Why Choose MMAEC

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

When you envision your child’s education, do you see them reading a textbook cover to back? Here at Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change (MMAEC), the world is our guidebook. Science and nature guide children at MMAEC 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.

At MMAEC we give students learning options. What better way to learn about water filtration than helping revitalize rivers? Learning may begin in the classroom, but our students move from desks to dirt, planting seeds in soil, and tending to our gardens to see what happens afterward. However, just like snowflakes, we know no two children are alike. We accompany multiple different learning styles by incorporating outdoor classroom learning, with the indoor classroom.

From preschool through 8th-Grade, we offer a complete, fully accredited Montessori-based education grounded in the disciplines and rewards of science.

As educators within the philosophy of Montessori, it is our mission to create an environment that directs the students toward self-actualization in all areas of study by recognizing their stages of development.

It is our objective to direct students toward critical thinking skills and awareness of their environment through the use of their five senses

We Have An Environmental Focus

Michigan Green School LogoAt MMAEC children will develop a strong sense of place through daily educational experiences that take them out into the natural world around them. We are also a certified Green School! This means that we make efforts to be environmentally-conscious and energy-efficient in all that we do in our school.

Why Montessori?

The Montessori approach to education is grounded in the belief that children have a dynamic inner desire to explore and learn about their environment.  Developing the physical, intellectual, and spiritual potential to the fullest requires freedom achieved through order and self-discipline. A prepared and stimulating environment allows children to learn at their own pace, according to their own capabilities.

Character Choices Program

We teach more than just the core subjects. Students participate in the Character Choices Program which is designed to help students develop their personal character, become lifelong learners, and transform into quality citizens within their communities.

Character Choices focuses on nine monthly traits, which are woven into the curriculum throughout the entire year. Our method focuses on teaching the whole child. Our Character Choices curriculum aligns with Common Core Standards, making it a regular part of the school day and our students’ dialogue. We are a place where children develop character traits that prepare them to be tomorrow’s leaders.

green image with children getting ready to race

September - Respect

red image - young boy reaching with mittens on

October - Responsibility

two students with science googles working together

November - Cooperation

two students playing together

December - Compassion

student wither teacher shaking hands

January - Good Judgement

two students playing in the snow

February - Integrity

young person sitting in a wheelchiar with their arms up in the air

March - Perseverance

two students holding a recycling bin

April - Citizenship

Adult woman teaching young boy how to ride a bike

May - Courage