10 MICHIGAN PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS CELEBRATE 15 YEARS
Schools across the state recognized for providing choice, quality and academic achievement for at-risk students

Lansing, MI – Ten public charter schools are celebrating their 15th anniversary of education excellence this year, and these schools will be honored at a ceremony at the State Capitol on Thursday, September 24.

These schools were the first 'innovation incubators' to open in the state, with a focus on discipline, character development, high academic expectations, individual attention, and enhanced parental involvement. There are currently 232 public charter schools in the state serving over 104,000 students and families.  According to the Michigan Department of Education, students in public charter school schools outperformed students in similar traditional school districts on 27 of 28 MEAP tests administered last year.

"These particular schools have been providing quality educational opportunities for the past 15 years," said Dan Quisenberry, President of Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA.) "I commend their track record of achievement, choice and accountability, as these schools are a tribute to public education."

This year's 15th anniversary public charter schools include:

• Aisha Shule/Web Dubois Prep Academy is a K-12 school with an enrollment of 225 in Detroit. They are authorized by Detroit Public Schools and are self-managed. Their mission is to assist students in developing basic skills and engage them in independent learning with an African-American focus.
    
• Casa Richard Academy serves students in grades 9-12 with an enrollment of 136 in Detroit. They are authorized by Wayne County RESA and are self-managed. Their mission is and will continue to be to educate, empower and support at-risk youth in Wayne County.
    
• Cole Academy is a K-6 school with an enrollment of 134 in Lansing. They are authorized by Central Michigan University and are self-managed. Their mission is to provide students with developmentally appropriate academics, social, emotional and physical learning opportunities in small groups.
    
• Concord Academy-Petoskey is a K-12 school with an enrollment of 330 in Petoskey. They are authorized by Lake Superior State University and are self-managed. Their mission is to serve the families of Petoskey and the surrounding area with a rigorous and inspiring education, founded on traditional academics and strengthened with fine art and creativity.
    
• Macomb Academy serves students up to age 26 with an enrollment of 148 in Mt. Clemens. They are authorized by Central Michigan University and are self-managed. Their mission is to provide a transitional educational program for students to attain competency to perform adult roles in the community, the workplace, and life.
    
• Nah Tah Wahsh Public School Academy is a K-12 school with an enrollment of 164 in Wilson. They are authorized by Northern Michigan University and are self-managed. Their mission is to address the special needs of Potawatomi students while teaching them about their history and culture.
    
• New Branches Public School Academy is a K-6 school with an enrollment of 200 in Grand Rapids. They are authorized by Central Michigan University and are self-managed. Their mission is to cultivate healthy, productive, and responsible students who are excited to learn and able to lead.
    
• Walden Green Montessori is a K-8 school with an enrollment of 201 in Spring Lake. They are authorized by Central Michigan University. Their mission is to educate all children to their human potential using the Montessori Method. 
    
• West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science is a K-12 school with an enrollment of 426 in Walker. They are authorized by Central Michigan University and managed by Choice Schools Associates. Their mission is to provide a safe environment and utilize a variety of teaching methods that will foster creativity, promote academic achievement and develop sound character and citizenship principles emphasizing responsibility to the environment and society.
    
• Windover High School serves students in grades 9-12 with enrollment of 110 in Midland. They are authorized by Midland County ISD and are self-managed. Their mission is to provide academic training and an entrepreneurial focus in an environment where all students are emotionally safe and socially supported activities are integrated and learners participate as members of a group.

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