Welcome to Zoo School (6)

Zoo School offers a rigorous curriculum that takes education to the next level and prepares scholars for the real world by encouraging creativity, independence, and academic excellence. 

Our highly motivated scholars have the unique opportunity to study and learn at John Ball Zoo! Our school is designed to heighten an awareness of the environment, stimulate creative thinking, develop leadership, promote intellectual growth, and increase self-esteem. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows scholars to go beyond the classroom and into the zoo and the over 100 wooded acres surrounding it. Our school provides an educational adventure unlike any other. 

We serve 60 sixth grade scholars each year, attracting scholars from public and non-public schools throughout the City of Grand Rapids and the surrounding suburbs. Our scholars come from a diverse mix of ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds. 

Our program, led by two teachers, explores not just the core content areas, but also topics such as astronomy, zoology, forestry, chemistry, and physics. 

Scholars have the opportunity to participate in unique educational experiences including animal feeding, raising salmon, recycling, navigating trails, and water sampling. They also participate in two camping trips during the school year–one locally in Kent County and other areas along the lakeshore–that make for unforgettable memories.