WaukazooSchool Information

At Waukazoo, student achievement is at the heart of all we do as a school and staff. We strive, daily, to create a rigorous academic environment where we provide common core standards driven curriculum and implement best practices in all our classrooms. Through our incorporation of technology and combination of traditional and Montessori approaches, Waukazoo strives to make certain we are developing 21st century learners. We also offer a wide variety of “specials” for all students to gain exposure to traditional “elective” offerings like Art, Music, Physical Wellness, Spanish, and Technology. On top of these academic pursuits, Waukazoo also emphasizes Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) into our school’s “FAMILY” theme to better support a “whole child” approach. Our staff participates in ongoing professional development to ensure we are providing best practice instruction to support our students’ achievement. The impact of this work is visible in our well above the state average ELA and Math M-Step proficiency scores and our continued excellence in Reading proficiency levels, as measured by Acadience/DIBELS testing. Simply put, Waukazoo works to blend many different educational philosophies into a system that benefits all students and propels them on their way to be College, Career and Life Ready.

 

WaukazooFAQ

Enrollment

How do I enroll my student at Waukazoo?

Please visit the Enrollment page.

Parents

What supplies does my student need for the upcoming school year?

What is the daily start and end time? What is the schedule for a half day?

Please view the daily start and end time schedule on this document.

Where can I access the Parent/Student Handbook?

How can I get involved at Waukazoo?

*This content is subject to County and State guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with a dedicated staff, Waukazoo is supported by an outstanding PTA and WatchDogs group, respectively. Parents interested in volunteering at Waukazoo are encouraged to complete the online Volunteer Form and to reach out their child’s teacher or the PTA. We are always looking to welcome parents in for both educational and extra-curricular opportunities throughout the year.

What is Montessori?

Montessori is an alternative approach to learning that emphasizes independence and freedom within limits.  The program begins in Kindergarten for interested students.  Please call us to ask questions or to schedule a tour of the program.

 

You can also click here for more information.

What is the curriculum offered students at Waukazoo Elementary?

Please view the district curricular information page here.

What options exist for before and after school care?

Please view the district’s child care page here.

When were the emergency drills this year?

Please review the spreadsheet to learn more about the drills at this building.

Student Life

How is technology integrated into the curriculum?

All students at Waukazoo Elementary are provided opportunities to experience age appropriate technology. In the classroom, through a 1:1 ratio (one device for every student), technology is incorporated to enhance learning during small group and/or independent work.

What "Specials" are provided to students?

All students, YK-5 as well as Montessori, take a combination of Physical Wellness, Art, Music, Technology, and Spanish Language. Each “Special” is taken once per week.

Montessori education at Waukazoo offers a unique program to families in the West Ottawa district- Montessori education paired with the benefits of a traditional elementary school. Our teachers follow the child in their learning journey and guide them in their studies along the way. The relationship built with teachers and peers in the Montessori classroom encourages a student to find a lifelong love of learning. As principal of the Montessori program at West Ottawa, I am honored to witness the dedication of our teachers as they strive to embody the spirit of Maria Montessori in their everyday teaching of our students.
Audra Bolhuis, Waukazoo Principal
Waukazoo is such a great school! The staff is always helpful and friendly. The teachers strive to not only teach students but to make them the best versions of themselves that they can be! The community that they have created is truly a big family. I cannot imagine my student going anywhere else!
Christina Marie Piotrowski, parent
Waukazoo provides an environment of possibilities for my kids. They know that they have no limits on what is achievable. I appreciate the way the teachers help my kids hold themselves accountable, while allowing them to make mistakes that push growth. It is a warm and welcoming place where my kids feel safe and are being prepared for the future. We are so happy to call Waukazoo our home.
Kim Burmeister, parent