2008-2010 shaping their future: choice - quality - achievement

2008-2010 Charter Schools Office Report

CHARTER

SCHOOLS

OFFICE

Shaping Their Future: Choice Quality Achievement

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1993October 5, in a speech before the Michigan Legislature, Governor John Engler proposes several school reforms, including the creation of charter schools.

“We need real change. And real change means not just more politics, but more principles.

Not just talking about putting kids first, but doing it. Not just paying for a world class education, but delivering one. Not just caving into the special interests, but standing up to them. Because let’s get something straight right from the start. There is only one special interest in this state – our kids. And our kids deserve better.”

– Gov. John Engler (Address proposing school reform to the Michigan Legislature, 1993)

Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office Timeline1993 - 2010

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Grand Valley State University has a long-standing tradition and commitment

to providing quality education for students and seeks to impact public K-12

education through its leadership in Michigan’s charter schools.

Table of Contents:

A Message from the President of Grand Valley State University .......................... 4

Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees ...................................................5

A Message from the Special Assistant to the President for Charter Schools ......... 6

Charter School Locations .....................................................................................7

Charter Schools Office Staff ............................................................................. 8

Vision, Mission, Values, and Goals .................................................................. 10

Charter Schools Profiles ................................................................................. 12

Charter Schools Highlights ............................................................................. 30

Grand Valley State University Partnerships ...................................................... 32

Local and State Partnerships ........................................................................... 34

Key Players ................................................................................................... 36

Grand Valley State University chartered its first three schools in 1995, serving 350 students. Today, nearly 18,000 students attend one of the 30 schools and three urban high school academies authorized by Grand Valley’s Charter Schools Office.

The timeline in this report highlights many of the key people and events that have shaped charter schools in Michigan and the Grand Valley Charter Schools Office over the past 15 years.

1994January 14, Governor Engler signs charter school legislation into law, making Michigan the ninth state to enact a charter law.

1994 At the request of Grand Valley President Arend D. Lubbers, the university’s Board of Trustees commits to chartering schools and establishes the Charter Schools Office.

The Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office thanks all of its charter schools and photographer Daymon J. Harley for allowing the use of their wonderful photographs of charter schools in this report.

2008-2010 Charter Schools Office Report

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1995June 1, Grand Valley Board of Trustees authorizes initial three schools, serving a total of 350 students.

1994 Grand Valley’s Citizens Advisory Board for Charter Schools is established to help develop guidelines and policy relating to charter schools.

A Message from the President of Grand Valley State University

At a time when access to quality public education is more important than ever, I am especially proud of the work being done by the Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office as it makes a positive impact on Michigan’s K-12 public education.

In the long-standing tradition of Grand Valley State University and our commitment to providing quality education, we are excited to be able to provide parents across the state with great educational options when they are considering a school for their children. I believe soundly operated charter schools provide that option for parents and the Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office is leading the way in ensuring those options exist.

For all of our accomplishments, much work remains to be done. One priority is to provide opportunities for faculty, administration, and boards of the schools chartered by Grand Valley State University to improve their instructional and administrative practice. To that end, I have asked our Charter Schools Office to create a series of professional development workshops designed to enhance the practice of our member school’s faculty, staff, and boards.

This initiative is just one way we will pursue this important work with the vigor and attention it demands and deserves. I hope you will join me in recognizing and supporting the hard work and dedication of the Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office as we look back at the past two years and set our sights on an even brighter future.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Haas, Ph.D.President

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1995 J. Patrick Sandro, former superintendent for Grand Rapids Public Schools, is hired as director of the Charter Schools Office (CSO).

1995 Grand Valley authorizes its first school in Grand Rapids: Excel Charter Academy, managed by National Heritage Academies.

Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees

Sue C. Carnell Wayne, MI

Dorothy A. Johnson Grand Haven, MI

Noreen K. Myers Lowell, MI Vice Chair

Shelley E. Padnos Holland, MI

Lucille S. Taylor Laingsburg, MI

Michael D. Thomas Saginaw, MI

David L. Way DeWitt, MI

Kate Pew Wolters Grand Rapids, MI Chair

“ Grand Valley State University values the work of the Charter Schools Office to provide exceptional educational opportunities for families throughout the state. We are especially pleased with the continuing high quality of our charter schools. Their focus on quality aligns with the university’s goals of access, affordability, and quality.”

– Kate Pew Wolters Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees Chair

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A Message from the Special Assistant to the President for Charter Schools

We believe the Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office’s approach to serving as an authorizer is unique, as we offer opportunities to the faculties of our schools to enhance student learning. The vision of Grand Valley State University President Dr. Thomas Haas, is to provide workshops that focus on the instructional process; accordingly, we offer professional development in differentiated instruction, response to intervention, formative and summative assessment, administrative leadership, and the use of data to drive instruction.

We also give back to our member schools. To encourage participation in these learning opportunities, we provide a $50 per pupil academic grant to schools that participate in our professional development workshops and classes. Events are offered in Grand Rapids as well as in Livonia for our Detroit area participants. This spring, University Preparatory Academy in Detroit will receive a GVSU Charter Schools Office academic grant of $84,500 thanks to the participation of their teachers in these learning opportunities.

Additionally, Grand Valley funds the Measures of Academic Progress test to assess annual student growth. We also fund the Curriculum Crafter tool, which aligns a school’s curriculum with the Michigan performance standards. We pay the annual fee should a school decide to engage in the North Central Association School Accreditation process and we offer a 50 percent tuition reimbursement to our member schools’ faculty who are willing to pursue a graduate study program in education at Grand Valley’s College of Education.

We sponsor the enrollment fee for our teachers to attend the annual Michigan Association of Public School Academies annual conference in Detroit and we fund student participation in the Charter Schools Fine Arts Camp as well as weeklong summer camps on Grand Valley’s campus for Detroit area students.

Our field representatives attend every board of education meeting of schools chartered by Grand Valley Sate University to assist boards with policy issues. We reimburse member schools that choose to participate in the National Charter Schools Institute policy program, which provides charter schools with current policies.

Next fall we hope to open a downtown Detroit office to serve as a physical hub for our charter school teachers and leaders to engage with each other in a learning network. This network will focus on improving the teaching and learning within our member schools.

We are unique, as we are actively implementing the vision of President Haas, who firmly believes in providing opportunities for the faculty and administration of the Grand Valley State University charter schools to improve their instructional and administrative practices.

Timothy H. Wood, Ph.D. Special Assistant to the President for Charter Schools

Enrollment 1996-19971,947 students

1996 Grand Valley Board of Trustees approves nine schools, all located within a 75-mile radius of the university’s Allendale campus.

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1996 Grand Valley charters its first two high schools: Black River Public School (K-12) in Holland, MI; and Byron Center Charter School (K-12) in Byron Center, MI.

1998 May 11, President Arend D. Lubbers delivers a speech about charter schools and Grand Valley’s role in the charter school movement to the Economic Club of Grand Rapids.

Windemere Park Charter Academy Lansing

Vanderbilt Charter Academy Holland

West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics Spring Lake

WayPoint Academy Muskegon

Walker Charter Academy Walker

Vanguard Charter Academy Wyoming

William C. Abney Academy Grand Rapids

University Preparatory Academy

Timberland Charter Academy Muskegon

Crossroads Charter Academy Big Rapids

Black River Public School Holland

Oakland Academy Portage

Hanley International Academy Hamtramck

Endeavor Charter Academy Springfield

Arbor Academy Battle Creek

Paragon Charter Academy Jackson

Achieve Charter Academy Canton

Metro Charter Academy Romulus

Detroit Premier Academy

Knapp Charter Academy Grand Rapids

Grand River Preparatory High School Kentwood

Byron Center Charter School Byron Center

Excel Charter Academy Grand Rapids

Michigan Math & Science Academy Hazel Park

Reach Charter Academy Roseville

Detroit Merit Charter AcademyDetroit Enterprise Academy

University Prep Science & Math Middle School

University Prep Ellen Thompson Elementary

Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies

University Prep Mark Murray Elementary

Chandler Woods Charter Academy Belmont

Charter School Locations

students were on a waiting list to attend a Grand Valley State University authorized charter school in 2009

3,900

s

Global Heights Academy Dearborn

Legacy Charter Academy

Warrendale Charter Academy Detroit

Washington-Parks Academy Redford

Ethnic Diversity

48.47%African American

42.76%White

0.49%American Indian

1.79%Asian

5.95%Hispanic

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Bob Fortin Field Service Representative

Bob Fortin started his second career at Grand Valley in 1997 after working in the K-12 system for 32 years, of which the last 14 were served as superintendent

of the Coopersville Area Public Schools. Bob presently serves the Charter Schools Office as a field representative where his primary duties are attending board meetings and working closely with both charter school boards of education and their principals.

When not working, Bob and wife of 43 years, Marcy, enjoy the extended family their four daughters and 10 grandchildren provide.

Charter Schools Office Staff

The staff of the Charter Schools Office is comprised

of professionals from a broad variety of backgrounds in

education, business, and research. Each member of our

staff is committed to providing all of their constituents

with the services and resources needed to offer high quality

educational experiences to the students they represent.

Dan Matthews Field Service Representative

Dan Matthews is starting his first year at the Charter Schools Office. Dan has spent the past 34 years as a K-12 classroom teacher, special needs teacher

consultant, and a high school administrator with Northview Public Schools.

