Literacy Scores That Are Four Times Higher Than Expected? That’s Truly a Heroic Effort

Third-graders at Frontier International Academy Elementary in Warren, Michigan scored four times higher than expected on the state’s 2025 literacy test — a result that earned Reading Specialist Jennifer Dalaa statewide recognition as the #MICharterHero for August 2026.

Frontier International Academy Elementary is a charter school authorized by Bay Mills Community College and managed by Global Educational Excellence (GEE). Based on poverty levels and other factors, the school’s expected third-grade literacy proficiency rate was projected at just 13.9%. Instead, when the 2025 M-STEP scores came out, the school’s third-graders were 59.5% proficient in English Language Arts — more than four times the projection, and 20 points higher than the state average.

Honored By Her Peers and the State of Michigan

Jennifer received the #MICharterHero award during a surprise ceremony in August, held during one of GEE’s professional-development sessions. Dozens of Jennifer’s colleagues gave her a standing ovation as MAPSA President Dan Quisenberry presented her with the award.

State Rep. Mai Xiong followed with a visit to Frontier International Academy Elementary, presenting Jennifer with a legislative tribute from the State of Michigan after learning about the school’s success.

“On behalf of the State of Michigan, this is a special tribute to recognize the incredible work that you have done helping students,” Rep. Xiong said. “Being an educator is not a very easy job. Educators go into this role because they care about their students. I can tell from some of the testimony the students have shared that you have made a huge impact in their lives. Thank you for doing that.”

A National Spotlight on Frontier’s Success

The scope of the school's literacy success drew national attention earlier this year. The 74 Million, a national news organization dedicated to covering education, honored the school as one of five Michigan "Bright Spots." The 74 Million evaluated expected third-grade literacy scores for every school in the state based on economic and other factors, then highlighted the five schools that beat the odds the most. Two of the five Michigan schools honored were charter schools, including Frontier.

Frontier International Academy Elementary serves a diverse community in Warren, with a student population that is majority English Language Learner (ELL) — 63% of students speak a language other than English at home, primarily reflecting Middle Eastern and Asian backgrounds. Almost all students at the school are classified as economically disadvantaged.

Taking that context into account, scoring 20 points higher than the state average on third-grade literacy is a phenomenal accomplishment.

Jennifer Says It’s a Team Effort

Jennifer said she was honored and humbled by the #MICharterHero recognition and that the honor belongs to the entire team.

“I think everybody's willingness to work together and actually be a team is the key,” she said. “I do think that that is why we are successful. I can ask people to do things, but if they don't follow through, then it doesn't work. But all the teachers, all the educators, they follow through.

“I think everyone feels safe. Our teachers feel safe. We can go into each other's room. We can go and help out. They can come to me or to another teacher if they need help. And they don't feel bad for asking for help. And I think that's a huge part of the success.”

Jennifer also said she’s especially proud to be a charter school teacher working in Warren.

“Our school started small with like 40-some students, and we're up to 410, I think, now. So it just goes to show how much our community has embraced us. They understand that we love what we do. So just to get this recognition is really nice, but it kind of validates what we already know about what we're doing.”