Our students participate in a variety of environmentally-based programs, creating the solid groundwork for a lifelong love of learning.

A Well-Rounded, Nature-Inspired Experience

Kindergarten at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science is the beginning of a joyful learning journey rooted in exploration, academics, and nature. Our program blends high-quality instruction with daily opportunities to learn through hands-on discovery.

From reading and math foundations to environmental science and specials classes, students build the skills, confidence, and curiosity needed for long-term success.

Our Kindergarten Curriculum

Language Arts

Letters & sounds, tricky words, emergent reader development, and reading words, phrases, & sentences.

Math

Numbers 0–100, addition & subtraction, measurement, classifying objects,  and comparing numbers.

Science

Engaging, hands-on activities that build scientific thinking and curiosity.

Social Studies

Lessons centered on community, citizenship, empathy, and foundational social concepts.

Environmental Science

Our signature outdoor learning experience is taught by Mr. Shawn and Mrs. Holly and includes a 45-minute class each week where lessons align with classroom themes and take place through hands-on, nature-based activities. Students enjoy seasonal experiences such as cider making, maple syrup tapping, snowshoeing, participating in a student science symposium, gardening, and celebrating Earth Week, all designed to deepen their connection to the environment and bring learning to life.

Program Details

At WMAES, kindergarteners engage in a strong academic curriculum supported by environmentally based experiences. Students enjoy:

  • Daily instruction in reading, writing, math, and social studies

  • Nature-integrated lessons that bring learning to life

  • Specials including Spanish, art, physical education, and computer technology

  • Hands-on, child-centered learning across our 62-acre campus

Our goal is to provide an environment where every child feels confident, curious, and excited to come to school each day.

At WMAES, we are deeply committed to excellence. Our educators are passionate about supporting each student’s growth, and we work closely with families to ensure every child gains the knowledge, character, and experiences needed to reach their full potential.

Meet Our Elementary Principal

Hi! I’m Nate VanDuinen, Elementary Principal at WMAES.
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Questions? Please email me at nathanvanduinen@choiceschools.com.

A Day In The Life of a Kindergartener

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Phonics
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM | Whole Group Math
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Math Groups
9:50 AM – 10:10 AM | Recess
10:10 AM – 10:55 AM | Intervention
10:55 AM – 11:25 AM | Lunch
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Reading & Comprehension
12:35 PM – 1:05 PM | Recess
1:10 PM – 1:50 PM | Specials
1:55 PM – 2:30 PM | Science/Social Studies/Centers
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Math Centers/Rocket Math

We Also Offer Transitional Kindergarten

A conversation with Mr. VanDuinen is reccomended reguarding the right placement for your child based on an entrance assessmentand your knowledge of your child.

Academic Standards

Extends and modifies Kindergarten curriculum to ensure a strong foundation in learning. (ex. TK learns to cound to 50, Kindergarten learns to count to 100)

Personal Development

Emphasis on social skills, fine motor development, and problem solving.

Restore & Realign

Rest time and center time.

Advancement

TK students advance to Kindergarten, and from there onto 1st grade.

ESP and Authorizer Information

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About West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science is a tuition-free Pre-k through 12th grade public charter school in Grand Rapids, MI 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

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.

We have a new look! Welcome to the new and improved WMAES website. We hope you enjoy this updated layout and fresh content!

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