FAQ

What grade levels does West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science offer?

WMAES offers grades PreK through 12th grade.

What time does school start and end?

Elementary school starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m.
Middle school starts at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m.
High school starts at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m.

Is transportation for WMAES students provided by the school?

Transportation is not provided by the school. Students are brought by their parents or ride the Rapid bus which has a stop at the Wilson and Leonard intersection.

Are students required to wear uniforms?

Students are required to wear uniforms. 

What type of meal programs are offered at WMAES for students?

WMAES offers a quality hot lunch program that exceeds all healthy choice requirements.

Where do I go if I have a concern?

The first step is to call or e-mail your child's teacher. If you continue to have concerns, you may contact your child's principal. It is important to pre-arrange a time to see your child's teacher or an administrator.

What is the procedure when my child is absent from school?

Please see our School Policies Handbook, provided to all enrolled students' families. We do appreciate a call to the school office notifying us of a child's absence.

How will I know what my child is learning?

You will know your child is learning through our standardized testing (M-STEP, NWEA, Benchmark assessments and teacher assessments) but also by how well your student is progressing in their individualized learning plan.

Will all the classes be using the same teaching method?

Please remember that every teacher has their own unique instructional style, but all classes at WMEAS will be centered around Environmental Science. All our teachers practice differentiated instruction. This allows our teachers to meet the needs of all students whether it is accelerating students, modifying assignments or additional support we believe in teaching to each child’s needs and abilities.

Does WMAES offer field trips as part of the regular curriculum? Will there be additional costs for the families?

WMAES does offer field trips for many classes and times we do ask our students to pay a portion of the cost.

May I come into the school to volunteer?

We welcome volunteers and will request help at various times throughout the school year. Please see “Volunteer Opportunities”.

What are Charter Schools?

Charter schools extend the privilege of choice to all families. They provide options for parents and students in pursuing their ideal educational experience. Charter schools are open to all children free of charge who are eligible to attend traditional public schools in the state of Michigan.

Children attending charter schools benefit from small class sizes, high academic standards, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Charter schools are organized by a founding group that is passionate about the basic tenets of the curriculum. Enthusiasm for the school is contagious.

Board members, staff members, parents, students, and community members are attracted to the charter school because their interests coincide with the charter school’s educational program and special themes. Parents also typically transport their children to school, which means that parents have a stronger connection and more active communications with the faculty and staff.