The 10 Most Beautiful Charter School Locations in Michigan

There are nearly 300 charter schools in Michigan and they’re literally spread across all corners of both peninsulas – from Monroe on the shores of Lake Erie to the Keewenau Peninsula on the banks of Lake Superior.

And some of them have locations and views that are downright stunning. With that in mind, here’s one man’s opinion of the 10 Most Beautiful Charter School Locations in Michigan:

1. Old Mission Peninsula School, Traverse City

Located (of course) on the Old Mission Peninsula north of Traverse City, this charter school is on a hill in the middle of wine country, and you can see the both the East Arm and the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay from the school’s playground. The view is absolutely stunning.

2. Escuela Avancemos, Detroit

This amazing school, which serves the largely Spanish-speaking population of students in Southwest Detroit, is located at the foot of the Ambassador Bridge, which connects the United States with Canada. Stepping outside the school and getting to see that majestic bridge is true urban beauty.

3. Chatfield School, Lapeer

Set on a huge and beautiful piece of property just outside Lapeer, the Chatfield School has its own greenhouse, beehive and a naturally-built nature center with a straw roof. The school also has an outdoor area attached to the school where students study that borders a beautiful pond.

4. Woodland School, Traverse City

Far and away the biggest charter school campus in the state, the Woodland School sits on 250 acres south of Traverse City that features woods, trails and several beautiful ponds. The students actually go kayaking for physical education classes.

5. Henry Ford Academy, Dearborn

A charter school located on the grounds of one of the country’s best historical museums? Can’t beat that! Henry Ford Academy is located right at the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village. When the students study the civil rights movement, they can walk out the door and see the bus that Rosa Parks was riding in.

6. West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, Walker

One of Michigan’s original charter schools that opened in the fall of 1994, WMAES has about 70 acres of woods, trails, gardens, orchards, ponds, and marshes that they use for the school’s environmental-based curriculum.

7. University Prep Science and Math Middle School, Detroit

There are several UPrep schools in downtown Detroit, and all of them are in vibrant locations, but this one is my favorite. Located in the heart of the city, it’s right next to the famed Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History and the Detroit Institute of Arts. Those are a couple of pretty cool neighbors!

8. West Michigan Aviation Academy, Grand Rapids

Located on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, West Michigan Aviation Academy’s students watch planes take off all day long from their school. Oh, they also have three planes of their own that students learn to fly.

9. Crossroads Charter Academy, Big Rapids

Located in the heart of Big Rapids, just down the street from Ferris State University, Crossroads Charter Academy has a picturesque stream (called Mitchell Creek) that runs right through the property. Students have to cross a little bridge to get from the parking lot to the football field.

10. Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy, Lake Leelanau

Northern Michigan is filled with picturesque charter school locations, and this is another one. In addition to a really cool outdoor playground (the students get to climb trees during recess), the school has its own nature trail and stream where the students study nature up close.

What do you think? Let us know about your school’s cool location.