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Elementary

Lakewood Elementary

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Lakewood Elementary is a relatively small, family-oriented school that is an outstanding choice in education for families in the Holland and West Ottawa areas. At Lakewood, every member of our community is involved in the education of our students. With the strong support of our staff, families, and PTO, our children come to school where a lifelong love of learning is fostered and where children are nurtured to be leaders. Our dedicated staff at Lakewood is highly committed to making personal connections with students and their families while also providing a safe and engaging learning environment that helps prepare students to become college, career, and life ready.

At Lakewood, we house district-wide special education programs where the students are involved with non-disabled peers through classroom integration as well as a buddy program that builds lifelong skills in working with people that may exhibit differences. We also house a S.A.I.L. program, which is a gifted and talented language arts program for students in grades Kindergarten through 5th. Please take the time to come and visit and talk with our staff and community members about the awesome educational opportunities that the students at Lakewood experience.

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Awards &Accolades

Our school is proud of the following awards:

2019 National Blue Ribbon School

2025 National Blue Ribbon School

#2 BEST ELEMENTARY PUBLIC SCHOOL IN OTTAWA COUNTY

NICHE BEST SCHOOLS RANKINGS, 2026

100% Highly Qualified, Instructional Staff

1% Top Percentile Statewide Academic Performance

MeetMr. Ghareeb

I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Psychology. My career in education began in 1996 as an elementary school resource teacher, and I spent five years teaching at both the elementary and middle school levels in Grand Rapids Public Schools. During that time, I earned my master’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Special Education Administration with Director’s Approval.

In 2002, I began my administrative career as a high school assistant principal and athletic director. Over the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of serving students, families and staff in a variety of roles, including middle school principal, elementary school principal, special education director and early childhood director.

I am incredibly grateful to have been part of West Ottawa Public Schools for the past nine years, and I am especially proud to serve as the principal of Lakewood Elementary. Lakewood is a special place where relationships matter, students are encouraged to discover their strengths, and we work together to help every child grow academically, socially and personally.

I truly believe that we are better together, and I am excited to continue partnering with our students, families, staff and community to make Lakewood a place where every child feels known, values, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Our goal is simple: to help every student become confident, compassionate, and prepared for success in college, career, and life!

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Lakewood Elementary has been such a great place for our children to attend. We could not imagine having our boys go anywhere else. Between the amazing staff, very involved PTO, and wonderful academic opportunities we are so very happy to have Lakewood as our elementary school. Knowing that caring and compassionate staff surround our boys each day is such a reassurance.
Theresa Snider, parent

We have had such a positive experience at Lakewood and West Ottawa. The academic data is impressive, but only tells part of the story. Teachers are passionate about educating each and every child. They understand the importance of developing the whole child and do so much to nurture all students. It is the teachers' love of teaching that breeds a love of learning in this school, and that is a gift to last a lifetime.
Erin James, parent