The primary focus of Great Lakes Environmental Academy is to involve students in an interdisciplinary study of the environment in such a way that they become interested in local environmental issues and history as well as problem solving.  The Academy aims to provide an academic program that uses environmental education as a framework around which students will master traditional subjects and key life concepts.  Thus the environment will serve as a vehicle to convey the teaching and learning of traditional subjects to all students.

At the Great Lakes Environmental Academy, students will study zoology, botany, resource management and environmental systems.  Studying the environment and all of its parts is inherently multidisciplinary in nature and provides ample opportunities to integrate science, math, social studies and language arts.  Instead of confining this study solely to the classroom, students will spend 2-3 days per week “in the field”.  Students’ field work placement will alternate each quarter among one of a few sites in the Toledo area. Classroom teachers are primarily responsible for the successful integration of eco-studies into the students’ everyday activities and across traditional curriculum boundaries.  In using classroom resources, texts and workbooks, outside resources and educational partnerships, educators will provide an eco-themed classroom environment in which students thrive in each subject area.


Students

Great Lakes Environmental Academy provides students in grades 7-10 with a challenging, effective program of study and strong moral development in a safe and nurturing learning environment.  The focus is on students residing in the Toledo Public School District and surrounding areas.