WEST MI ACADEMY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

West MI Academy of Environmental Science is a Title I public charter school that is part of the West MI Academy of Environmental Science school district, located in GRAND RAPIDS, MI with about 751 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 51 teachers, West MI Academy of Environmental Science has a student/teacher ratio of about 14:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES), located in Grand Rapids, is a tuition-free public charter school that distinguishes itself through a strong focus on nature-based and experiential learning. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the academy utilizes its 62-acre campus—which includes diverse ecosystems like wetlands, forests, and fields—as a "living laboratory." This setting allows students to engage in hands-on scientific inquiry, environmental stewardship, and outdoor exploration that goes well beyond the traditional classroom environment.

The school’s curriculum is built around the integration of core academic subjects with environmental literacy, aiming to foster both high academic achievement and a deep sense of responsibility toward the natural world. By prioritizing project-based learning and outdoor education, WMAES seeks to develop critical thinkers who are prepared for college and careers while maintaining a strong connection to their community and the environment. The school’s mission emphasizes creating a supportive, inclusive culture that encourages students to be curious, active participants in their own education.

For more information, contact West MI Academy of Environmental Science at (616) 791-7454 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.