Five New CMU Charter Schools to Open Fall 2012

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Five New CMU Charter Schools to Open Fall 2012

Five New CMU Charter Public Schools to Open This Fall

The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University (CMU) has partnered with five charter public schools that will open in fall 2012. The successful applicants who developed the schools were among a pool of more than 40 initial candidate groups pursuing charters before undergoing a rigorous review and selection process to receive one.

"CMU was the first university to authorize a charter public school in 1994," said Cindy Schumacher, executive director at the Center. "Our years of experience since that time have given us a keen eye for what to look for among applicants, and we are extremely selective in choosing which groups are granted charters." Those schools opening include:

• Academy of International Studies will seek a diverse community of students, bringing urban and suburban youth together to instill harmony and social acceptance of different cultures. The Academy will provide a nurturing environment that focuses on rigorous academic standards, skill enhancement for 21st century technology, an International Baccalaureate program, an international exchange program and strong character development. The Academy will be located in Hamtramck, initially offering grades K-5 and expanding over time to serve grades K-12.
  


• Detroit Innovation Academy, modeled after its sister academy, Detroit Leadership Academy, will offer students a structured and nurturing environment designed to provide motivating learning experiences centered on core academics. Detroit Innovation Academy will provide all students with leadership skills development, community service connections and a strong exposure to the arts. The Academy will open in Detroit offering grades K-5, expanding each year until grades K-12 are served.
  


• Starr Detroit Academy is designed around the Efficacy Institute's model – mission-specific strategies for systemic educational reform – where three core elements guide the school leaders and staff to strive for academic growth among the school's students. The core elements are, first, a common consensus on the educational mission of the school, which will focus on academic proficiency and strong character; second, a shared belief that the mission can be accomplished; and third, the effective use of data to guide implementation of instruction which, in turn, drives movement of a critical mass of children toward proficiency. The Academy will be located in Harper Woods, initially offering grades K-5 and expanding over time to become a comprehensive K-12 school.
  


• Nexus Academy of Grand Rapids will open offering grades 9-12. Nexus Academy of Grand Rapids is a new kind of college/career preparatory high school, combining the very best in face-to-face and online learning to provide an innovative, individualized and inspirational school experience laser-focused on preparing students academically for success in college, work and life.
  


• Nexus Academy of Lansing will open offering grades 9-12. Nexus Academy of Lansing is a new kind of college/career preparatory high school, combining the very best in face-to-face and online learning to provide an innovative, individualized and inspirational school experience laser-focused on preparing students academically for success in college, work and life.

CMU is a state and national leader in charter school authorizing, with 18 years of experience launching, supporting and overseeing charter public schools. CMU currently authorizes 59 schools serving more than 30,000 students in the state.

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