TUITION-FREE PRE-K –12 PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science is FREE, PUBLIC,  AND OPEN TO ALL. We 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.

Children are natural learners – using adventures and experiences to shape their every day lives.

When you envision your child’s education, do you see them reading a textbook cover to back? Here at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, the world is our guide book. Science and nature guide children at WMAES to experience learning. What makes us great is our belief that children thrive because we allow their learning to expand to endless possibilities – becoming an individualized learning path for each student.

From preschool through 12th-grade, we offer a complete, fully accredited education grounded in the disciplines and rewards of science. 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.

PREK–12

GRADE FULLY ACCREDITED EDUCATION

5

ECOSYSTEMS

62

ACRES OF LAND

3

YEARS OF RANKING U.S. NEWS BEST RANKED SCHOOLS IN MICHIGAN

School Calendar

March 17, 2026
March 18, 2026

Upcoming Board Meetings

The Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the school.

The Board of Directors will meet at:
4463 Leonard St NW, Walker, MI 49534 Elem Bldg. Rm. 129

News

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!
Parent
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.
Parent
This school is tremendous and I couldn’t imagine sending my son anywhere else. Where can you go and receive so much one-on-one attention and complete upfront communication from the staff.
Parent
When I came to WMAES, I knew I had found the right fit for my teaching style. It’s rare to have colleagues so willing to work together, and a student body so accepting of each other. Plus, what science teacher wouldn’t want a 62-acre outdoor lab?
Shawn Wessell, Environmental Education Specialist
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
The opportunities our students have to explore the outdoors and learn about the world around them is amazing! Students at WMAES love learning in our environment. I always seem to learn something new too!
Kimberly Jones, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

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About West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is a tuition-free pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public charter school in Grand Rapids, MI that is focused on environmental education and open to ages 3 years old and up.

Find Us

Phone Number

(616) 791-7454

opt. 2 for elementary, opt. 3 for secondary

Fax Number

(616) 791-7453

Hours

Elementary
8:00 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

Secondary
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

© 2026 All Rights Reserved

Dear Families,

You and your family are invited to our “Soaring Into Secondary” Open House on Tuesday, March 17 from 5:00–7:00 PM at WMAES.

This evening is a great opportunity to explore what secondary school looks like at WMAES. Families can meet teachers, talk with current students and alumni, connect with our school counselor about high school courses and graduation requirements, and learn about clubs, sports, AP classes, Dual Enrollment opportunities, service learning, and capstone projects.

Activities throughout the evening will include science experiments, origami and bookmark crafts, a photo booth, a caricature artist, outdoor campus tours, and a chance to meet the BE NICE Club therapy dog, Bruno. Our Special Education Team will also share information about disability awareness and student support.

Families can also connect with representatives from Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College, Aquinas College, and Michigan State University.

Food trucks will be on site including Runyon Coffee, Lost Art Burgers, and Kona Ice, and families can also participate in our Tropical Smoothie Café fundraiser.

We hope you will join us for this fun and informative evening. Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 5:00 and 7:00 PM.

Warm regards,

Kevin Maitner, Secondary Principal

Phone

(616) 791-7454

opt. 2 for elementary, opt. 3 for secondary

Fax Number

(616) 791-7453

Hours

Elementary
8:00 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

Secondary
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.