GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It may be hard to believe, but it's nearly time for students to return to school for the 2024-2025 school year in West Michigan.
Summer has flown by. Back-to-school shopping is underway and teachers are preparing to welcome back scholars for another school year.
Here's our list of when school begins for public schools in West Michigan for the 2024-2025 school year:
Grand Rapids Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 19
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 19
Grandville Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 19
Kentwood Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 19
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
First Day of School: Tuesday, Sept. 3
Kent ISD
For the following programs, the first day is Monday, Aug. 19:
- Kent Career Tech Center
- MySchool@Kent
- Launch U
- Empower U
- KEC Beltline, KEC Oakleigh, Pine Grove Learning Center, Lincoln School and Lincoln Developmental Center
- Adult Education
The Great Start Readiness Program returns on Monday, Aug. 26 for most locations.
Kent City Community Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Kelloggsville Public Schools
First Day of School: Tuesday, Aug. 20
Godwin Heights Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 19
Wyoming Public Schools
First Day of School: Tuesday, Aug. 20
Allendale Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Forest Hills Public Schools
First Day of School: Wednesday, Aug. 21
Caledonia Community Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 19
Byron Center Public Schools
First Day of School: Wednesday, 21
Cedar Springs Public Schools
First Day of School: Wednesday, Aug. 21
Rockford Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Comstock Park Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 19
Hudsonville Public Schools
First Day of School: Wednesday, Aug. 21
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 19
Northview Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Sparta Area Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 19
Coopersville Area Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
West Ottawa Public Schools
First Day of School: Thursday, Aug. 22
Zeeland Public Schools
First Day of School: Wednesday, Aug. 28
Holland City School District
First Day of School: Thursday, Aug. 22
Grand Haven Public Schools
First Day of School: Tuesday, Sept. 3 (1st-12th grade), Wednesday, Sept. 4 (Y5 & K)
Jenison Public Schools
First Day of School: Wednesday, Aug. 21
Muskegon Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System
First Day of School: Tuesday, Sept. 3
North Muskegon Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Mona Shores Public Schools
First Day of School: Thursday, Aug. 29
Reeths-Puffer Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Ravenna Public Schools
First Day of School: Thursday, Aug. 22
Spring Lake Public Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Black River Public Schools
First Day of School: Wednesday, Aug. 21
Fruitport Community Schools
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 26
Orchard View Schools
First Day of School: Tuesday, Aug. 27
Oakridge Public Schools
First Day of School, Tuesday, Aug. 27
Lowell Area Schools
First Day of School: Tuesday, Aug. 20
Back to school safety tips
With the school year starting soon, many students will skip the bus to walk or ride their bikes to class.
East Grand Rapids Public Safety has tips for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to ensure those busy morning and afternoon commutes are safe and smooth:
- If no crossing guard is present, make eye contact with the pedestrian or driver to ensure a safe street crossing.
- Walk bikes while crossing a street and always wear a helmet.
- Ensure bikes are working properly before the first day of school.
- Obey the “no turn on right” signs at red lights during school hours and always use a turn signal.
- Stay alert and off your phone. If you are listening to music, make sure it is either at a level you can hear traffic or you only have one earbud in.
- Do not continue driving until all pedestrians have safely reached the sidewalk.
- As daylight hours shorten, pedestrians and bicyclists should wear reflective clothing or gear so they are easily visible to drivers.
- Follow crossing guard prompts – it may take a few extra minutes, but it provides a safe commute for students.
