2019Annual Report

Welcome!

Here at CMU, our work is about providing high-quality educational opportunities for students and parents who need them. This annual report outlines that work for the past year. Please, take a look and share with others who are committed to the education of Michigan’s children.

58 Schools
2,000 Teachers
28,000+ Students
280 Board Members

Schools

CMU’s partner schools are leading the way. They innovate, specialize and empower parents to select the best option for their child.

58 Schools

Learn more about the 58 CMU partner schools by clicking on a city. Each school has a link where you can view additional school-level information, including student demographics, performance data and board members.

Ann Arbor

(2018) Central Academy
(2019) Central Academy
(2020) Central Academy
(2021) Central Academy
(2022) Central Academy
(2023) Central Academy

Benton Harbor

(2018) Countryside Academy
(2019) Countryside Academy
(2020) Countryside Academy
(2021) Countryside Academy
(2022) Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan
(2022) Countryside Academy
(2023) Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan
(2023) Countryside Academy

Beverly Hills

(2018) NexTech High School of Metro Detroit
Final year of operation was 2017-18

Brighton

(2018) FlexTech High School
(2019) FlexTech High School
(2020) FlexTech High School
(2021) FlexTech High School
(2022) FlexTech High School
(2023) Charyl Stockwell Academy
(2023) FlexTech High School

Burton

(2023) Flex High School of Michigan

Byron Center

(2018) Cross Creek Charter Academy
(2019) Cross Creek Charter Academy
(2020) Cross Creek Charter Academy
(2021) Cross Creek Charter Academy
(2022) Cross Creek Charter Academy
(2023) Cross Creek Charter Academy

Calumet

(2022) Copper Island Academy
(2023) Copper Island Academy

Canton

(2018) Canton Charter Academy
(2019) Canton Charter Academy
(2020) Canton Charter Academy
(2021) Canton Charter Academy
(2022) Canton Charter Academy
(2023) Canton Charter Academy

Center Line

(2021) Center Line Preparatory Academy
(2022) Center Line Preparatory Academy
(2023) Center Line Preparatory Academy

Clinton Township

(2018) Macomb Academy
(2019) Macomb Academy
(2020) Macomb Academy
(2021) Macomb Academy
(2022) Macomb Academy
(2023) Macomb Academy

Coldwater

(2018) Pansophia Academy
(2019) Pansophia Academy
(2020) Pansophia Academy
(2021) Pansophia Academy
(2022) Pansophia Academy
(2023) Pansophia Academy

Dearborn

(2018) Riverside Academy
(2018) The Dearborn Academy
(2018) West Village Academy
(2019) Riverside Academy
(2019) The Dearborn Academy
(2019) West Village Academy
(2020) Riverside Academy
(2020) The Dearborn Academy
(2020) West Village Academy
(2021) Riverside Academy
(2021) The Dearborn Academy
(2021) West Village Academy
(2022) Riverside Academy
(2022) The Dearborn Academy
(2022) West Village Academy
(2023) Riverside Academy
(2023) The Dearborn Academy
(2023) West Village Academy

Detroit

(2018) Detroit Innovation Academy
(2018) Detroit Leadership Academy
(2018) Flagship Charter Academy
(2018) Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
(2018) Old Redford Academy
(2018) Plymouth Educational Center Charter School
(2018) WAY Michigan
(2019) Detroit Innovation Academy
(2019) Detroit Leadership Academy
(2019) Flagship Charter Academy
(2019) Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
(2019) Michigan Educational Choice Center
(2019) Old Redford Academy
(2019) Pembroke Academy
(2019) Plymouth Educational Center Charter School
(2019) WAY Michigan
(2020) Detroit Innovation Academy
(2020) Detroit Leadership Academy
(2020) Escuela Avancemos!
(2020) Flagship Charter Academy
(2020) Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
(2020) Michigan Educational Choice Center
(2020) Old Redford Academy
(2020) Pembroke Academy
(2020) Plymouth Educational Center Charter School
(2020) WAY Michigan
(2021) Detroit Innovation Academy
(2021) Detroit Leadership Academy
(2021) Escuela Avancemos!
(2021) Flagship Charter Academy
(2021) Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
(2021) Michigan Educational Choice Center
(2021) Old Redford Academy
(2021) Pembroke Academy
(2021) Plymouth Educational Center Charter School
(2021) WAY Michigan
(2022) Detroit Innovation Academy
(2022) Detroit Leadership Academy
(2022) Escuela Avancemos!
(2022) Flagship Charter Academy
(2022) Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
(2022) Michigan Educational Choice Center
(2022) Old Redford Academy
(2022) Pembroke Academy
(2022) Plymouth Educational Center Charter School
(2022) WAY Michigan
(2023) Detroit Innovation Academy
(2023) Detroit Leadership Academy
(2023) Escuela Avancemos!
(2023) Flagship Charter Academy
(2023) Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
(2023) KIPP Detroit Imani Academy
(2023) Michigan Educational Choice Center
(2023) Old Redford Academy
(2023) Pembroke Academy
(2023) Plymouth Educational Center Charter School
(2023) WAY Michigan

