Kids love going to school at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science.

Here, your preschool through 12th-grade child can attend one of the best schools in the state.

At West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science it is our mission to strive to provide an environment that will foster creativity, promote academic achievement, and develop sound character and citizenship principles emphasizing responsibility to the environment and society, while maintaining and improving each child’s self-esteem and self-concept.

You have the power to give your child the best possible education while also giving them a unique learning experience. We get it…

At West Michigan Academy, our goal is clear; to create an environment where children advance in learning because they learn through discovery. Our environment develops both a successful student and a responsible, conscientious adult.

Many young students holding up fruits by the garden
Female student holding a tree sapling
Male student smiling while planting in the garden
Three students and one teacher holding up plants

We Encourage Learning Outside!

We start with Michigan curriculum standards for kindergarten and expand them into the diverse ecosystems of our 62-acre campus. Our students are encouraged to explore, measure, track, plant, grow, run and focus on creating a more sustainable future.

We have five outdoor classrooms!

  • Forest – sit on benches or a picnic table
  • Pond – sit on the boardwalk that hovers over the pond
  • Prairie & reading garden – perch upon a rock or a picnic table
  • Meadow – carry carpet squares out to sit under giant trees
  • Garden – spot a new vegetable, fruit, or critter while learning on a bale of hay, bench, or picnic table

Every teacher has access to outdoor spaces. They’re encouraged to take their class to sit on carpet mats under our birch trees, to teach their lessons at picnic tables in our garden, to take their class into the prairie and let them take a breath of fresh air and re-center.

WMAES Classroom List

We accompany multiple learning styles by incorporating outdoor classroom learning with indoor classroom learning.

Have you ever had pancakes with maple syrup – made from Maple trees you’ve tapped yourself? Our students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science have. We give our students 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand their love of learning. Farmland, nature trails, forests, wetlands, prairies, and working gardens are all available on campus for students to explore. Here, we provide all students with the environment needed for them to be successful.

West Michigan Academy feels like home, and our students have the unique opportunity to use the natural world as a vehicle for hands-on learning. We teach to the whole child, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Swap fluorescents for sunshine. You’ll feel a sense of relief like you’re providing the best gift possible for your child.

Why Choose WMAES

No two children are alike, mine certainly are not, but WMAES has been a great fit for them both. I recommend the school all the time and those interested should always explore and check out WMAES for their students.

– April Sutphin-Nelson, Parent

Because of the outstanding group of students, teachers, and administration at WMAES, I have complete confidence our graduates leave with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

– Julie Tuuk, Parent and HS Social Studies Teacher

Not all children learn the same and WMAES has the most outstanding way to teach each child. They have the most caring administrators and teachers! Everyone knows everyone by name and when you drop your child off you know they care about them as the person they are and are becoming! Love the hands on to learning approach as well!

- Ashley Avers-Smith, Parent

WMAES has been the best decision we ever made for our kids. We are beyond grateful for the staff and environment they have created for the students. Love it here.

- WMAES Parent