In 2004, Dan was named the State of Michigan High School Administrator of the Year, and in 2005, he was selected as the National High School Administrator of the Year. Dan was also awarded the Grand Valley State University Outstanding Alumni Award in 2005.

Dan enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren and traveling with his wife, Sheila.

Molli Herth Office Assistant

As Charter Schools Office assistant, Molli Herth performs non-routine office functions, which substantially contribute to charter schools’ objectives.

Before joining the office, Molli worked in the Grand Valley Registrar’s Office. Molli is a Grand Valley alumna with a B.S. in public administration and a M.Ed. degree in adult and higher education. Molli enjoys spending time with her family and in the community.

Tona AmbroseResearch and Measurement Assistant

Tona Ambrose joined the Grand Valley Charter Schools Office staff in June of 2007 as the research and measurement assistant.

Tona provides an array of assistance to Robert Kimball, director of research and measurement, in the areas of school performance and data reporting. When Tona is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children.

Devin Patterson Technology Specialist

As technology specialist, Devin Patterson is responsible for internal technology support for the Charter Schools Office, as well as helping support

Grand Valley authorized charter schools with their technology needs. Devin is in the process of completing his bachelor’s degree with a double major in finance and economics with an emphasis in real estate and a minor in mathematics and engineering. Devin enjoys and has a passion for real estate investing and property management in the Grand Rapids area.

Timothy H. Wood, Ph.D. Special Assistant to the President for Charter Schools

Timothy Wood, Ph.D. is the special assistant to the president for charter schools. Prior to joining Grand Valley, he was the

superintendent of Saugatuck Public Schools for six years. Additionally, he served as the principal of Northview High School in Grand Rapids and of Lakewood High School in Lake Odessa. Dr. Wood brings more that 20 years of school administrative experience to the Grand Valley Charter Schools Office. He received a B.A. from Hillsdale College, an M.A. from Central Michigan, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University; both advanced degrees are in educational administration. He and his wife, Wendy, reside in Saugatuck. Son, Greg, is a Michigan State graduate, while daughter Ashley holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

Jim DeKorne Field Service Representative

In his 33 years in K-12 education, Jim DeKorne has been a teacher, principal, and superintendent. He has also served as an educational consultant and school

accreditation mentor. Jim brings to the charter school community knowledge and experience from the private school world, as well as experience in other states including Arizona and Colorado. The expertise he provides to Grand Valley’s charter schools includes board governance, program evaluation, strategic planning, and leadership development.

Jim and his wife, Greta, have four children and two grandchildren.

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high school graduation rate of Grand Valley authorized charter schools93%

enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year of Grand Valley authorized charter schools

17,733

Robert Kimball Director of Research and Measurement

As director of research and measurement, Robert Kimball is responsible for developing performance metrics and managing

performance data for Grand Valley’s charter schools. A graduate of Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy’s Learning Sciences M.A. program, Robert worked as a consultant for a KIPP charter school in Chicago and was an Education Pioneer Urban Education Leadership Fellow in the summer of 2009. Prior to pursuing graduate studies, Robert taught in traditional public schools, led a non-profit summer camp, and worked as a public affairs editor for the U.S. Department of Interior in Washington D.C. Robert completed his B.A. and teacher certification at the University of Michigan.

James D. Smith, Ph.D. Field Service Representative

James Smith, Ph.D. joined the Charter Schools Office in November 2009 and assumed responsibilities for supporting Grand Valley authorized school boards and

charter schools in Southeast Michigan. Prior to joining Grand Valley, Dr. Smith worked for IBM for 28 years. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration and – after retiring from IBM – earned a Ph.D. in K-12 educational administration from Michigan State University. His commitment to community service has included serving on numerous area boards and committees. Dr. Smith is married, has two sons, and enjoys reading, golf, and tennis.

Don Haist Director of Field Service Representatives

Don Haist has been with Grand Valley State University for six years and is a retired superintendent from Greenville Public Schools. Don brings

experience in instructional planning, curriculum alignment, program evaluation, and collaborative problem solving. Don serves as director of the field service representatives and director of the training provided for the charter schools staff and school boards.

Don enjoys spending time with his wife, Becki, and their six grandchildren.

Amirah Vosburgh Project Coordinator

Amirah Vosburgh is the project coordinator for the Charter Schools Office. She provides assistance to Dr. Timothy Wood in areas of marketing and

public relations and assists in coordinating professional development training for charter school teachers and administrators. Amirah is a Grand Valley alumna with a bachelor of science in communications and is working on obtaining her masters of public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management and leadership. When not in the office or school, Amirah enjoys spending time with her family, watching and playing sports, reading, and traveling.

Patricia Oldt, Ph.D. Special Projects

Patricia Oldt, Ph.D. is currently a distinguished professor in Grand Valley’s College of Education and is also director of special projects. She joined Grand

Valley in 2000 and served six years as a vice president. Prior to joining Grand Valley, Dr. Oldt spent seven years as superintendent of Northview Public Schools, seven years as an administrator in Grand Rapids Public Schools, and 12 years in an administrative role with Grand Rapids Community College.

Dr. Oldt received her doctorate from Michigan State University and has received a number of recognitions for her many contributions to the field of education.

Kristin Middendorf Compliance Officer

As compliance officer, Kristin Middendorf is responsible for monitoring Grand Valley State University authorized charter schools for compliance with state

and federal laws and regulations and compliance with academies’ respective contracts with the university’s Board of Trustees. Kristin is also responsible for maintaining the integrity of the electronic document management system and preparing and disseminating information related to the Grand Valley charter schools to the state of Michigan. Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and a master of public administration degree from Grand Valley State University. In her free time, Kristin enjoys running and spending time with her husband and two children.


VisionGrand Valley State University charter schools will be nationally recognized for best practices in K-12 education. These best practices will include innovation and effectiveness in teaching and learning and working in partnerships with K-12 schools and within the university. Charter schools authorized by the university will exhibit exemplary student success, strong governance, fiscal efficiency, legal compliance, and a culture of continuous improvement. These charter schools will lead and enhance this effort through research and professional development.

MissionGrand Valley State University Grand Valley State University educates students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies. The university contributes to the enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service.

Charter Schools Office The Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office will provide leadership in authorizing high performing charter schools that ensure quality educational opportunities for all students.

Values/BeliefsStudent FocusWe believe the core business of any K-12 school is teaching and learning. The primary measurement of success for such a school is student achievement.

Data DrivenWe believe identified data sets can be used to judge the quality of a school and to understand what value a school has added to each student’s educational experience. Student performance data are essential for informing teaching that produces successful student learning.

Exceptional PerformanceWe believe it is critical for Grand Valley’s charter schools to provide equal or better opportunities for Michigan’s students and parents than are provided by the traditional public education system. If a Grand Valley authorized charter school does not consistently meet this criterion, we believe that school should be closed. These closings are equally as important as the charter openings.

QualityWe believe the quality of a school’s operation includes student success, strong governance, a culture of respect and dignity, diversity, fiscal efficiency, and a model of continuous improvement for both staff and students.

AccountabilityWe believe the Charter School‘s Office is accountable for fulfilling both the Grand Valley mission and the charter schools mission to:“Educate students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies through leadership in authorizing high performing charter schools that ensure quality educational opportunities for all students.”

Vision, Mission, Values, and Goals

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Charter Schools Office goals for the 2009-2010 academic yearGoal 1 To expand relationships within Grand Valley State University.

• Begin a dialogue with the College of Education around Grand Valley State University faculty teaching some of the charter school professional development offerings for the purpose of building capacity among the Grand Valley State University charter schools faculty and staff.

• Work with the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies in developing programs for the charter school summer camps held at Grand Valley as well as providing leadership professional development opportunities for charter school administrators.

• Investigate other areas of the university for collaborative partnerships.

Goal 2 To research and compile best practices in K-12 education.

• Initiate a best practices newsletter from the special assistant for charter schools to the principals of the Grand Valley State University’s charter schools.

Goal 3 To develop and implement a professional development center that will increase capacity for Grand Valley State University authorized charter schools administrators, board members, and instructional staff.

• Offer a minimum of 20 professional development opportunities for Grand Valley State University’s charter schools personnel in both Grand Rapids and Detroit.

Goal 4 To assure that Grand Valley State University charter schools maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

• Administer a Comprehensive Performance Review (CPR) at the school site once every three years for each of the schools to assure that contractual compliance is maintained.

• Require officials of Grand Valley authorized charter schools to submit appropriate documents to the Grand Valley State University charter schools compliance officer to assure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.

Charter Schools Office inclusion and equity goalsGoal 1 To facilitate and sustain an effective university-wide mechanism for establishing

partnerships and collaborations with Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS).

• Create a plan based on the GRPS superintendent’s area of interest.

• Collaborate with GRPS Centers of Innovation.

• Partner with GRPS on high school reform.

• Share GVSU facilities with GRPS.

Goal 2 To promote cultural competence in the Charter Schools Office and in Grand Valley State University authorized charter schools.

• Offer cultural competence professional development for the Charter Schools Office and for GVSU charter schools faculty and staff.

Goal 3 To increase diversity in the Charter Schools Office personnel.

• Focus on the importance of having a diverse candidate pool for any open positions and/or for student worker positions.

1999Academic year ends with 25 Grand Valley-authorized charter schools.