East Lansing

(2018) Great Lakes Cyber Academy
(2019) Great Lakes Cyber Academy
(2020) Great Lakes Learning Academy
(2021) Great Lakes Learning Academy
(2022) Great Lakes Learning Academy
(2023) Cole Academy
(2023) Great Lakes Learning Academy

Eastpointe

(2018) Eaton Academy
(2019) Eaton Academy
(2020) Eaton Academy
(2021) Eaton Academy
(2022) Eaton Academy
(2023) Eaton Academy

Eaton County

(2023) Insight School of Michigan

Eaton Rapids

(2018) Island City Academy
(2019) Island City Academy
(2020) Island City Academy
(2021) Island City Academy
(2022) Island City Academy
(2023) Island City Academy

Farmington Hills

(2021) Oakland FlexTech High School
(2022) Oakland FlexTech High School
(2023) Oakland FlexTech High School

Flat Rock

(2018) Summit Academy
(2019) Summit Academy
(2020) River Heights Academy
(2021) River Heights Academy
(2022) River Heights Academy
(2022) River Heights Academy
(2023) River Heights Academy
Final year of operation was 2022-23

Flint

(2018) Greater Heights Academy
(2018) International Academy of Flint
(2018) Linden Charter Academy
(2019) Flex High School of Michigan
(2019) Greater Heights Academy
(2019) International Academy of Flint
(2019) Linden Charter Academy
(2020) Flex High School of Michigan
(2020) Greater Heights Academy
(2020) International Academy of Flint
(2020) Linden Charter Academy
(2021) Flex High School of Michigan
(2021) Greater Heights Academy
(2021) International Academy of Flint
(2021) Linden Charter Academy
(2022) Flex High School of Michigan
(2022) Greater Heights Academy
(2022) International Academy of Flint
(2022) Linden Charter Academy
(2023) Flex High School of Michigan
(2023) Greater Heights Academy
(2023) International Academy of Flint
(2023) Linden Charter Academy

Grand Blanc

(2018) Woodland Park Academy
(2019) Woodland Park Academy
(2020) Woodland Park Academy
(2021) Woodland Park Academy
(2022) Woodland Park Academy
(2023) Woodland Park Academy

Grand Rapids

(2018) New Branches Charter Academy
(2018) NexTech High School
(2019) New Branches Charter Academy
(2019) NexTech High School
(2020) New Branches Charter Academy
(2020) NexTech High School
(2021) New Branches Charter Academy
(2021) NexTech High School
(2022) New Branches Charter Academy
(2022) NexTech High School
(2023) New Branches Charter Academy
(2023) NexTech High School

Harper Woods

(2018) Distinctive College Prep
(2019) Distinctive College Prep
(2020) Distinctive College Prep
(2021) Distinctive College Prep
(2022) Distinctive College Prep
(2023) Discovery Creative Pathways

Highland Park

(2018) ACE Academy
(2019) ACE Academy
(2020) ACE Academy
(2021) ACE Academy
Final year of authorization was 2020-21
(2023) ACE Academy
Final year of authorization was 2020-21

Holland

(2018) Eagle Crest Charter Academy
(2019) Eagle Crest Charter Academy
(2020) Eagle Crest Charter Academy
(2021) Eagle Crest Charter Academy
(2022) Eagle Crest Charter Academy
(2022) Eagle Crest Charter Academy
(2023) Eagle Crest Charter Academy

