th–6th Grades — Variable tuition range: USD 6,800–USD 11,799; Full tuition: USD 11,800 (annual).
- 7th–8th Grades — Variable tuition range: USD 7,200–USD 12,299; Full tuition: USD 12,300 (annual).
- 9th–12th Grades — Variable tuition range: USD 7,700–USD 13,299; Full tuition: USD 13,300 (annual).

Early childhood (Preschool & Young Fives) — Annual rates (2026–2027)
- Preschool, Mornings — Tue/Thu: USD 2,025 (annual).
- Preschool, Mornings — Mon/Wed/Fri: USD 2,925 (annual).
- Preschool, Mornings — Mon–Fri: USD 4,410 (annual).
- Preschool, Full Day — Tue/Thu: USD 3,960 (annual).
- Preschool, Full Day — Mon/Wed/Fri: USD 5,760 (annual).
- Preschool, Full Day — Mon–Fri: USD 8,235 (annual).
- Spanish Immersion Preschool — M–F AM: USD 4,410; M–F AM + M/W/F PM: USD 7,020; M–F All Day: USD 8,235 (annual).
- Young Fives, Full Day — M/W/F: USD 5,760; M–F: USD 8,235 (annual).

Per-term / per-payment examples (based on published full annual tuition)
- Payment-plan options available: one lump-sum payment due July 31; two equal payments due July 31 and December 31; or 10 monthly payments due August through May on the 15th of each month. Electronic withdrawal payments incur no additional fees when current. (Credit card payments may incur a fee; check and cash are accepted).
- Example calculations using the published full annual tuition (illustrative):
- 1st–4th Grades — Full tuition USD 11,300 per year: two-payment plan = USD 5,650 per payment; 10-month plan = USD 1,130 per month (August–May).
- Progressive Kindergarten (Evergreen) — Full tuition USD 10,300 per year: two-payment plan = USD 5,150 per payment; 10-month plan = USD 1,030 per month (August–May).
- Preschool Example — Preschool Full Day Mon–Fri USD 8,235 per year: two-payment plan = USD 4,117.50 per payment; 10-month plan = USD 823.50 per month (August–May).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing system and schedule: families receive a Continuous Enrollment Agreement and tuition accounts are managed online; payment-plan selection and setup are completed after enrollment. Payment schedule options are: one lump-sum due July 31; two equal payments due July 31 and December 31; or 10 monthly payments due the 15th of each month from August through May. Electronic (bank) withdrawals incur no extra fees if payments are current; credit card payments may incur a processing fee; check and cash are accepted.
- FACTS is used for the variable-tuition application and assessment; the FACTS application fee for variable tuition is USD 45.

Boarding / Homestay (if applicable)
- The school operates as a day school; traditional boarding is not provided for domestic students. For international students the program provides homestay placement and related fees rather than boarding on campus. The international-program homestay fee (2026–2027) is USD 10,000 (annual, as part of the ISP charges).

International Student program — fees (2026–2027)
- International student base tuition: USD 12,500 (annual).
- International student program fee (services & support): USD 16,000 (annual).
- Homestay fee: USD 10,000 (annual).
- Total first-year cost example (ISP): USD 38,500 (includes tuition, ISP fee and homestay); first‑year students pay an additional refundable deposit of USD 3,000 and USD 500 for orientation camp. Tuition for international students is due in full prior to issuance of the I‑20.

Other regular costs & optional fees
- After-school care / Kids Care: program registration USD 50 per child; additional program tuition and fees billed separately (Kids Care program materials and session fees apply).
- Activity and program fees: athletics uniforms, music uniforms, field trips, co-curricular fees and optional program costs are charged separately as applicable (examples include team uniform purchases and program-specific fees). Vendor / spiritwear purchases are available through school vendors (Logo Loft and other vendor lists).

Refund information (where explicitly stated)
- Early Learning Center (ELC) waitpool registration fee USD 100: refundable if the family is not offered enrollment before the child ages out.
- Preschool / Young Fives / Kindergarten registration fee USD 80: identified as non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Kids Care registration fee USD 50: identified as non-refundable.
- International Student refundable deposit: first-year ISP students pay an additional refundable deposit of USD 3,000 (refundable under conditions described in the international student materials). Tuition for international students is required in full prior to I‑20 issuance.

Fee payment options
- Billing and tuition-management platforms: school billing uses the district's online tuition system; families set up accounts and payment methods through the school's tuition portal. Electronic bank withdrawal (ACH/electronic withdrawal) is accepted and carries no additional fee when payments are current; credit card payments are accepted but may carry a processing fee; check and cash are accepted for payments. FACTS is used for the variable-tuition application and may be used for aid processing.
Academics

Grand Rapids Christian Elementary – Evergreen teaches IB (PYP) for students aged 1 to 11.

Curriculum
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Evergreen Campus is a Candidate School pursuing authorization. Learning is organized in intentionally multi-aged classrooms across four levels with inquiry-based, transdisciplinary instruction and a focus on learning in community.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
In our multiage Evergreen Campus, relationships are central and learning is conducted conceptually through inquiry-based, transdisciplinary methods. Students are grouped into four levels: multiage pre-school; Team 1 (kindergarten–first); Team 2 (second–third); Team 3 (fourth–fifth). The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme informs inquiry-based learning and emphasizes collaboration across subjects. Multiage classrooms foster peer mentoring and teamwork, enabling older students to model learning and younger students to learn from one another within a caring community. The program supports social and emotional development through relationship-building, collaboration, and student-led inquiry as part of a standards-based, student-centered approach. The Evergreen Campus is a Candidate School for the IB Primary Years Programme and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School Evergreen Campus supports inclusion and provides individualized services. The school accepts students with mild to moderate disabilities and offers accommodations such as 504 plans and IEPs. An Inclusion program serves Kindergarten through 12th grade, with an admissions process that includes documentation and assessment; however, acceptance depends on available resources. The school provides ongoing support to diverse learners and uses a formal process to identify needs and arrange accommodations during enrollment.