2000 In recognition of his work for charter schools, Grand Valley President Emeritus Arend D.Lubbers receives the annual Plachta Award from the Michigan Association of Public School Academies.

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Charter Schools Profiles Grand Valley State University chartered its first three schools in 1995, serving a total of 350

students. Now in its 15th year as an authorizer, Grand Valley charters 30 schools and three

urban high school academies serving nearly 18,000 students. Grand Valley State University’s

dedication to fostering choice in K-12 education and positive public reform is stronger than

ever, as evidenced by the following list of current and planned schools.

Achieve Charter Academyhttp://achieve.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride• Achieve opened the 2009-2010 school year with 562 students in grades K-6 — the

highest number of students in the history of a National Heritage Academies (NHA) school. The school opened its 6th grade in an effort to better serve the needs of the community and had a memorable ribbon cutting ceremony in August with local dignitaries and the NHA leadership team.

• The school’s tremendous parent support and participation is evidenced by 99.1 percent participation in November 2009 student-parent-teacher conferences, at which students are required to present their work to their parents.

3250 Denton Road, Canton, MI 48187 T (734) 397-0960, F (734) 397-0968

Grades: K-6Opened: September 2009School Leader: Claudia WilliamsonManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Adelaide Jackson, Laura Packer, Bradley Defoe, Thomas Sklut,

Judith Draplin

Enrollment: 563

Arbor Academyhttp://arbor-academy.org

Points of Pride • Arbor Academy received a School of Excellence Award for 2009 from the Michigan

Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA), in part because of its 10:1 student to fully-certified teacher ratio. The school also boasts a growing rocket club where student scientists build and launch rockets in the spring.

• Every year Arbor Academy maintains 100 percent participation by parents at both the fall and spring parent-teacher conferences.

MEAP Proficiency: 90.2%Free or Reduced Lunch Population: 59.9%Enrollment: 200Population Meeting Growth Targets (NWEA): 75.2%MEAP vs. Composite Peer: +9.9%

55 Arbor Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015 T (269) 963-5851, F (269) 964-2643

Grades: K-6Opened: September 1998School Leader: Cassandra TrawitzManagement Company: Foundation for Behavioral ResourcesBoard Members: Philip VanVranken, Donald Gilmer, Janette Burland Frantz,

Allan Harmon, Larry Harris

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Black River Public Schoolhttp://blackriverpublicschool.org

Points of Pride• Black River was ranked an impressive 55th nationally in a 2006 study in Newsweek

magazine’s index of “America’s Best High Schools.” The school has also been in the top three high schools in Michigan since 2006 according to the same study, which bases Black River’s high ranking on its advanced placement program.

• The Black River jazz band was recognized as “Outstanding Band” at Western Michigan University in spring 2009 and performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City, NY in February 2010.

• Black River students have traveled internationally to places including Tobago, Spain, Australia, England, Ireland, France, Japan, Mexico, and Canada. Travel within the United States has included trips to the Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone Park, Gettysburg, California, and in-state destinations like the Upper Peninsula and Beaver Island.

491 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI 49423 T (616) 355-0055, F (616) 355-0057

Byron Center Charter Schoolhttp://byroncentercharter.org

Points of Pride • Byron Center Charter School has quadrupled in size over the past 12 years and is

presently planning its fifth building expansion project.

• Since its inception, the school has had eight graduating classes with a 94 percent or higher graduation rate. During the same time, only two staff members have left the school for teaching positions in other schools.

• Byron Center Charter Schools parent surveys state that parents would recommend the school and that they especially appreciate the small class size, the caring and friendly staff, and the focus on character values and good citizenship.

9930 Burlingame Avenue SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 T (616) 878-4852, F (616) 878-7196

Grades: K-12Opened: September 1996School Leader: Tom KruzelManagement Company: Woodbridge GroupBoard Members: Tammie McSpadden, Anne Brouillette, Konrad Gielow, Kelli Hull,

Laura Buchanan, Louise Honderd, Rebecca Kleinbrink


Grades: K-12Opened: September 1996School Leader: Shannon BruninkManagement Company: Self-managedBoard Members: Thomas Guarr, Barbara Zeller, Barbara Ellis, Jane Clark, Gregory Christie,

Lorna Hernandez-Jarvis, Brian Porter, Ruth Crouch, Mary Mims

MEAP Proficiency: 93.7%Free or Reduced Lunch Population: 14.0%Enrollment: 832MEAP vs. Composite Peer: +11.6%

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Points of Pride• Crossroads Charter Academy was a 2007-2008 finalist for the Michigan Association

of Public School Academies (MAPSA) School of the Year.

• Crossroads Charter Academy’s emphasis on small class sizes and a personal education, has increased enrollment by approximately 50 students from the 2008-2009 to 2009-2010 school year.

• The school’s band continues to receive top ratings from the state and continues to expand elective offering.

MEAP Proficiency: 87.9%Free or Reduced Lunch Population: 52.4%Enrollment: K-6: 353, 7-12: 258Population Meeting Growth Targets (NWEA): 54.6%MEAP vs. Composite Peer: +6.3%

Crossroads Charter Academyhttp://ccabr.org

Chandler Woods Charter Academyhttp://chandlerwoods.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride• Chandler Woods’ 8th grade students participated in the Science Olympiad competition at

Grand Valley State University and qualified for the state tournament in spring 2009.

• The school fields athletic teams in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and cross-country; due to the school’s new “no-cut” policy, nearly 50 percent of middle school students participate in an extra-curricular athletic program.

• Chandler Woods received an “A” and met AYP on the Michigan Department of Education “Education Yes” Report Card during the 2008-2009 school year.

6895 Samrick Avenue NE, Belmont, MI 49306 T (616) 866-6000, F (616) 866-6001

Middle/High School Building 7-12215 West Spruce Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307 T (231) 796-9041, F (231) 796-9790 School Leader: Tom Saporito

Grades: K-8Opened: September 1999School Leader: Barb LindquistManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Violet Kindel Rohrer, Dennis Klein, John Potter, Thomas Vredevelt,

Loretta Florida


K-6 Building215 North State Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307T (231) 796-6589, F (231) 796- 9874School Leader: Kendall Schroeder

Grades: K-12Opened: September 1998School Leader: Ronald Schneider, SuperintendentManagement Company: Woodbridge GroupBoard Members: James Woolen, Jimmie Rodgers, Kristine Workman, Sayed Rasoul Hashimi,

David Frees, Iyabode Fadayomi

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Detroit Merit Charter Academyhttp://detroitmerit.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride• Detroit Merit Charter Academy prides itself on individualized instruction and a rigorous

curriculum. It provides a safe and secure environment that nurtures students and allows teachers to get to know students personally.

• The school takes great pride in its high school placement programs and community involvement.

1091 Alter Road, Detroit, MI 48215 T (313) 331-3328, F (313) 331-3278

Grades: K-8Opened: August 2002School Leader: Heidi BenserManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Glenn Clark, Paul Schaap, Craig Stanley, Janis Ramsey, Robert Farhat


Detroit Enterprise Academyhttp://detroitenterprise.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride• Detroit Enterprise Academy maintains a daily average attendance rate of 94 percent

with 60 percent of students who qualify for perfect attendance.

• In school year 2008-2009, Detroit Enterprise Academy initiated its first chapter of the National Junior Honor Society named Excellence of Enterprise. The chapter has 14 members.

11224 Kercheval Street, Detroit, MI 48214 T (313) 823-5799, F (313) 823-0342

Grades: K-8Opened: August 2004School Leader: Rodney DealManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Sandra Clark-Hinton, Brenda Mack, Carolyn Lee, Terry Herbert, Gary Sands


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Endeavor Charter Academyhttp://endeavor.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride• Endeavor Charter Academy received the 2008 Silver for Soldiers Community Service

Award for its school-wide fundraiser that collected coins to buy phone cards for overseas soldiers. The project was organized by the 8th grade Leadership Group. Representative Mike Nofs was so moved by the fundraiser that he donated $1,000 towards the effort.

• The Endeavor Middle School band is very involved in the community, playing in such venues as the Lakeview Square Mall, the Air National Guard Base, the Federal Center, and the Battle Creek Holiday Parade. In 2008 the group travelled to Chicago to perform on the Skydeck of the Sears Tower.

• Music director/teacher Jennifer Culler won the National Heritage Academies (NHA) Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2008-2009 school year.

380 North Helmer Road, Springfield, MI 49015 T (269) 962-9300, F (269) 962-9393

Grades: K-8Opened: August 1998School Leader: Russ AinslieManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Nola Batch, Carroll Hughes, Erich Henkel, Linda Wendt, Miles Fitzpatrick


Detroit Premier Academyhttp://detroitpremier.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride• Detroit Premier Academy features a music program that expects students to read and

understand music, preparing them to not only be good musicians but to compete for scholarships as well.

• The school’s criteria for student promotion from 8th grade are very high. Students must maintain a 2.5 G.P.A. for the year and score at or exceed grade level in all three areas (math, reading, and language arts) of the R.I.T. (NWEA) test. These high expectations prepare students for their futures, for competing for scholarships, and being able to attend schools of choice.

• Detroit Premier provides a variety of after school programs, including tutoring, dance, cheerleading, basketball, mentoring, science club, drama club, yearbook, martial arts, band, orchestra, violin, and French. The programs create student engagement and interest in continued learning outside the classroom.


