GOODWILLIE ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL

SELECTION PROCESS

NATURE INSPIRES

Students at Goodwillie Environmental School engage in many project-based and hands-on learning experiences that connect traditional classroom content with real-world environmental exploration for 5th and 6th grade before returning to regionally assigned buildings for middle school. Through outdoor education, collaborative projects, sustainability initiatives, and inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills while building a strong connection to the natural world. The school’s supportive community encourages curiosity, responsibility, and active stewardship, preparing students to become informed and engaged citizens.

Goodwillie Environmental School inspires students to become curious learners, thoughtful leaders, and responsible stewards of the environment through hands-on, nature-based education. By connecting academics with outdoor experiences and sustainability practices, the school empowers students to make a positive impact on their community and the world around them.

CONTACT INFORMATION

map pin icon 8400 TWO MILE RD NE, ADA, MI 49301
clock icon OFFICE HOURS: 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM
phone icon SCHOOL OFFICE: (616)493-8633
fax icon SCHOOL FAX: (616) 682-1428

GOODWILLIE NOMINATIONS & LOTTERY

Students enrolled in Forest Hills Public Schools by the end of the 1st semester during 4th grade are eligible for admission to Goodwillie Environmental School. Because students spend most of their day outdoors regardless of weather, the Goodwillie experience may not be the right fit for every learner, and the selection process is designed to help identify students who will thrive in this hands-on, outdoor environment. Students who meet qualification standards will be identified for enrollment through a lottery. No preference is given beyond the scope of balance between elementary schools and gender. In the event a space becomes available after acceptance letters are sent (prior to the academic year), the lottery process continues to identify a student who has met qualification standards.

HOW STUDENTS ARE SELECTED
PARENT NOMINATION
SELECTION LETTERS

HOW STUDENTS ARE SELECTED

Students are selected using the following:

  • Student must be entering 5th Grade
  • Parent Nomination/Evaluation
  • Teacher Evaluation
  • Student Self-Evaluation
  • Student Interview
  • Student Ecological Survey
  • Students scoring 80 percent or higher will be placed in a lottery and 52 names will be drawn from this pool to make up the incoming 5th grade class.
student walking through fields with a teepee in the background

PARENT NOMINATION

Parent nomination is a key step in the Goodwillie 5/6 Environmental School application process, allowing families who feel an environmental education setting would be a good fit for their child to move forward with the process. The Google registration form opens each February with a limited application window, so families are encouraged to watch for the announcement and act promptly. Additional details will be shared directly by students’ elementary schools during their 4th grade year, so families should keep an eye out for that communication.

SELECTION LETTERS

Goodwillie selection letters are mailed to families in June of each year.

GOODWILLIE SPECIALS

BAND & ORCHESTRA (6TH GRADE)

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Students at Goodwillie have the opportunity to participate in band or orchestra during 6th grade. Beyond this traditional music instruction, students will also be involved with musicals during their time at Goodwillie.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

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In terms of physical education, students regularly participate in experiences requiring physical exertion and skills. Whether enjoying the daily hike to/from the bus stop, cross-country skiing or completing chicken chores, students are actively engaged in learning on a consistent basis.

ART

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The art program at Goodwillie is unique because the projects center on curricular connections throughout the year. Over the course of the two years, students have opportunities to produce wildlife sketches, woodblock printing, paddle carving and various other projects through the Artists in Residence program.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PROCESS QUESTIONS

HOW DO I NOMINATE MY STUDENT?

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An email will be mailed in late February/early March to all 4th grade families in the Forest Hills Public Schools. This email will explain the nomination/selection process and will include an online parent/guardian nomination form to submit if your student is interested.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

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Students must be enrolled in Forest Hills by end of 1st semester of 4th grade year.

IS GOODWILLIE AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS OF CHOICE FAMILIES?

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No, Goodwillie is not available to Schools of Choice Families and is only available to those who reside within the Forest Hills Public Schools attendance area. Each year, there are more applications than spots available for FHPS students.

SCHOOL QUESTIONS

DO YOU COVER THE CORE SUBJECTS?

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Yes, in an integrated and project-based format. Our curriculum is aligned with the Common Core State Standards/FHPS Curriculum Standards.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND OUTSIDE?

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Our outdoor activities fluctuate daily due to projects, artists, and the weather.

DO YOU OFFER HOT LUNCH?

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We don’t have a cafeteria with daily hot lunch, but we offer a district lunch option, which is delivered by Food Service on a daily basis.

DO STUDENTS REALLY EAT OUTSIDE EVERY DAY?

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Yes, unless there is a thunderstorm, torrential downpour, or severe sub-zero temperatures.

WHAT DOES TRANSPORTATION LOOK LIKE?

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There are regional bus stops on all sides of the district (Central, Eastern, & Northern). This site acts as a hub for your child to then get on a bus to GES. Parents can either drive their son or daughter to the hub, or their child can take the neighborhood middle/high school bus to the hub. The afternoon transportation is similar to the morning; students are bused to ⅚ buildings (Central Woodlands, Knapp Forest, Northern Trails and Orchard View) where parents have the option of picking them up or students may ride neighborhood buses to existing stops in the neighborhoods in those attendance areas.

WHAT DO CAMPS LOOK LIKE?

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During the two year journey at Goodwillie, students will attend three camps. One in the fall of 5th grade, and two (fall & spring) during their 6th grade year. Camps include canoeing, backpacking, and other outdoor activities.