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

Full Day Start Time: 8:45am
Full Day End Time: 3:48pm
Half Day Start Time: 8:45am
Half Day End Time: 12:02pm

Please see communication from Waukazoo for updated release time for the Tulip Time Parade.

All elementary and secondary start and end times can be seen at this link.

Where can I access the Parent/Student Handbook?

2026-2027 Parent/Student Handbook

How can I get involved at Waukazoo?

Along with a dedicated staff, Waukazoo is supported by an outstanding PTA. Find the PTA on Facebook! You can also receive PTA updates via Waukazoo’s newsletter. All parents are welcome to attend PTA meetings which are held monthly. The PTA hosts events each year including:

Waukaboo
Winter Workshop
Scholastic Book Fair
Park Party

Get more information on dates each year in the Waukazoo Newsletter!

Parents interested in volunteering at Waukazoo are required 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 Outdoor Discovery. Each “Special” is taken once per week.

As a parent, I am continually impressed by how Waukazoo Elementary School fosters an environment where every child feels supported and valued. The teachers and staff go above and beyond to accommodate each student's individual needs both in and out of the classroom. My children have flourished here, and I truly appreciate how the school makes a concerted effort to ensure that all students, regardless of their unique challenges, feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Megan Linn, Parent

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

As a school of choice family, we sought out the Montessori program, but have been so grateful for the traditional option as well. Our kids each get an excellent education, tailored to their unique learning styles all while being under one roof! I also cannot say enough good about the YMCA afterschool program. The staff is incredibly caring, and knowing our kids can seamlessly transition from their school day to a fun and active time after all their hard work, has given us such peace of mind. There is never a shortage of ways to get involved as parents, which we have really enjoyed. Between the PTA, chaperoning opportunities, and Watch D.O.G.S, we are able to give back to the school that does so much for our kids. In this busy but beautiful life, we are grateful to be part of the Waukazoo community!
Jennifer Dams, Parent

My family loves Waukazoo! We love being a part of the Waukazoo family. The teachers care so much for their students and work so hard to prepare them for their next steps. Waukazoo provides so many great experiences throughout the year from educational field trips to assemblies to reading challenges. There is always something engaging happening at the school. My children love going to school every day and I’m very grateful for that.
Liz Recoulley, Parent