7781 Asbury Park, Detroit, MI 48228 T (313) 945-1472, F (313) 945-1472

Grades: K-8Opened: August 2004School Leader: Vondra GlassManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Renee Shepherd, Brenda Orr-Bunch, Arecia Williams

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Excel Charter Academyhttp://excel.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride• Excel Charter Academy is in the second year of implementing its Capturing Kids Hearts

program, where relationships and respect between staff and students is strengthened.

• The school features Moral Focus assemblies once a month where students who have shown outstanding character in the virtue of emphasis for the month are honored.

• The school’s 5th graders enjoy and learn about science, social studies, and team building by going on a three-day camping adventure at Camp Pendalouan.

4201 Breton Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 T (616) 281-9339, F (616) 281-6707

Grades: K-8Opened: September 1995School Leader: Dan BartelsManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Andy DeVries, Dale Mowry, John Booy, Kris Mauren, Pamela Cuthbertson,

Sydeon Harvey, Patti Zehr


Excel Charter Academy - Grand River Preparatory High Schoolhttp://grandriverprep.com

Points of Pride• Grand River Preparatory High School’s focus is on ensuring each high school graduate

completes 60 hours of community service; that each student receives individualized college, academic, and professional planning; that each student successfully completes a minimum of two AP courses; and that each student applies to college successfully.

• As part of a pilot program that started in September 2009, every 10th grade student received a laptop computer as part of their technology-focused curriculum.

• After school programs include athletics (soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross-country), art, music, forensics, creative writing, robotics, and community service.

Enrollment: 216

624 52nd Street SE, Kentwood, MI 49548 T (616) 261-1800, F (616) 261-1853 Grades: 9-10Opened: September 2008School Leader: David AngererManagement Company: American Dream NetworkBoard Members: Andy DeVries, Dale Mowry, John Booy, Kris Mauren, Pamela Cuthbertson,

Sydeon Harvey, Patti Zehr

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Global Heights Academy - Opening September 2010 23713 Joy Road, Dearborn, MI 48127 Grades: K-5Management Company: Global Educational ExcellenceBoard Members: Ali H. Fakih, Hussein M. Mahmoud, Ahmed Muaydh

Hanley International Academyhttp://hanleyacademy.com

Points of Pride• Hanley International Academy students speak 20 languages other than English and

celebrate and embrace that cultural diversity at their annual Mix It Up Day.

• The school’s athletics program featured the boys and girls SAC cross country champions and the 2008–2009 elementary boys and girls basketball champs.

• Academically, the school has achieved AYP every year from 2005-2009, showing progress year after year.

K-2 Building3056 Hanley Street, Hamtramck, MI 48212T (313) 872-9080, F (313) 872-9113

Grades: K-8 Opened: August 2005School Leader: Carolyn GloverManagement Company: The Romine GroupBoard Members: Jeffrey Leib, Chaffaye Carter, Margaret Llorens, Stella Szczesny


3-8 Building2609 Poland Street, Hamtramck, MI 48212T (313) 875-8888, F (313) 875-8889

of Grand Valley authorized charter schools received a grade B or better on the

Michigan Department of Education School Report Card

92%

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Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies – UHSAhttp://schoolforcreativestudies.org

Points of Pride • Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies has been featured in two major art and

design magazines, Metropolis and Axis (a Japanese publication), because of its focus on teaching art, design, and creativity.

• The school has maintained an average daily attendance rate of 93-95 percent since opening in September 2009.

• The Henry Ford Academy girl’s basketball team had a very successful first season, finishing with a record of eight wins and three losses.

Enrollment: 374

A. Alfred Taubman Center, 460 West Baltimore Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 T (313) 481-4000, F (313) 481-4001

Grades: 6, 7, and 9Opened: September 2009School Leader: Michelle WhiteManagement Company: Creative Urban EducationBoard Members: Edward Parks, Geneva Jones Williams, Glenda Price, Daniel Varner,

James Nicholson, Jean Baker, JoAnn Broomfield-Williams, Zina Kramer, Keith Cooley

Grades: K-5Management Company: Global Educational ExcellenceBoard Members: Ali H. Fakih, Hussein M. Mahmoud, Ahmed Muaydh

Knapp Charter Academyhttp://knapp.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride • Knapp Charter Academy’s Passport to Learn is a supplemental program for students who

often need an extra challenge. Teacher Jenny Baker has successfully implemented this as an after school program for 18 students in 3rd through 5th grades. Students choose their area of interest and create a project that they work on independently and then meet weekly for input and accountability.

• Another program, Building Better Relationships, is a school-wide initiative and everyone at the school has written an individual goal and follows “non-negotiable” behaviors from Capturing Kid’s Hearts.

• Teachers have been given the flexibility to attend professional development workshops that meet their individual needs.

1759 Leffingwell Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 T (616) 364-1100, F (616) 364-9780

Grades: K-8Opened: September 1997School Leader: Jami HoeksemaManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Keith Lang, Cheryl Elmer, Elaine Meredith, Michael Golder


Grades: K-8 Opened: August 2005School Leader: Carolyn GloverManagement Company: The Romine GroupBoard Members: Jeffrey Leib, Chaffaye Carter, Margaret Llorens, Stella Szczesny

20

Metro Charter Academyhttp://metro.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride• Metro Charter Academy’s E.L.I.T.E. (Educating Ladies in True Excellence) is a mentoring

program led by Ms. Keryin Phillips, the 7th grade language arts teacher. The program focuses on 7th and 8th graders and teaches students about self esteem, self respect, and taking pride in themselves.

• The school’s M.E.N. (Males Eliminating Negativity) group is a mentoring program led by Mr. Alvin Ward, the middle school dean. This young men’s group focuses on making good choices in and out of school and being good role models.

• For the last seven years, Metro has raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The school conducts a “Pennies for Patients” drive and challenges all of its students to donate as much as they can to help children who are critically ill with different forms of leukemia or lymphoma. Last year, the school raised $500 to benefit the cause.

34800 Ecorse Road, Romulus, MI 48174 T (734) 641-3200, F (734) 641-6530

Grades: K-8Opened: September 2000School Leader: Andrew CookManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Howard Behr, Louis Whitlock, Michael Vandelinder, Paula Winkler-Doman,

Amy Stewart


Legacy Charter Academy - Opening September 2010

4900 East Hildale Street, Detroit, MI 48234 Grades: K-5School Leader: Candace RogersManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Peter J. Stickney, Snezana Crkovski, Michelle A. Stinnett, Rosanne V. Triano

students who graduated from one of the five high schools authorized by Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office

are currently enrolled in Grand Valley State University

46

21

Michigan Mathematics and Science Academyhttp://mmsaonline.org

Points of Pride• Selected students at Michigan Math and Science Academy participated in the Concept

Schools Annual Spelling Bee at Cleveland State University in Ohio. Sixth grade student Lynarius Collins took first place in the competition while the school placed second overall.

• Home visits are one of the most important tools Michigan Math and Science Academy uses to improve students’ academic achievement. Teachers are encouraged to visit the families of all their students in order to increase communication, trust, and support.

• Students recently visited Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids as a means of exposing 5th through 8th graders to the college environment. Other college visits are being planned for the future.

99 East Woodward Heights Boulevard, Hazel Park, MI 48040 T (248) 808-6914, F (248) 808-6934

Grades: 5-8Opened: September 2009School Leader: Cafer CengizManagement Company: Concept Schools, Inc.Board Members: Taulant Kadiu, Myra Dutton, Linda Peet, Abuzer Saglik, Ahmet Ugur

Enrollment: 126

Oakland Academyhttp://oakland-academy.org

Points of Pride• Oakland Academy was awarded a 2007 School of Excellence Award by the Michigan

Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA). The school has achieved 92 percent proficiency on the MEAP test and boasts 100 percent participation by parents at its fall and spring parent/teacher conferences.

• Oakland Academy’s ability to maintain a 10:1 student to fully-certified teacher ratio has helped all classrooms meet or exceed the national average on the NWEA (MAP) test.

• The student council is active in a variety of community services such as rake and run, adopt a family, caroling at the hospital, and leadership for the blind.

6325 Oakland Drive, Portage, MI 49024 T (269) 324-8951, F (269) 731-5246

Grades: K-6Opened: September 1998School Leader: Henry WinterManagement Company: Foundation for Behavioral ResourcesBoard Members: Charles Simpson, Earl Dalzell, Larry Hayden, Randy Bonzheim, Bonnie Voss


22

Paragon Charter Academyhttp://paragon.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride • Paragon Charter Academy has adopted a school-wide process that emphasizes respect,

responsibility, leadership, and self-control at school. Students earn “Right On!” tickets for exhibiting good behavior. This program, combined with the Capturing Kid’s Hearts program, has cut office referrals in half.

• The entire staff is involved in the Paragon Fitness Team, which focuses on being healthy, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.

• Students in 2nd through 8th grade set goals for their learning and talk about their learning strategies. Teachers and students then develop personal action plans and track students progress toward those goals.


3750 McCain Road, Jackson, MI 49201 T (517) 750-9500, F (517) 750-9501

Grades: K-8Opened: September 1998School Leader: Kathy WatsonManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Roger LaMothe, Joan Boldrey, Kevin Sykes, Tony Jackson, Carmela Klintworth

Reach Charter Academyhttp://reach.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride • Reach Charter Academy elementary students from all grades are taught about the

importance of good citizenship, being socially responsible, and positively impacting the world they live in through a variety of hands-on community service projects such as writing thank you notes to the surrounding community members, cleaning up the surrounding area of our school, collecting food for needy families, and collecting pennies to purchase Christmas gifts for needy Reach families. They also participated in a welcome home celebration for a soldier returning from Iraq.

