Nature education for preschoolers in Grand Rapids, Michigan

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science is a primary and secondary school located at 4463 Leonard Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, Michigan. From preschool through 12th grade, we offer a fully accredited education focused on science. Our goal is to develop successful students and responsible adults. We provide a positive work environment and believe in learning through discovery. Enroll your child today and join us for an upcoming Open House on April 25th. Our students learn through nature and science, guiding them to endless possibilities. Our teachers are dedicated to individualized learning paths for each student. Join us at WMAES and experience a unique approach to education.

Shawmut Hills School is a primary and secondary school located at 2550 Burritt Street Northwest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The institution is led by a dedicated Principal and a team of talented teachers and support staff who provide an amazing educational experience for the scholars. The school promotes a positive and holistic approach to education, focusing on the academic, social, and emotional well-being of each student. Nestled in a beautiful residential neighborhood, Shawmut Hills School serves students from preschool through 8th grade. The school grounds feature old growth trees, habitats for various animals, and an edible garden maintained by scholars and the school community. Through place-based education, students are encouraged to explore and utilize the natural environment to deepen their learning experiences.

Guidepost Montessori at Kentwood, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a primary school that offers a unique approach to education. Our hands-on curriculum and personalized learning environment empower each child to achieve independence, where curiosity thrives, independence grows, and academic excellence is a natural outcome. We want your child to believe in their capabilities and see themselves as capable individuals. We work closely with parents to design an education that helps each child build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead an independent and flourishing life. Our focus is on supporting each child in achieving their own independence, cultivating joy in learning, and developing deep focus, self-discipline, and positive social skills.

Froebel USA is an institution located at 78 Leonard Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. Our documentary series, The Garden of Children, delves into the history of early childhood education and explores the original play-based, child-centered, nature-based, STEM-focused, project method developed by Friedrich Froebel over 180 years ago. We aim to shed light on why this method, which inspired educators such as Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner, has been overshadowed by the academic preschool model in American education. Our series is intended for parents looking to make informed decisions about their children's education, teachers seeking to understand the origins of kindergarten, and designers tracing the influence of Froebel on design education. Join us in reimagining early childhood education for a better future for the human race.