Holly

(2018) Holly Academy
(2019) Holly Academy
(2020) Holly Academy
(2021) Holly Academy
(2022) Holly Academy
(2023) Holly Academy

Howell

(2018) Charyl Stockwell Academy
(2019) Charyl Stockwell Academy
(2020) Charyl Stockwell Academy
(2021) Charyl Stockwell Academy
(2022) Charyl Stockwell Academy
(2023) Charyl Stockwell Academy

Huron Township

(2018) Summit Academy North
(2019) Summit Academy North
(2020) Summit Academy North
(2021) Summit Academy North
(2022) Summit Academy North
(2023) Summit Academy North

Inkster

(2018) Inkster Preparatory Academy
(2019) Inkster Preparatory Academy
(2020) Inkster Preparatory Academy
(2021) Inkster Preparatory Academy
(2022) Inkster Preparatory Academy
(2023) Inkster Preparatory Academy

Jackson

(2018) The da Vinci Institute
(2019) The da Vinci Institute
(2020) The da Vinci Institute
(2021) The da Vinci Institute
(2022) The da Vinci Institute
(2023) daVinci Schools

Kalamazoo

(2019) Lakeside Charter School
(2020) Lakeside Charter School
Final year of operation was 2019-20
(2022) Lakeside Academy
Final year of operation was 2019-20
(2023) Lakeside Academy
Final year of operation was 2019-20

Kent

(2022) West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science

Lakeland

(2018) Kensington Woods Schools
(2019) Kensington Woods Schools
(2020) Kensington Woods Schools
(2021) Kensington Woods Schools
(2022) Kensington Woods Schools
(2023) Kensington Woods Schools

Lansing

(2018) Cole Academy
(2018) El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz Academy
(2018) Insight School of Michigan
(2018) Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy
(2019) Cole Academy
(2019) El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz Academy
Final year of operation was 2018-19
(2019) Insight School of Michigan
(2019) Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy
(2020) Cole Academy
(2020) Insight School of Michigan
(2020) Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy
(2021) Cole Academy
(2021) Insight School of Michigan
(2021) Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy
(2022) Cole Academy
(2022) Insight School of Michigan
(2022) Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy
(2023) Cole Academy
(2023) Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy

Livonia

(2023) Explore Academy-Livonia
Final year of operation was 2022-23

Midland

(2018) The Midland Academy of Advanced and Creative Studies
(2019) The Midland Academy of Advanced and Creative Studies
Final year of operation was 2018-19

Mount Pleasant

(2018) Renaissance Public School Academy
(2019) Renaissance Public School Academy
(2020) Renaissance Public School Academy
(2021) Renaissance Public School Academy
(2022) Renaissance Public School Academy
(2023) Renaissance Public School Academy

Novi

(2018) FlexTech High School – Novi
(2019) FlexTech High School – Novi
(2020) Oakland FlexTech High School

Okemos

(2018) NexTech High School of Lansing
(2019) NexTech High School of Lansing
(2020) NexTech High School of Lansing
(2021) NexTech High School of Lansing
(2022) NexTech High School of Lansing
Final year of operation was 2021-22

Plymouth

(2018) New School High
(2019) New School High
Final year of authorization by CMU was 2018-19
(2020) Ivywood Classical Academy
(2021) Ivywood Classical Academy
(2022) Ivywood Classical Academy
(2023) Ivywood Classical Academy

Redford

(2023) Discovery Creative Pathways

Roseville

(2018) Global Preparatory Academy
(2019) Global Preparatory Academy
(2020) Global Preparatory Academy
Final year of operation was 2019-20
(2022) Global Preparatory Academy
Final year of operation was 2019-20
(2023) Global Preparatory Academy
Final year of operation was 2019-20

Saginaw

(2018) North Saginaw Charter Academy
(2019) North Saginaw Charter Academy
(2020) North Saginaw Charter Academy
(2021) North Saginaw Charter Academy
(2022) North Saginaw Charter Academy
(2023) North Saginaw Charter Academy

Southfield

(2018) A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School
(2019) A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School
(2020) A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School
(2021) A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School
(2022) A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School
(2023) A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School