• Reach Academy ran a food drive during the weeks before Thanksgiving 2009 after which students and staff provided complete Thanksgiving meals for many of its families at Solid Ground Sanctuary. Students also provided meals for women and children at Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter.

• Students conducted a can drive to raise money to build a wheelchair ramp at the home of one of its students whose father was homebound due to the lack of a ramp.

25725 Chippendale Street, Roseville, MI 48066 T (586) 498-9171, F (586) 498-9173

Grades: K-6Opened: September 2008School Leader: Paula DowkerManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Harry Briggs, Jared Dell, Katherine Dixon, Deborah Lowery

MEAP Proficiency: 62.1%Free or Reduced Lunch Population: 59.0%Enrollment: 508Population Meeting Growth Targets (NWEA): 71.7%MEAP vs. Composite Peer: -9.3%

23

Timberland Charter Academyhttp://timberland.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride • Timberland has developed partnerships in the Muskegon community with many

businesses, including L3 Communications, which provides winter apparel, and Community Schools Credit Union of Muskegon, which supports teacher in-services and family outreach programs at the school.

• Elementary and middle school students participate in a variety of service projects such as Pennies for Patients to benefit leukemia patients, and breast cancer awareness fundraisers.

• Timberland Charter Academy offers sports programs in basketball, volleyball, soccer, and cross-country for grades 6th through 8th.

2574 McLaughlin Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 T (231) 767-9700, F (231) 767-9710

Grades: K-8Opened: September 1998School Leader: Andre JohnsonManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Jim Wickstra, Faye Jordan-Brown, Stanley Boelkins, Tracey Welsh, Dorothy Scott

MEAP Proficiency: 62.1%Free or Reduced Lunch Population: 88.8%Enrollment: 452Population Meeting Growth Targets (NWEA): 63.7%MEAP vs. Composite Peer: -2.6%

Grades: K-8Opened: September 1998School Leader: Kathy WatsonManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Roger LaMothe, Joan Boldrey, Kevin Sykes, Tony Jackson, Carmela Klintworth

“ Grand Valley’s charter schools must add value to their communities. Value-adds come in many different forms in today’s rapidly evolving education landscape, and the Grand Valley Charter Schools Office research and measurement team works hard to develop considerate metrics that are meaningful for school improvement and contract accountability.”

– Robert Kimball Director of research and measurement

“Michigan’s children are its greatest resource. The Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office is committed to authorizing schools of the highest quality that provide every young person in Michigan with 21st century knowledge and skills.”

– Jim DeKorne Field service representative

24

University Preparatory Academy - UHSAhttp://uprep.com

High School (9-12)600 Antoinette Street, Detroit, MI 48202T (313) 874-4340, F (313) 874-4470School Leader: Danielle Jackson

Points of Pride • University Preparatory Academy was selected as a Project Re-Imagine district by the

Michigan Department of Education. The school was the only charter school in the state included in the Project Re-Imagine awards.

• In the Spring of 2009, University Preparatory High School ramped up its “just-in-time” intervention systems by instituting biweekly academic progress checks. Any student found to have any grade below B in any core academic area is required to attend mandatory after-school tutoring until all grades reach the B level, ensuring that all students receive necessary supplementary instruction in a timely manner.

• The school achieved a State of Michigan certified graduation rate of 100 percent for the Class of 2008 and was recognized by NBC Evening News in a “What Works” segment highlighting the accomplishment. In the words of reporter Maria Schiavocampo, “University Prep Academy is defying a culture of failure to foster an expectation of success.”

Middle School (6-8)5310 Saint Antoine Street, Detroit, MI 48202T (313) 831-0100, F (313) 831-4197School Leader: Monica Martin

MEAP Proficiency: 72.2%Free or Reduced Lunch Population: 75.3%Enrollment: High School (9-12): 515Middle School (6-8): 404Ellen Thompson Campus (K-5): 343Mark Murray Campus (K-5): 383Population Meeting Growth Targets (NWEA): 48.2%MEAP vs. Composite Peer: +10.2%

Grades: K-12Opened: September 2000School Leader: Nanette Gill, SuperintendentManagement Company: New Urban LearningBoard Members: Edward Parks, Geneva Jones Williams, Glenda Price, Daniel Varner,


Ellen Thompson Campus (K-5)957 Holden Street, Detroit, MI 48202T (313) 874-9800, F (313) 874-9822School Leader: Chalita Middleton

Mark Murray Campus (K-5)435 Amsterdam Street, Detroit, MI 48202T (313) 309-0552, F (313) 309-0555School Leader: Kimberly Llorens

students in current senior class get first year of college paid for by

University Preparatory Academy

124

25

University Preparatory Science & Math Middle School - UHSAhttp://uprepsm.com

Points of Pride • UPSM Middle School students interact with exhibits and science experts at the Detroit

Science Center, to which the school is connected, literally every day, giving them one of the most unique – and inspiring – learning environments in the country.

• In addition to having a study abroad graduation requirement, it is also a Project Lead the Way Engineering School.

• University Preparatory Science & Math is committed to being a 90/90 school: graduating at least 90 percent of the students and sending at least 90 percent to college.

5100 John R. Road, Detroit, MI 48202 T (313) 832-8400, F (313) 833-4816

Grades: 6-8Opened: September 2008School Leader: Margaret Trimer-Hartley, SuperintendentManagement Company: New Urban LearningBoard Members: Edward Parks, Geneva Jones Williams, Glenda Price, Daniel Varner,



Vanderbilt Charter Academyhttp://vanderbilt.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride • Vanderbilt Charter Academy employs the assistance of para-professionals for about

25 hours per week per classroom to complement an experienced and highly qualified staff of teachers.

• In September 2009, the school implemented the Response to Intervention Initiative in the lower elementary K-2nd grades. This multi-tiered approach was developed in order to identify, respond to, and monitor student progress by utilizing research-based interventions for students struggling with reading. The program was designed as an early intervention measure to prevent long-term failure.

• Additional opportunities initiated in September 2009 include after school activities. These opportunities include tutoring for all grade levels and enrichment activities including small group instruction for various types of band instruments, violin instruction, science clubs, book clubs, an introduction to broadcasting opportunities, and art/clay clubs.

301 West 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423 T (616) 820-5050, F (616) 820-5051

Grades: K-8Opened: August 1996School Leader: Ivan KrakerManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Sally Zwiep, Eduardo Amaya, Phillip Perkins, Robert Langejans,

Teresa VanderZwaag


26

Walker Charter Academyhttp://walker.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride • Nearly 99 percent of Walker Charter Academy parents met with teachers to discuss their

child’s educational progress during the fall 2009 parent/teacher conferences.

• A bake sale and “pink warrior” clothing fundraiser was organized this fall to raise money for the local office of the Susan G. Komen Cancer Society. Students in grades kindergarten through eighth raised more than $2,100.

• Students in 7th and 8th grade were able to hear from and visit with a WWII Holocaust survivor as part of a thematic unit on WWII.

1801 3 Mile Road NW, Walker, MI 49544 T (616) 785-2700, F (616) 785-0894

Grades: K-8Opened: August 1997School Leader: Steve BagleyManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Phil Catlett, Alan Vanderberg, David Zoller, Robert Schellenberg,

Ross Luurtsema


Vanguard Charter Academyhttp://vanguard.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride • Vanguard Academy has received the NHA Eagle Award for parent engagement three

years in a row. The award is presented for outstanding parent engagement and parent satisfaction.

• Vanguard students take pride in community service. The Vanguard Middle School National Junior Honor’s Society spearheads a variety of school-wide service projects throughout the year, including food drives, clothing drives, visits to senior centers, and Adopt a Highway cleanup. The Vanguard band performs in local malls during the holiday season, marches in the Wyoming Christmas Parade, and plays in the Cutlerville Summer Parade.

• Reading takes a front seat at Vanguard. Throughout the year, Vanguard students celebrate reading in a variety of ways. In December, the school holds its D.E.A.R. in December Reading Night where hundreds of Vanguard students and their families enjoy a night of reading activities. In March, Vanguard students celebrate March Reading Month with reading contests, special guest readers, and visits from authors and illustrators. All of these special events are supported by a reading program that includes reading workshops, reading support programs, and lunch time book clubs.

1620 52nd Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 T (616) 538-3630, F (616) 538-3646

Grades: K-8Opened: August 1996School Leader: Daryl VriesengaManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Darlene Kolehouse, Robert Przybysz, David Niewenhuis,

Kevin Somero, Kristan Newhouse


27

Washington-Parks Academyhttp://washington-parksacademy.org

Points of Pride • Washington-Parks Academy gives strong attention to a core area of science with an

emphasis on hands-on activities. Students then apply what is learned in science across other core areas such as math, language arts, and social studies. Inquiry-based thinking continues to be emphasized as it is at the root of real student achievement.

• Students have the opportunity to participate in a robust chess program, which is offered to both the middle school and primary students. Students participate in chess tournaments throughout the metro Detroit area and beyond, getting a chance to hone their chess skills and strengthen their analysis of the game.

