Lowell Area Schools

Lowell Area Schools
Address
300 High Street[1]
, Kent, Michigan, 49331
United States
District information
TypePublic
GradesPreK–12[2]
SuperintendentNate Fowler[3]
Budget$67,148,000 expenditures 2021-2022[2]
NCES District ID2622050 [2]
Students and staff
Students3,436 (2023–2024)[2]
Teachers193.13 (2023-2024) FTE[2]
Staff410.68 (2023-2024) FTE[2]
Student–teacher ratio17.79:1[2]
Other information
Websitewww.lowellschools.com

Lowell Area Schools (LAS) is a school district serving Lowell, Michigan.

In addition to Lowell itself, the school district serves parts of the following townships in Kent County: Ada, Bowne, Cascade, Cannon, Grattan, Lowell and Vergennes.[4] In Ionia County, it serves parts of Boston Township, Campbell Township, and Keene Township.[5]

History

In 1838, Lowell built the first schoolhouse between Grand Rapids and Ionia. In 1862, the town upgraded to a union school, which was organized with a modern grading system. The building had two stories, was made of wood, and had a central cupola with a bell. It was known as the "Old White Schoolhouse." In the 1870s, elementary schools were built in the town and the union school served high school students.

A new Lowell High School was built in 1916.[6] It was located at the southwest corner of N. Monroe Street and King Street.[7] It continued to serve until fall 1963, when it was replaced by a building at 750 Foreman Road. The architectural firm of the 1963 building was Post-McMillen-Palmer.[8] That building became Lowell Middle School when the current Lowell High School opened in 1994.[9][10] Renovations and several additions were completed at the middle school in 2023.[11]

Schools

List of Schools in the Lowell Area Schools District[2][12]
School Address Notes
Lowell High School 11700 Vergennes, Lowell Grades 9-12. Opened fall 1994.[13]
Unity Alternative High School 300 High St., Lowell Alternative high school headquartered at administration building.
Lowell Middle School 750 Foreman Road, Lowell Grades 6-8. Renovation project completed fall 2023.[14] Formerly Lowell High School.[15]
Alto Elementary School 6150 Bancroft, Alto Grades K-5
Bushnell Elementary School 700 Elizabeth St., Lowell Grades K-1
Cherry Creek Elementary School 12675 Foreman Road, Lowell Grades 2-5
Murray Lake Elementary School 3275 Alden Nash NE, Lowell Grades K-5
Yieter Learning Center 320 Amity, Lowell Preschool
The Wittenbach-Wege Agriscience and Environmental Center 11715 Vergennes, Lowell Natural sciences center

References

  1. ^ Lowell Area Schools. "Lowell Area Schools". Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Search for Public School Districts – District Detail for Lowell Area Schools". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  3. ^ Lowell Area Schools. "Superintendent". Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  4. ^ Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. "Kent County School Districts" (PDF). Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  5. ^ Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. "Ionia County School Districts" (PDF). Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  6. ^ LaPonsie, Maryalene (November 3, 2021). "The ABCs of Lowell History: U is for Union Graded School". Lowell's First Look.
  7. ^ Editorial staff of Lowell High School yearbook. 1958 Retrospectus (Lowell High School Yearbook). p. aerial photo p. 1.
  8. ^ "Architects show work". Grand Rapids Press. November 6, 1962. p. 33.
  9. ^ Maliepaard, John M. (June 16, 1994). "Open house at new high school a success". The Grand Rapids Press. p. East section 13.
  10. ^ Editorial staff of Lowell High School Yearbook. Too Much Class 1994 (Lowell High School Yearbook). p. 1.
  11. ^ Smith, Michelle (August 31, 2023). "Lowell Middle School Ribbon Cutting and Open House Draws Crowd". Lowell's First Look.
  12. ^ Lowell Area Schools. "Lowell Area Schools". Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  13. ^ Maliepaard, John M. (June 16, 1994). "Open house at new high school a success". The Grand Rapids Press. p. East section 13.
  14. ^ Smith, Michelle (August 31, 2023). "Lowell Middle School Ribbon Cutting and Open House Draws Crowd". Lowell's First Look.
  15. ^ Editorial staff of Lowell High School Yearbook. Too Much Class 1994 (Lowell High School Yearbook). p. 1.