Southgate

(2023) Creative Montessori Academy

Spring Lake

(2018) Walden Green Montessori
(2019) Walden Green Montessori
(2020) Walden Green Montessori
(2021) Walden Green Montessori
(2022) Walden Green Montessori
(2022) Walden Green Montessori
(2023) Walden Green Montessori

Sterling Heights

(2018) Noor International Academy
(2019) Noor International Academy
(2020) Noor International Academy
(2021) Noor International Academy
(2022) Noor International Academy
(2023) Noor International Academy

Taylor

(2018) Quest Charter Academy
(2018) Trillium Academy
(2019) Quest Charter Academy
(2019) Trillium Academy
(2020) Quest Charter Academy
(2020) Trillium Academy
(2021) Quest Charter Academy
(2021) Trillium Academy
(2022) Quest Charter Academy
(2022) Trillium Academy
(2023) Quest Charter Academy
(2023) Trillium Academy

Walker

(2018) West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science
(2019) West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science
(2020) West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science
(2021) West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science
(2022) West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science
(2023) West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science

Waterford

(2018) Jefferson International Academy
Final year of operation was 2017-18

Ypsilanti

(2018) New Beginnings Academy
Final year of operation was 2017-18
(2018) South Arbor Charter Academy
(2019) South Arbor Charter Academy
(2020) South Arbor Charter Academy
(2021) South Arbor Charter Academy
(2022) South Arbor Charter Academy
(2023) South Arbor Charter Academy

Enrollment by Grade

Serving more than 28,000 students in grades K-12.

Grade Enrollment
K 2,758
1 2,466
2 2,510
3 2,478
4 2,310
5 2,328
6 2,352
7 2,155
8 2,172
9 1,863
10 1,812
11 1,758
12 1,660

Specialized Approaches to Learning

Project-Based Learning

Real-world experiences allow for full mastery of different subject areas. Project-based learning is giving an added advantage to students in several CMU partner schools.

Themed Curricula

Specialized areas of student engagement, such as the environment, agriculture, technology or global cultures, offer strong, integrated platforms for development in core subjects.

Online and Blended Instruction

When an individualized pace or alternative schedule is needed, technology can be used to match each student’s unique learning styles and strengths.

Six New Partner Schools Joined the CMU Portfolio for 2018-19

Cole Academy East Lansing
Grades K-2
Distinctive College Prep Redford
Grades K-3
Flex High School of Michigan Flint
Grades 9-12
Lakeside Charter School Kalamazoo
Grades 4-12
Michigan Educational Choice Center Detroit
Grades K-8
Pembroke Academy Detroit
Grades K-5

Students

Our mission is to transform public education. That is why we provide students with opportunities to choose the education that fits their needs best—because lasting change happens one child at a time.

Student Demographics

Demographics CMU Average State Average
Free and Reduced Lunch 69.2% 60.0%
Students of Color 60.1% 34.0%
Special Education 11.9% 16.6%

Spirit of the Future Scholarships

Because learning doesn’t end with a diploma, graduates of CMU partner high schools can get financial support to attend CMU. Scholarships offered include the Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Public Charter School Scholarship and The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools Scholarship.

“Without the help of the Plachta family I would not have had the opportunity to move forward and blossom into the young lady I am today. I am forever grateful to them for their generosity which allowed me to open several doors and walk the path to a better future."

– Shamiya Estell, Graduate of Jalen Rose Leadership Academy and Central Michigan University

Teachers

The teachers in CMU partner schools are dedicated to transforming public education and delivering extraordinary outcomes.

2,000

Approximately 2,000 teachers work every day to ensure the students at CMU partner schools are receiving an education that sets them up for success in college, work and life.

Charter School Educator Award

CMU is committed to furthering the education of teachers and school leaders in CMU partner schools. That’s why we offer a 50 percent tuition award to pursue graduate degrees in education at CMU.

59 Award recipients have received graduate degrees.

Boards and Leadership

The board members that serve at CMU partner schools are instrumental to student success. These diverse individuals are dedicated to a common goal: ensuring all students have access to quality educational opportunities.

Board Demographics

There are 280 board members transforming public education through their service at a CMU partner school.

Professional Development

The Center’s professional development opportunities provide board members and school leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to fulfill their school’s mission and support quality educational growth.