• Washington-Parks Academy offers a popular string instrument program in which students practice early mornings and late in the evening along with taking the string classes offered during the school’s day program.

11685 Appleton Street, Redford, MI 48239 T (313) 592-6061, F (313) 242-5156

Grades: K-8Opened: September 2009School Leader: Scott CairoManagement Company: Three Pillars: An Educational Service ProviderBoard Members: James Ryder, Peter Giles, Catherine Govan, Amy LaBarge,

Stephen Londo, Gerald Seizert

Enrollment: 310

Warrendale Charter Academyhttp://warrendale.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride • The Warrendale Charter Academy boys basketball team enjoyed an undefeated season and

were NHA Regional Champions in 2009.

• In addition to a strong college-bound mentality at the school, Warrendale Charter Academy students are accepted to high-performing high schools at an outstanding rate — nearly 25 percent of their class of 2009 went on to schools such as Cass Tech, King, and Renaissance.

• Warrendale Charter Academy has been a “Beating the Odds” school for three years in a row by the Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA).

19400 Sawyer Street, Detroit, MI 48228 T (313) 240-4200, F (313) 240-4203

Grades: K-8Opened: September 2001School Leader: Brigitte JacksonManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Ronald Lockett, Vanaurd Williams, Yarmon O’Kelley, Robert Taylor, Carl Jackson

MEAP Proficiency: 64.4%Free or Reduced Lunch Population: 86%Enrollment: 730Population Meeting Growth Targets (NWEA): 63.7%MEAP vs. Composite Peer: +5.0%

28

WayPoint Academyhttp://4waypoint.com

Points of Pride • WayPoint Academy is the only school in West Michigan with a student operated credit

union (in partnership with Family Financial Credit Union), reinforcing and implementing the best practices in financial literacy.

• The academy is a G.L.O.B.E. (Global Learnings & Observations to Benefit the Earth) school, which is part of a worldwide community of students, teachers, scientists, and citizens working together to better understand, sustain, and improve Earth’s environment on local, regional, and global scales. The school is also home to the Greater West Michigan Jaycees’ “Young Educator of the Year.”

• WayPoint Academy is a National Distinguished Title I School as deemed by the United States Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Education.


2900 East Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442 T (231) 777-3682, F (231) 777-8488

Grades: 6-12Opened: September 2000School Leader: Barbara Stellard, SuperintendentManagement Company: Self-managedBoard Members: William Seyferth, B.C. Thompson, Brianna Tremaine Scott, Harold Workman Jr.,

James Fisher, Stephen Olsen, Michael Helsen, Joyce Starr, Robert Cutler

West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academicshttp://wmaaa.com

Points of Pride • West Michigan Academy for the Arts and Academics’ award-winning curriculum focuses on

integration of all arts areas and all academic subjects with this year’s focus on continued development of quality arts assessments.

• The academy was awarded a North Banks Community Foundation Grant written by band teacher, Mark Miller, in support of his middle school jazz band program. WMAAA middle school students performed the play “All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play” to a sold-out audience at the Grand Haven Community Center in October 2009.

• WMAAA arts staff were invited speakers at this year’s MAPSA conference in Detroit. Sessions focused on the power of collaboration, making research more inviting, and the use of cooperative learning techniques in the classroom.

17350 Hazel Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456 T (616) 844-9961, F (616) 844-9941

Grades: K-8Opened: September 1996School Leader: Tom StoutManagement Company: Advance Educational Services, Inc.Board Members: Judy Bregman, Christine Bozung, John Hair, Jeffery Lothamer, James Butler,

Gretchen Fontichiaro, Nerondia Reeves


29

William C. Abney Academyhttp://thewcaa.org

Points of Pride • William C. Abney Academy focuses on every child’s needs. The school believes that every

student deserves a quality education in a safe and nurturing environment. Its students love the nurturing, one-on-one attention, and their families love the results.

• Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the academy has offered the MARK mentoring program where students learn responsibility, character development, and citizenship from adult volunteers.

• Students and families participated in activities and programs that enhanced the school’s strong sense of community beyond the classroom, including harvest celebrations in conjunction with Holland Home and the Salvation Army, a holiday and Black history program, after school tutoring, mobile dentist, and commencement ceremonies for kindergarteners and fifth graders.

1435 East Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 T (616) 454-5541, F (616) 454-5598

Grades: K-5Opened: September 1998School Leader: Dr. Joseph H. Payton, SuperintendentManagement Company: A.I. CottonwoodBoard Members: Jathan Austin, Carleton Golder, David Wilson, James Buick, Frank Berrodin,

Michael Barnes, Sharon Sorensen, Michael Daniels, Donna Nelson



Windemere Park Charter Academyhttp://windemerepark.heritageacademies.com

Points of Pride • Windemere Park Charter Academy middle school students enroll in Michigan State

University’s Cooperative Highly Accelerated Mathematics Program (CHAMP) and Intensive Study in the Humanities, Arts, Language, and Literature (ISHALL) program. The CHAMP and ISHALL programs are designed for students to obtain four years of high school math and English in just two years time. After completing the CHAMP or ISHALL program, students are prepared for enrollment in AP courses at the high school level or dual enrollment courses through MSU, Lansing Community College, Baker College, and Olivet College. In addition, students in the gifted and talented program travel to the MSU campus where they attend classes and receive direct instruction from university professors. Besides class instruction, students have the option of attending study sessions twice a week to work cooperatively with their peers to enhance their understanding.

• Community service projects have included raising money for Heifer International’s Read to Feed program and donating money to help animals stranded during Hurricane Katrina. Students also have participated in the annual coin drive to raise money for local food banks and the Relay for Life Walk for cancer research.

3100 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48917 T (517) 327-0700, F (517) 327-0800

Grades: K-8Opened: September 1999School Leader: Joe ThienesManagement Company: National Heritage AcademiesBoard Members: Teresa Ann Reid, Jennifer Hoff, Edward Forrest, Randy Umfleet,

Andrew Kilpatrick


30

2001Former Michigan state treasurer Mark A. Murray becomes Grand Valley’s third president. In honor of his support, University Preparatory Academy, a K-12 school authorized by Grand Valley, names its campus in Detroit, Michigan after him.

Enrollment2000-20019,459 students

Charter Schools Highlights

10new schools opened in the last five years

of GVSU authorized charter schools’ students qualify for special needs services

11%

Total Enrollment

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10

Enro

llmen

t

Academic Year

(*Many schools are in the process of expanding one grade at a time, which accounts for the lower high school numbers)

Grades Served

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

27 27 27 2728

30

2625

76

5 5

27

Num

ber o

f Sch

ools

Grades

new charter schools scheduled to open in fall 2010

2*

* * *

31

2002 J. Patrick Sandro, Grand Valley’s charter schools director since 1995 retires, and the J. Patrick Sandro Education Scholarship endowment is established to honor his passion for children, leadership, and commitment to education.

2002 In May, President Murray names former Chelsea Public Schools superintendent Edward D. Richardson special assistant for charter schools. Under Richardson’s leadership and Murray’s vision, the Charter Schools Office shifts its focus from opening new schools to ensuring student performance.

of GVSU authorized charter schools are over 80% proficient on MEAP English and Math

70%

GVSU authorized charter schools exceed their host districts’ MEAPperformance by

+10%

of GVSU authorized charter schools outperform their “compositional peer school” on MEAP English and math

93%

Average MEAP Percentage vs. Comparison School

-10

-8

-6

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

8

99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

-8.9%

-5.7%

-3.9%

-2.5%

0%

2.3%

4.7%

6.8%

8.0% 7.6%

Perc

ent

Academic Year

Free and Reduced Lunch

0

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Perc

enta

ge o

f Qua

lifyi

ng S

tude

nts

Academic Year06-07

47.39%

07-08

52.65%

08-09

56.77%

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Grand Valley State University College of Education

Mission: Teaching, Leading, and Learning in a Democratic Society

The Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office works with professors from the College of Education in offering professional development seminars and classes to administrators and staff from each of the university’s authorized charter schools. The Master’s of Education in instruction and curriculum with an emphasis in differentiated instruction and Master’s of Education in leadership with an emphasis in educational leadership programs are offered to staff from Grand Valley authorized charter schools at 50 percent of the regular tuition costs.

Here is what participants have said about professional development programs offered through the Grand Valley College of Education:

Grand Valley State University Partnerships

2003 Bill creating Part 6c of the Revised School Code becomes law, allowing state public universities to charter up to 15 “urban high school academies” in the City of Detroit School District.


The Grand Valley State University Statistics Department

Grand Valley Statistics Department faculty and undergraduate students majoring in statistics collaborate with Robert Kimball, Charter Schools Office director of research and measurement, to use advanced statistical modeling to evaluate charter school performance. Advanced regression analysis provides a research-based understanding of charter school performance. These analyses provide Charter Schools Office staff with critical data to inform the management of the Grand Valley charter school portfolio.

The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership

The Johnson Center is a university-based academic center serving nonprofits, foundations, and others that seek to transform their communities for the common good and is adapting constantly to changing conditions. They do this through applied research, professional development, and the advancement of social technologies.

The Johnson Center offers professional development seminars to administrators, staff, and board members from Grand Valley authorized charter schools regarding grant writing, special events, and individual donors.

“ Great presentation. I learned many assessment tools and information that will increase my teaching abilities.”

