Nine new charter schools opening in Michigan this fall

LANSING, Michigan (August 30, 2018) – There are nine new charter schools opening this fall across Michigan, bringing more quality educational options to parents across the state. The Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA), the state charter school association, announced the list of new schools today.

In addition to the nine new schools, there are seven charter schools closing, resulting in a net gain of two schools. For the 2018-2019 school year, there will be 297 charter schools in Michigan.

The list of new schools includes everything from elementary schools to high schools to cyber academies, and are located in all corners of the state. There are new charter schools opening in Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Jackson, Traverse City and Shepherd (Mt. Pleasant area).

“Parents continue to demand quality school options for their children, and there are some exciting new schools opening this fall,” said MAPSA President Dan Quisenberry. “National Heritage Academies, one of the highest-achieving charter school operators in the country, is opening a new charter school in Detroit that’s going to be a lifeline for parents in that community. There’s a new leadership academy in Saginaw that’s founded by a Super Bowl-winning football player. There’s a new school located on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City that has tremendous community support and an extremely strong educational model.

“Michigan doesn’t need more schools – Michigan needs more quality schools. We’re taking a huge step in that direction this fall.”

Here’s a look at the nine new charter schools opening this fall:

DETROIT

Pembroke Academy. Located on the city’s northwest side, Pembroke Academy is a K-5 school managed by National Heritage Academies, the state’s largest charter school operator and one of the most successful charter school operators in the country. A report earlier this year from the University of Michigan confirmed that students in an NHA charter school gain several months of additional learning every year. Pembroke Academy will be adding sixth grade for the 2019-2020 school year. Authorized by Central Michigan University.

FLINT

Flex High School of Michigan. Located in the Flint Development Center, Flex High School of Michigan will offer a credit-recovery program for students ages 14-22. Authorized by Central Michigan University.

SAGINAW

Woodley Leadership Academy. A K-6 school located in the former St. Stephens school building, the Woodley Leadership Academy was founded by Saginaw native LaMarr Woodley, an All-American football player at the University of Michigan who later won a Super Bowl as an All-Pro linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The school will eventually expand to include grades K-8. The school will put a strong focus on academic rigor, character education and leadership. Authorized by Eastern Michigan University.

Saginaw Covenant Academy. Part of the Covenant Academy network of schools, Saginaw Covenant Academy is a high school dedicated to serving students who have dropped out of high school due to homelessness, legal issues or other factors. Authorized by Grand Valley State University.

JACKSON

Francis Street Primary School. Located on the city’s south side, Francis Street Primary School is opening as a K-2 school, and will add a grade each year until it’s a K-5 school. The school offers a personalized approach to education and a longer school year. Authorized by Grand Valley State University.

TRAVERSE CITY

Old Mission Peninsula School. Located on the picturesque Old Mission Peninsula north of downtown Traverse City, this school is reopening as a charter school after the Traverse City school district opted to shut it down this year. The Old Mission Peninsula School features strong community partnerships and the proven EL Education module-based curriculum. Authorized by Grand Valley State University.

SHEPHERD (MT. PLEASANT)

FlexTech High School Shepherd. This is the third school in the FlexTech High School network, joining the successful FlexTech schools in Brighton and Novi. This high school features project-based learning and a heavy emphasis on technology and flexible scheduling. Authorized by Bay Mills Community College.