Topics covered throughout the year included:

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences
  • Assessments and Data Literacy
  • Effective Governance
  • Public Policy
  • Measuring Academic Progress
  • School Safety
  • Social Media
  • Strategic Planning
53 Events
880 Participants

Annual Conference

Every year, the Center hosts an annual conference that brings together board members, school leaders and education stakeholders around topics important to schools. Conference attendees gain valuable resources from a diverse group of speakers. The theme for the annual conference was Accelerating Excellence.

View the Highlight Video
During this past year, The Center for Charter Schools staff members have provided numerous Board Development Series and conference presentations to share strategies, policy recommendations, and other valuable K-12 resources. Their team also produced a host of publications that support the advancement of quality education.
– Diane Thompson, Board President – International Academy of Flint
Here at Inkster Preparatory Academy, we have had some great academic successes. I believe that CMU's Academic Performance and Accountability Team's work and support of our school have been an integral part of these successes. From the very beginning, I could rely on Mandy Lohman's and Sandy Hryczyk's guidance and honest feedback in helping me to cultivate a climate of collaboration and academic excellence for my school.
– Shawn Hurt, Principal – Inkster Preparatory Academy

Performance

CMU’s portfolio of partner schools consistently puts students first. And it shows in the results we achieve – together.

Award-Winning High Schools

Three CMU partner charter public high schools were recognized as 2019 Best High Schools by U.S. News and World Report.

Charyl Stockwell Academy
International Academy of Flint
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science

M-STEP

The 2019 M-STEP results show strong academic performance among CMU’s partner schools.

Four CMU partner schools ranked in the top 25 of all public schools in the state for M-STEP proficiency in 2019.

  • Cross Creek Charter Academy
  • South Arbor Charter Academy
  • Canton Charter Academy
  • Holly Academy
11of11

CMU’s portfolio outperformed its aggregate composite resident district on 11 of 11 M-STEP tests in grades 3-7

Students continuously enrolled in CMU’s partner schools for three or more years exceed the composite resident district average in English language arts and math proficiency.

2019 M-STEP Achievement in
English Language Arts

2019 M-STEP Achievement in
Math

2019 M-STEP Achievement in English Language Arts

Number of Years Enrolled Percent Proficient
0 (new) 18.9%
1 26.5%
2 27.5%
3+ 41.7%

Composite Resident District 29.0%

2019 M-STEP Achievement in Math

Number of Years Enrolled Percent Proficient
0 (new) 11.4%
1 20%
2 21.8%
3+ 34.7%

Composite Resident District 24.4%

Partnerships

Unique partnerships provide opportunities to students in CMU partner schools.

Experience Central offers inspiration, insight to high school students

In April 2019, 75 juniors from five CMU partner high schools explored CMU during a one-day intensive campus visit.

Students had the opportunity to engage with experts across the university community. They gained firsthand knowledge of what it takes to prepare for—and succeed in—their chosen fields of study.

Experience Central students participating in a medical program activity.
Experience Central students participating in a fashion program activity.
Experience Central students looking through a microscope.

Partnership with DTE Energy supports Detroit students

Community partners from DTE Energy, CMU and the Wildlife Habitat Council came together to complete a beautification project at Michigan Educational Choice Center in June 2019.

The project enhanced outdoor spaces at the school and provided a platform for connecting outdoor resources to key student learning objectives.

Volunteers from DTE Energy' Major Enterprise Projects (MEP) and CMU (Central Michigan University) work on installing new landscape at Trix Academy inn Detroit.

Committee identifies future CMU partnerships

In an effort to explore additional connections that can be made between CMU and its partner schools, the CMU Connections Committee was established. The committee includes representatives from CMU partner schools and offices across CMU’s campus.

We are proud to be a part of Central Michigan University, one of the 100 largest public universities in the nation.

When the Michigan Legislature responded to Governor John Engler’s call for the establishment of charter schools in Michigan in 1994, CMU was prepared to lead. Believing charter schools could serve as a catalyst for educational improvements benefiting all Michigan children, CMU stepped forward to authorize charter public schools that would provide families with quality educational opportunities.

Contact Us Home CMU Center for Charter Schools