“ I really enjoyed this! I can’t wait to try it [these practices] out in my own classroom as well as bring [information] back to my high school data team!”

33

The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies

Director Gleaves Whitney teaches an administrative–leadership professional development class to Grand Valley authorized charter school administrators and leaders. He also volunteers to work at the annual summer camp offered to schools.

Whitney became director of Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies in 2003. During his tenure he has been the architect of more than 275 public programs, including four national conferences covered by C-SPAN, and three internationally Web cast debates. He has overseen tremendous growth of the Hauenstein Center’s Web site, premiered a popular Web column called Ask Gleaves – the first presidential Q & A column in the nation – and created a leadership academy for students and young professionals committed to public service.

Prior to his arrival at Grand Valley, Whitney worked 11 years in Michigan Governor John Engler’s administration, serving as senior writer, chief speechwriter, and historian. In 1993, the governor assigned him to a task force that helped bring sweeping education and school finance reforms to Michigan that The New York Times called “the most dramatic in the nation.”

2004 Charter Schools Office implements a customized Web-based solution, allowing staff to file, track, and maintain information regarding legal compliance of its academies.

2005 With financial support from the Charter Schools Office, Grand Valley authorized charter schools implement student growth assessments using Northwest Evaluation Association’s Measure of Academic Progress.

professional development workshops

were offered to GVSU authorized

charter schools in 2009-2010

38

faculty, staff, and board members from

GVSU authorized charter schools attended

professional development trainings in 2009-2010

515

34

Grand Rapids Public Schools

Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr. is in his fourth year as superintendent of the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), Michigan’s third largest public school district and the second largest employer in the City of Grand Rapids.

Dr. Taylor has worked aggressively to implement academic and instructional reforms to increase student achievement and high school graduation rates. In November 2008, GRPS was recognized in a Detroit News editorial opinion as a “model” urban school district due to its “persistent, strategic, disciplined work.”

The systemic changes and improvements happening throughout the district are being driven by a nationally acclaimed effort-based learning model that Dr. Taylor initiated in 2007 thanks to the generous support of the Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation and a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Learning.

Since Taylor’s appointment as superintendent, the district has seen a dramatic increase in academic achievement. The number of schools meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) has increased from 26 in 2006 to 45 in 2009. Over that same period of time, the number of schools earning a “B” grade or better on the Michigan Education Yes! Report has tripled from 7 to 21. In addition, for the first time since No Child Left Behind was enacted, three of the district’s four comprehensive high schools met AYP and two schools that had failed to meet AYP for more than five consecutive years dropped off the state’s watch list. GRPS is also home to the second highest performing school in the entire state of Michigan.

Local and State Partnerships

2006 Thomas J. Haas becomes Grand Valley’s fourth president. His vision for the Charter Schools Office is to create learning opportunities through board, staff, and administrator trainings.

2006 Grand Valley Board of Trustees approves a resolution to designate University Preparatory Science and Math Academy as an urban high school academy, creating the first in Michigan. Grand Valley is now the only authorizer to have an “urban high school academy” in the state.

The Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA)

The mission of Michigan Association of Public School Academies’ is to provide leadership to advance quality and promote choice in education through a strong community of chartered public schools and their supporters, offering every Michigan child an opportunity to learn. The Grand Valley Charter Schools Office funds a membership for each of its schools.

Dan Quisenberry is the president of MAPSA and serves as a leading advocate and spokesperson for charter public schools and 21st century education in Michigan and the nation. He has served on the board of advisors for the Great Lakes Education Project and the Michigan School Board Leaders Association. Quisenberry is a member of the Education Alliance of Michigan and the Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, an organization he helped form. He has served as president for MAPSA since 1998.

“ Thanks to the support of Dr. Patricia Oldt, the GVSU Charter Schools Office, and several local foundations and job providers, GRPS is at the forefront of education reforms with the new ‘Centers of Innovation.’ Dr. Oldt was one of the co-signers of the GRPS ‘Project Re-Imagine’ proposal that was one of only 14 selected statewide. Thanks to our public-private partnerships with organizations like Grand Valley, GRPS is now gaining state and national attention as a model for urban educational improvements.”

– Bernard Taylor, Jr., Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools, Grand Rapids Public Schools

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2007 The Charter Schools Office develops a Comprehensive Performance Review (CPR) plan that evaluates the success of each school by considering multiple areas of performance.


The Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers

The Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office is a member of Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers. The council serves as a collaborative non-profit, non-partisan professional organization that allows for sharing of issues, ideas, resources, and best practices among all authorizers working in the state. Council members have been working together to keep Michigan’s charter school strategy in motion since 1994.

Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office

Dr. Patricia Oldt is the director of special projects in the Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office. Her accomplishments in education are impressive and it is difficult to choose where her hard work has made the most impact.

Dr. Oldt spent seven years as superintendent of Northview Public Schools in Grand Rapids where she lead the passage of a $30 million bond proposal for renovation of facilities and commissioned the first K-12 public school district Title IX study in Kent County. She has served as vice president for planning and equity at Grand Valley State University where she helped shape the university’s strategic plan and also was deeply involved in a salary and pay equity study that, at the time, made the university a leader in creating a fair and accountable workplace.

She served as associate/deputy superintendent at Grand Rapids Public Schools and was dean of continuing education at Grand Rapids Community College. She taught at the secondary school level and is a distinguished professor at Grand Valley State University. It’s no wonder, then, that she was inducted into the Michigan Association of School Administrators Hall of Fame in 2009.

But that honor was hardly the end of her work. Today, as director of special projects in the Grand Valley Charter Schools Office, much of her work revolves around building partnerships for the office. As such, she was one of the co-signers of the Grand Rapids Public Schools’ “Project Re-Imagine” proposal that was one of only 14 selected statewide. The plan has helped the third largest public school system in the state increase student achievement and graduation rates.

CHARTER SCHOOLSOFFICE

“The Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers is a collaborative professional association whose mission is to advance public school choice and accountability. Members of the council come together to share best practices and concerns, and the partnership we have with the Charter Schools Office at Grand Valley – known for its comprehensive authorizing practices – contributes greatly to the strength of all of our members.”

– Billie Wimmer Executive Director, The Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers

CMichigan Council of Charter

School Authorizers

THE COUNCIL

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2008 December 19, the CSO opens its competitive application process and receives 78 charter applications confirming continued interest in Michigan in establishing new charter schools and opportunities for choice.

2008 February 12, Michigan State Board of Education Superintendent Michael Flanagan commends Grand Valley’s CSO for closing two charter schools that did not meet required performance standards.

Doug Ross Founder of University Prepatory Academy

Doug Ross is the founder of University Preparatory Academy in Detroit. Prior to his work with the charter school, Ross served in several capacities in state and federal government, including a stint as assistant secretary of labor for employment and training at the U.S. Department of Labor under President Clinton. Ross also served as director of the Michigan Department of Commerce and as a member of the Michigan Senate. He has extensive private sector experience, including serving as president of Michigan Future, Inc., an economic development organization. He was an undergraduate at the University of Michigan and received his M.P.A. from Princeton University.

During his campaign for governor of Michigan in 1998, Ross had a revelation that lead to the creation of University Preparatory Academy. According to a November 3, 2003 Time magazine article written by Joe Klein, “I learned during the campaign there was one overpowering issue for inner-city parents: to get their kids a college education. I was tired of theoretical policy junk; I wanted to do something that really mattered. It was clear that urban kids were not responding to the industrial-age assembly-line education model – and there were people around the country who had figured out how to educate kids in a more humane, customized way.”

According to the article, Ross chose to begin his crusade to bring that model to Detroit at the middle school level – where he believes the toughest educational challenges exist. In 2000, Ross opened a school with 112 sixth-graders and added a new grade each year until the program included a complete high school. After two years, Robert M. Thompson, founder of the Thompson Educational Foundation (see story on page 41) came to visit. The Time magazine article describes the meeting: “I had him sit in on some classes,” Ross says. “He liked what he saw and asked how he could help. I asked him to build me a high school. He said he’d build one to my specifications and lease it to me for $1 per year – but there had to be accountability. How would he know if I was succeeding or not? I told him my goals – a 90% graduation rate and 90% of graduates going on to college. If I didn’t meet those benchmarks after three graduating classes, he could take the school away and let someone else give it a try. He accepted, and I got my high school.”

Today, Ross oversees University Preparatory High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8), and two K-5 elementary schools, serving a total of more than 1,600 students. True to his mission, the school achieved a State of Michigan certified graduation rate of 100 percent for the Class of 2008 and was recognized by NBC Evening News in a “What Works” segment highlighting the accomplishment. In the words of reporter Maria Schiavocampo, “University Prep Academy is defying a culture of failure to foster an expectation of success.” University Preparatory Academy was also selected as a Project Re-imagine district by the Michigan Department of Education and was the only charter school in the state included in the Project Re-Imagine awards.

Key Players Michigan’s charter schools have been fortunate to enjoy the support of many committed and

dedicated people since Governor Engler signed the state’s charter school legislation in 1994.

Grand Valley State University’s Charter Schools Office is equally privileged to call many of

them friends and colleagues. The following profiles give glimpses into the motivations and

accomplishments of four key players: three who are pushing quality education in Detroit to the

front line and one who is making a difference for 38,000 students in 17 Michigan schools.

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2008 Edward Richardson leaves Grand Valley for a position with National Heritage Academies; Former Grand Valley vice president Dr. Patricia Oldt is named interim director of the Charter Schools Office and chairs the search for a permanent director.


