Creating Problem-Solvers Through Inquiry-Based Learning
Van Andel Institute for Education supports families and schools, creating K-12 classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive.
What's New in K-12 Education
Expanded Classroom Field Trip Options for 2024-25
Wow your students this school year with our inquiry-based K-12 Field Trips — where students learn to think and act like scientists!
Classroom Field Trips
Registration is Open for Spring 2025 After-School Cohort
Free after-school program for grades 4-7 exploring science and engineering over the course of a semester.
Learn More
Skill-building Affinity Networks for K-12 Teachers
Registration is open for our New Teacher Network and Network for Eccentric Educators. Virtual sessions start in January.
Learn More
Expanded Classroom Field Trip Options for 2024-25
Wow your students this school year with our inquiry-based K-12 Field Trips — where students learn to think and act like scientists!
Classroom Field TripsRegistration is Open for Spring 2025 After-School Cohort
Free after-school program for grades 4-7 exploring science and engineering over the course of a semester.
Learn MoreSkill-building Affinity Networks for K-12 Teachers
Registration is open for our New Teacher Network and Network for Eccentric Educators. Virtual sessions start in January.
Learn More
For Educators
Educators deserve the training, resources, and support needed to transform classrooms into beacons of curiosity where students participate in engaging, relevant, and transformative learning experiences. That’s where we can help!
For Educators
For Families
Families deserve access to meaningful, memorable learning experiences where students are inspired to solve the world’s most pressing problems. That’s where we can help!
For ParentsResources
Upcoming Webinars
Register for upcoming webinars to learn more classroom engagement strategies!
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Testimonials
I could not be more impressed with the staff and follow-thru at VAI. They help me, help students, and our administrators at every opportunity for quality inquiry-based lesson delivery.
Russ Wallsteadt
GVSU Health SciencesMy husband and I work hard to ensure that our children are exposed to experiences that will support their thirst for learning. I continue to be impressed by the programming and staff at the VAI. We know several students who have completed the Afterschool Cohort program and gone on to be successful students and young adults. I view it as one of the premier after school activities offered in the city of Grand Rapids.
Parent of Afterschool Cohort student
My favorite part of summer camp was Everything!! I LOVED it!😁
Summer Camp Student
I always feel recharged and encouraged after PD here at VAI. One session here usually equals months of good ideas and lessons
Northview Field School Teacher
Once again, thank you for supporting our teachers. You have been a wonderful asset and support system as our teachers navigate implementing PBL in our schools.
Hillary Baker
Director of Instructional Services, Allegan Public SchoolsThank you for coming to our school! The students had so much fun that they probably didn’t even realize all the learning they were doing. THAT is the best kind of learning!
Kimberly VanderZwaag
Rose Park ElementaryThank you, thank you for all the energy and knowledge you have shared with my granddaughter and all of the students. We are so blessed by the gifts you bring to this program! Our community is so lucky to have this program.
Grandmother of Afterschool Cohort Student
Great job. If I could rate this field trip, it would be a 10/10.
Student from Harrison Park
GRPSAmazingggggg!!! I've always wanted to do PBL in the classroom since I learned about it a few years ago. This 3-day series was unlike any other training I've ever had, and I can see my works on paper becoming a reality. Thank you for this!!
GVSU Teacher
The PD today was awesome - I saw so many smiles, we needed that!