Kazoo School’s History

Our Story

Kazoo School was founded in 1972 by a dedicated group of parents and educators led by Christine Morgan and Stephen Phillips. United by a shared belief in educating the whole child, they envisioned a school where curiosity, creativity, and compassion would flourish alongside academic excellence.

That vision became a reality in January 1973 when Kazoo School welcomed its first class of eleven students and two teachers. More than fifty years later, the principles that inspired our founders continue to guide our mission. We believe children learn best in an environment that challenges them intellectually while nurturing their social, emotional, and creative growth.

From our earliest days, Kazoo School has embraced progressive education, recognizing that children thrive when they are encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, think independently, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Small class sizes, meaningful relationships with teachers, rich artistic experiences, and a strong sense of community remain essential to who we are.

Our school was built through the partnership of families and educators, and that collaboration continues to shape every aspect of school life. Together, we cultivate a caring community where every child is known, valued, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

Becoming an Outdoor School

In the summer of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kazoo School reimagined what learning could look like. Rather than viewing the challenges of the pandemic as temporary obstacles, we embraced the opportunity to transform our educational model by becoming an outdoor school.

Today, students spend a significant portion of every day learning outside in all seasons. Our campus, which borders the Kleinstuck Preserve, serves as an extension of the classroom, providing opportunities for scientific inquiry, environmental stewardship, creative exploration, and healthy risk-taking. Daily Woods Walks, outdoor classrooms, Fire Fridays, gardening, nature-based science, and place-based learning have become hallmarks of the Kazoo School experience.

This transformation has strengthened our commitment to experiential learning while fostering resilience, curiosity, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. What began as a response to an unprecedented moment has become one of the defining strengths of our school.

A Community of Excellence

Kazoo School is proud to be a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Association of Independent Michigan Schools (AIMS). We are fully accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS), reflecting our commitment to educational excellence, continuous improvement, and the highest standards of independent school education.

As the only nationally accredited progressive outdoor independent school in Southwest Michigan, Kazoo School continues to honor the vision of its founders while preparing students to become thoughtful citizens, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners in an ever-changing world.