2008Grand River Preparatory High School, an off-shoot of Excel Charter Academy, opens with its first class scheduled to graduate in 2012.

“I wanted to do something that really mattered. It was clear that urban kids were not responding to the industrial-age assembly-line education model – and there were people around the country who had figured out how to educate kids in a more humane, customized way.”

– Doug Ross Founder of University Preparatory Academy

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“ We’ll open up opportunity – evenly and equitably – across our education system. We’ll develop a culture of innovation and excellence in our public schools. And we’ll reward success, and replicate it across the country. These are some of the principles that drive Race to the Top.” – President Barack Obama, 2010

2009 In March, the CSO moves to the renovated Grand Rapids Bicycle Factory, which helps fulfill its mission of providing exemplar training opportunities, seminars, conferences, and meetings for charter school board members, staff, and administrators.

2009 In April, President Haas appoints Tim Wood, former superintendent of Saugatuck Public Schools, to direct the university’s Charter Schools Office.

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Clark Durant CEO of Cornerstone Schools

Clark Durant is currently CEO of Cornerstone Schools and, with Cardinal Adam Maida, is the co-founder of these independent Detroit schools. Over 1,100 students now attend Cornerstone at five schools. As a result of his work at Cornerstone, Durant was named a “Michiganian of the Year” by the Detroit News and was awarded an honorary doctor of humanities from Lawrence Tech University. He developed a relationship with Grand Valley State University in 2009 when he opened Washington-Parks Academy, a Grand Valley authorized charter school. In 2004, Durant was co-chair of the Arnold Palmer Turning Point Invitational, which celebrated Palmer’s 50th anniversary of winning the U.S. Amateur. More than $6 million was raised for Cornerstone and other organizations. In 2007, Durant championed the “Be a Tiger For Kids” fund-raiser with the Detroit Tigers, which raised another $1.5 million for Cornerstone. Durant was elected to the State Board of Education in Michigan in 1994 and was president of the board at the outset of his term. He led the adoption of a bold vision, philosophy, and mission statement for the board; sought to increase the understanding by students of our American founding and principles; and worked to strengthen standards and accountability while exploring new ways to think about public education.

He stepped down in September 1999 in order to work more directly with inner-city children. He soon became president of the New Common School Foundation, whose purpose is to create an urban school prototype of educational excellence that enhances teaching, learning, personal responsibility, and community involvement. In 1984, President Reagan nominated Durant to the board of the Legal Services Corporation. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and served four years as chairman. He was the Republican nominee for the Michigan Supreme Court and a candidate for the U.S. Senate. He was one of four national co-chairs for Jack Kemp’s presidential campaign.

Durant is formerly the director of the private management group at Munder Capital Management. He practiced law for 20 years in civil, criminal, and corporate matters. He has been a member of the Federal Judiciary Advisory Board.

2009 Wood has taken President Haas’s vision of creating learning opportunities for schools’ boards and staff and put it into place with professional development seminars and by creating partnerships within Grand Valley and in the surrounding community.

J.C. Huizenga Chairman, National Heritage Academies

J.C. Huizenga is an entrepreneur, education reformer, and business leader. He is chairman of Huizenga Group, which operates an electrical services contracting company, a consumer products packaging company, and five diverse manufacturing companies.

In 1995, Huizenga began (and presently chairs) NationalHeritage Academies, now serving more than 38,000 studentsin 61 schools across six states. National Heritage was foundedout of Mr. Huizenga’s conviction that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve his/her dreams. National Heritage was listed in Inc. magazine’s “500 Fastest Growing Private Companies” four consecutive years.

In 2008, Huizenga launched his first high school initiativein the Grand Rapids area with the inception of Grand RiverPreparatory High School, which is operated by Prep Net, his latest (but probably not his last) new start up designed to enhance educational choice for families of high school students. His second high school serving Grand Rapids, Wellspring Preparatory High School, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010.

Huizenga’s interest in reforming education at a national levellead to his current service as chair of the National Council ofEducation Providers. He also serves as a board member of theEducation Industry Association.

In Michigan, Huizenga is known for his active volunteer leadership and philanthropy, serving on organizations such as the Seidman Business School advisory board, the Grand Valley State University Foundation board, the foundation board of The Potter’s House school, Salvation Army Divisional advisory board, and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy advisory board.

“ It was GVSU that first took a risk and granted us our first charter back in 1995. That first school, Excel Charter Academy, was a complete success and our journey together has been based on trust and mutual respect ever since. NHA now operates 17 schools under GVSU’s authority. We share a joint goal of always placing the best interest of the students we serve first. When issues arise, GVSU works constructively with us toward an effective solution. What we have accomplished together is now attracting national attention for the measurable success we have demonstrated with student proficiency, achievement, and growth.”

– J.C. Huizenga, Chairman National Heritage Academies

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Robert M. Thompson Founder, The Thompson Educational Foundation

Bob Thompson was born in 1932 on a small farm in Jonesville, Michigan (Hillsdale County). He graduated from Jonesville High School in 1950. His mother, a teacher, insisted that he go to college, so Bob attended Ohio’s Bowling Green State University on a football scholarship and earned his teaching degree in 1955. He married his college sweetheart, Ellen, shortly after graduation, and they returned to Michigan to take teaching positions in Detroit. However, after six weeks as a junior high industrial arts teacher, Thompson quit teaching to pilot F-86 jet fighters in the U.S. Air Force, from 1956 to 1959.

The couple helped start the Thompson-McCully Co., a contract road paving company, in 1959 and developed the company until it became Michigan’s largest asphalt paving company. They sold the business in 1999 and shared nearly one-third of the $461 million sale with their employees. Thompson gave bonuses up to $1 million to those loyal employees who had been with the company for years and set up annuity accounts for others who were still years away from retirement. That same year, Bob and Ellen founded the Thompson Foundation with $100 million from the sale. The Thompson Educational Foundation was founded in 2002 to solely focus on the development of public school academies in Detroit.

To date, the Thompson Educational Foundation has provided $86 million for seven public school academy buildings in the City of Detroit. These schools will service more than 3,500 students when fully populated.

The Thompsons are committed to continuing their efforts to ensure Detroit parents have the same kind of public education choices for their children that other parents do. An example is University Preparatory High School, a public school academy high school that has adopted the Thompson 90/90 accountability model – a requirement that ensures that 90 percent of the students enrolled as freshman will graduate and that 90 percent of those who graduate will continue on with post-secondary skill development and education, whether it is in the military, technical school, community college or four year college.

“ We want to make sure this money is used for what we intended. There is no better way to make sure that happens than to spend it all while we’re still around to see the results.”

– Bob Thompson Founder, The Thompson Educational Foundation

“I believe this legislation [establishing “Schools of Excellence”] is a significant first step in improving the quality of education for our children and complements President Obama’s vision for “Race to the Top” education reform.” – State Sen. Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) 2009

2010 U.S. Congress approves legislation establishing “Schools of Excellence,” which supports President Barack Obama’s vision for education reform that develops a culture of innovation and excellence in public schools.


Small classes. Big thinkers. At Grand Valley State University, we keep class sizes small to provide students with individual instruction from the highly qualified faculty who teach all of our classes. It’s just one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report has named us one of the “Best in the Midwest” three years in a row.

Here’s more about why Grand Valley has increased its number of graduates by an amount greater than any other Michigan public university over the past ten years – and why students from across the state and around the world are choosing to start their grand adventures at Grand Valley.

• Grand Valley has been ranked the top “Up and Coming” institution in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. The designation is for those institutions who are “worth watching because they are making promising and innovative changes.”

• Grand Valley was named one of The Princeton Review’s “Best in the Midwest” 2009.

• For the 14th year in a row, Grand Valley was named one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys” by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.

• Peterson’s “Green Jobs for a New Economy: The Career Guide to Emerging Opportunities” listed Grand Valley as one of only two Michigan schools among what editors called “top 50 four-year schools with great green programs.”

On a scale

Grand Valley State University

• Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business is named one of “The Best 301 Business Schools” by Princeton Review.

• Grand Valley is a good investment for the state. More than 91% of Grand Valley graduates are employed or in grad school — nearly 90% of them in Michigan.

• Grand Valley was the only Michigan school named one of the nation’s 25 “cutting-edge” green colleges, Kaplan’s College Guide 2009.

• GVSU attracts the best and the brightest. The middle 50% of Grand Valley’s Fall 2009 entering class earned high school GPAs ranging from 3.3 and 3.8 and ACT scores of 22 to 26.

• Students across Michigan are seeking a GVSU education. The top six counties of origin for incoming students are Kent, Ottawa, Oakland, Wayne, Muskegon, and Macomb.

• For six years in a row Grand Valley was the Winner of the NACDA Director’s Cup for the best NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic program in the country.

• During the 2007-08 school year, Grand Valley students engaged in 54,000 hours of volunteer service work.

• In the past two years, Grand Valley researchers engaged in 186 research projects worth $32.7 million in grant funding.

• Grand Valley’s libraries have employed the first commercial adoption worldwide of a Web discovery service, which simplifies the task of searching the libraries’ more than 250 databases.

Grand Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. It is committed to protecting the constitutional and statutory civil rights of persons connected with the university. 4/10.

© 2010 Grand Valley State University

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2008-2010 shaping their future: choice - quality - achievement

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