Opening day at HLA
Kids celebrate Day of the Child
riboncutting at new playground
Field Day at HLA

I believe every child deserves the chance to succeed, no matter their circumstances. As a proud graduate of Holland Public Schools and a parent whose children learn in our buildings, I believe deeply in the work we are doing together for my children and yours.

This is my nineteenth year in education and my eleventh as principal, yet my passion for teaching and supporting children has never been stronger. I am grateful for the privilege of serving the community that shaped me, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together for our students this year.

-Iliana Vasquéz
Principal



The Red Note - HLA Newsletter

Check here each Sunday afternoon for an updated newsletter.

What's Happening at HLA:

Small Schools | Big Opportunities

Get a closer look at the Small Schools & Big Opportunities at Holland Public Schools!

Kindergarten Enrollment Nights: Come see classrooms, say Hi to your principal, and meet your teacher!

  • Holland Language Academy | Wednesday, January 28, 5-7pm
  • Jefferson Elementary | Wednesday, January 28, 5-7pm
  • Nature-based Holland Heights| Thursday, January 29, 5-7pm
  • West Elementary | Thursday, January 29, 5-7pm

HMS & HHS Enrollment Nights: Learn about classes and clubs, see the building, and meet the staff at HHS and HMS

  • Step Up to Holland Middle School | Thursday, January 29, 6-8pm
  • Find Your Fit at Holland High School | Monday, January 26, 6-8pm
West Kitchen (L to R): Julie D., Denise, Julie M.

Whats' Cooking - December

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

  • The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program at West, Heights, and Jefferson Elementary is going amazingly well!
  • No Cost Breakfast Program Message
  • Meet the  WEST ELEMENTARY Food Service Staff
Read Full Article

Sunday, December 7, 2025

December 7, 2025

As we head into our final two weeks before Winter Break, our focus is on finishing strong. When we return in January, we will only have a few short days before beginning our winter benchmark assessments.

Please continue encouraging your child to read, read, and read some more. Pause with them to notice new vocabulary, talk about word patterns you see, and ask them to teach you our Word of the Day, which we introduce each morning during announcements.

The best way for our students to grow as readers, and as learners, is by consistently reading and building their vocabulary “word bank.” Thank you for your partnership in supporting learning at home each and every day.

Read Full Article

Nurse Notes - December

As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to keep in mind that we need to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally. To balance holidays and health, we should think about prioritizing self-care.

Our monthly newsletter from the Holland Hospital School Nurses.

Read Full Article
Abby and Olivia

HPSPodcast 6.13

Holland Dutch Theatre is ready for opening night of The SpongeBob Musical! This week we talk with Abby Hart and Olivia Zoet from the cast of the show.

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Elizabeth Wiersma is the Holland Hospital School Nurse at Holland Middle School

Nurse Notes - November

It's Flu Season and the Holland Hospital School Nurses have some important notes on the Flu.

Read Full Article

Downtown Holland To Host Winter Gear Donation Drive to Benefit HPS

Downtown Holland is partnering with HPS to host a winter gear donation drive to help keep elementary school students warm and dry this winter. A total of 14 Downtown Holland businesses will be collecting donations as part of the drive, being held from November 3 – 16. 

Holland Public School families in need will be able to collect the items at their Power H shopping event on November 19, with details provided to students by HPS.

Read Full Article

Food Insecurity During the Government Shutdown

The health and well-being of HPS students & families is our highest priority. 

During this government shutdown we know that many HPS families could experience food insecurity; especially those that rely on SNAP benefits. If your family is experiencing food insecurity during this government shutdown, HPS is here to help.  

Read Full Article

HPSPodcast 6.12

Holland Public Schools and the BeNice organization will host Thrive Together on Thursday evening at Holland Middle School.  This is a night focused on mental health for students and their families.  On the HPSPodcast his week, we talk with Holland Hospital School Nurse Program Mental Health Care Manager Lisa Gort about the district's focus on helping students Thrive and on this important event.

Thrive Together will be held Thursday, October 6, 5:30-7pm at Holland Middle School.

Whats' Cooking - November

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

  • Exciting News for Middle School Students Can Now Enjoy Ala Carte Options at Lunch!
  • Staff Spotlights, Meet some of our HPS Nutrition Lead Food Service Servers: Lori Lutke, Heather Bowes, Linda Wilson
Read Full Article

Meet our Student Resource Officers!

Take a look at the Holland Dept of Public Safety School Resource Officers (SRO) and Community Policing Officers who are assigned to our schools.

  • Ofc. Nicole Hamberg - Holland High
  • Ofc. Nic Wedeven – Holland Middle
  • Ofc. Spencer DeGraaf – Heights
  • Ofc. Padron-Hernandez – West and HLA
  • Ofc. Rod Mendoza - Jefferson
Read Full Article

Firearm Safety and Harm Prevention

Legal ownership of firearms comes with important safety responsibilities to prevent accidental firearm injuries and deaths, thefts, and suicide, including among children.

  • Under House Bill 5451, beginning October 1, 2025, Michigan law will require school districts to distribute a safe storage informational notice—developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)—to the parent or legal guardian of each student each October.
Read Full Article

HLA Calendar

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Holland Language Academy
461 Van Raalte Ave

Holland, MI 49423
Phone: 616-494-2600
Fax: 616-393-7652

Teachers & Staff

School Times:

  • Full Day | 8:15am* - 3:21pm
  • Wednesday Early Dismissal | 2:21pm
  • Half Day | 8:15* - 11:20am

*Please do not arrive at school earlier than 8:10

HLA Office Hours:

  • 7:45am- 4pm | M-F (August-June)

HLA Media Center

We are Here For You and your student.

Click here for emotional & mental health resources.


Volunteer at HLA:

We love when parents or guardians get involved. Make sure to fill out the district volunteer form (once each school year) and return it to the office.