At Goodwillie Environmental School, students can learn outdoors and get a hands-on education. Fifth and sixth grade Forest Hills Public School students can apply to this magnet school to discover their strengths through project-based learning.
Since 1999, Goodwillie Environmental has provided students with the unique opportunity to learn outdoors in nearly all kinds of weather. This magnet school was made possible thanks to generous donations by the Goodwillie and Nelson families. The current building was built in 2001 and became Michigan’s first LEED-certified Green School. Students embark on a hike through nearby Seidman Park at the beginning of every school year to start their one-of-a-kind academic journey.
Core academic classes are integrated with environmental studies through engaging activities. While there aren’t any world language classes, students learn about international cultures and languages through focused projects. The school offers band and orchestra and puts on multiple musicals throughout the year. An Artists in Residence program connects local, professional artists with students for inspiration and enhanced education.
Any student curious about nature, excited about physical activity and prepared to be persistent about learning can be nominated for this hands-on middle school. Goodwillie Environmental is a competitive choice for middle and high school preparation in the Forest Hills district.
Goodwillie Environmental School
Public Elementary School
|
Grade 5-6
8400 2 Mile Rd NE,
Ada, MI
Forest Hills Public Schools
School Details
Head of School
Mr. Tim Hollern
Student Teacher Ratio
26:1
Math Proficiency
62%
Reading Proficiency
77%
Niche Grade
A
A+
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Reading Proficiency
77%
Math Proficiency
62%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
26:1
Teachers
4
Full Time Teachers
4
Teachers in First or Second Year
0%
GreatSchools Rating
10
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Student Diversity
Male
50%
Female
50%
White
92.3%
Two or more races
3.8%
Hispanic
2.9%
Asian or Pacific Islander
1%
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
1/22/2015
The curriculum is fantastic. Scheduling is a bit tough unless your child knows what they are going to be when they grow up when they are 10! The counseling staff is over-worked. Study hours and tutoring after school is offered and very accessible.
1/22/2015
I don't know if politics plays a role in who gets to go to this school, but I do know that there were children that I knew of that were PERFECT for this school, but they were not chosen. My daughter and I felt very grateful for every opportunity this experience has granted her.
1/22/2015
Our school district is not considered to be huge, so most kids that have a desire to play a sport, usually make the team. The typical "politics" comes into play with most, if not all sports here (status quo for high school sports). But there is a lot of parent support, physically and monetarily, and almost all sports are offered here.
GreatSchools Reviews
12/4/2023
This school completely changed who I was as a person, and was by far the best two years of my life. The staff and student body are fantastic, and I have many lifelong friends I made at this school!
4/20/2022
I attended this school, It was the two best years of school you can ask for! I learned lots, and was taught by such amazing teachers! I LOVE IT!
7/21/2020
HORRIBLE!!! It was the worst 2 years of my life.
12/9/2015
Goodwillie Environmental School changed my life. I learned so much more when I was experiencing the outdoors hands on instead of sitting in a classroom looking at a picture of a tree in a textbook. When I was in fifth grade, an alumni from GES and also the Island School gave a presentation to us abo...
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Average House Size
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Additional Schools in the Area
- K to 5th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Cannonsburg State Game Area
McGraw Park
Seidman Park
Cascade Peace Park
Ada Township Park Office
Chief Hazy Cloud County Park
Cascade Burton Park
Roselle Park
- Trails
- Playground
Legacy Park
- Trails
- Playground
- Events
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Goodwillie Environmental School is a public school for students in grades 5-6 in Ada, MI, in the Forest Hills neighborhood, and is served by the Forest Hills Public Schools in Michigan. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 103 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 26:1. Academic records show that 62% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 77% are proficient in reading. Goodwillie Environmental School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10. Discover additional schools in the area, like Cannonsburg Elementary School, and more. Learn more about what Ada has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Goodwillie Environmental School.