Mental Wellbeing
This caring community provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to be themselves while discovering their gifts.
Parent Experience

Community
Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School Evergreen Campus is part of Grand Rapids Christian Schools, a preschool through 12th grade independent Christian day school with five campuses in the Greater Grand Rapids area. The Evergreen Campus offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme as a Candidate School and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The campus uses a multi-age learning environment with four levels to support students' development, emphasizing inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning. The school serves Preschool through 5th Grade at 1630 Griggs St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, with Emily Jansen as Principal and Jessie Renz as Admissions contact. The site describes learning as “More than just classrooms,” with a wide variety of ways for students to get plugged in within a caring community that connects students, parents, and alumni. The community includes programs and initiatives such as Alumni, Community Meals, Parent Partnership, Growing Deeper, New 2 You, and Eagle TRIP.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School Evergreen Campus has a Parent Teacher Organization (GRCES PTO) that complements the curriculum, enhances, enriches, and encourages the education of all students, and supports staff and the GRCES community. The PTO welcomes new and returning families. The PTO hosts events such as Family Fun Night and Eagle Dash, among other activities, to engage families in the school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Evergreen Campus serves Preschool through 5th Grade at 1630 Griggs St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. It features a multi-age environment and inquiry-based learning with four levels: multi-age preschool, Team 1 (kindergarten and first grade), Team 2 (second and third), and Team 3 (fourth and fifth). It is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Candidate School.

Academic Facilities
The Evergreen Campus participates in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme as an IB Candidate School. Learning is organized in four multi-age teams: multi-age preschool, Team 1, Team 2, and Team 3, with inquiry-based and concept-driven instruction.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Campus Life offers Adventure Programs and Athletics, and Kids Care provides before and after school care.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at Evergreen Campus is a Candidate School pursuing IB authorization. The program invites Evergreen students into inquiry-based learning rooted in curiosity and wonder about God's world. The programme of inquiry is taught on a two-year cycle (A in 2025–2026 and B in 2026–2027), with the same academic standards as GRCS campuses but delivered through an IB framework that emphasizes inquiry, integration of Bible, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Co-Curricular classes, and a Christ-centered approach.

Cultural & Language
The IB PYP at Evergreen fosters international-mindedness, global awareness, and cultural competence. Students explore big ideas—such as perspective, responsibility, community, and stewardship—through units of inquiry that include Bible, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Co-Curricular classes. Grounded in a Christian worldview, the PYP promotes conceptual understanding and a desire to serve others, all within a Christ-centered environment. Leadership and service rooted in Christ are emphasized as students grow through the programme.

Social & Hobbies
Campus Life at Grand Rapids Christian includes Adventure Programs and Athletics, providing experiences beyond the classroom. This reflects a broader emphasis on engaging students in activities that extend learning and build community.

Community & Service
The mission of Grand Rapids Christian Schools is to prepare students to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society. The IB PYP at Evergreen reinforces service and leadership rooted in Christ, and seeks to develop global awareness and cultural competence so students carry these values beyond Evergreen.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership rooted in Christ is emphasized, with the IB PYP helping students become independent thinkers and problem solvers who are prepared to carry leadership and service into middle school and beyond.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Adventure Programs and Athletics contribute to students' physical activity and outdoor engagement, while GRCS emphasizes a safe and nurturing community that supports students as they discover their gifts.
Reputation

Accreditations
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Candidate School; pursuing authorization as IB World School.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Inquire. The Admissions Team welcomes questions and provides guidance through the application process. Families can learn about Grand Rapids Christian Schools and the Evergreen Campus, ask about programs and schedules, and receive clarity on next steps. Inquiries can be submitted through the enrollment portal linked to grcs.fsenrollment.com. 2) Visit. Families are invited to visit GRCS campuses and participate in events to learn about programs and fit. Options include Future Eagle Day, GRCHS Showcase, Preschool and Kindergarten Information Nights, Evergreen Registration, Iroquois Registration, Rockford Registration, and RCS Discovery Night. 3) Apply. Submit the online application as part of the admissions process. The admissions pathway includes Inquire, Visit, and Apply steps. 4) Tuition and Affordability. Families review tuition costs and affordability options, including Variable Tuition. The Variable Tuition process uses FACTS Grant & Aid; there is a $45 application fee. Award outcomes can include a Variable Tuition award, no award, or a waitlist; award letters are issued in February after rates are finalized. Church or employer support may be applied in addition to Variable Tuition, and applying for Variable Tuition does not affect admissions.

Scholarships
Variable Tuition. Grand Rapids Christian Schools offers a Variable Tuition program to reduce tuition based on family finances. Applications are submitted online to FACTS Grant & Aid, with a $45 fee to apply. Variable Tuition rates are published by grade level (e.g., Kindergarten through 12th grade) and can range from several thousand dollars to full tuition; award letters are issued in February after tuition rates are finalized, with possible outcomes including a formal award, no award, or waitlist for funding if additional funds become available. It is possible to combine church or employer contributions with Variable Tuition. Not all families that apply for Variable Tuition will receive an award, and applications must be resubmitted each year. If you apply for Variable Tuition before or during the admissions process, an Admissions Team member can assist. Limited Scholarships for International Students. The International Student Program Handbook notes that limited scholarships are available for international students up to $10,000 per year based on need, geographical location, and student application.
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