South Arbor Charter Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Ypsilanti serving students in grades Y5-8. We shape instruction to build on the strengths and abilities of each student and integrate Moral Focus™ lessons into every school day. As a result, our students are well-prepared from young 5s through eighth grade. A Stanford University study found National Heritage Academies partner-school students gained the equivalent of 3.5 months of additional learning each year compared to peers.
I'm Ready to Apply I Want to Learn MoreSchedule a school tour and learn more about our personalized teaching, Moral Focus™ program, after-school activities, clubs, sports, and more.
You're Invited: Young 5’s & Kindergarten Open House at South Arbor Charter Academy! Is your child getting ready for school? Whether you're exploring Kindergarten or considering Young 5’s as a stepping stone, this special event is the perfect way to learn which option is the best fit for your child. Join us for a morning designed to help families understand both programs, meet our caring staff, and experience the warm, welcoming environment that makes South Arbor Charter Academy a great place to learn and grow. What You’ll Discover: Young 5’s Program – A Jump Start on Kindergarten Learn how Young 5’s provides the perfect bridge between preschool and kindergarten—especially for children with fall birthdays or those needing a little extra time to develop. See how the program helps children: -Learn in a full-day school setting with kindergarten structure -Strengthen early academic skills (letters, numbers, colors, shapes) -Build social and emotional skills like sharing, independence, and teamwork -Begin learning Spanish, which is part of our curriculum starting in Young 5’s. -Gain confidence and readiness for kindergarten success Kindergarten Program – A Strong Start for Every Learner Explore what kindergarten at South Arbor looks like and how we help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Families will: -Tour vibrant kindergarten classrooms -Meet our caring teachers and staff -Learn about our academic programs and Moral Focus curriculum -See how we support every child’s learning journey Why Attend? Whether you've applied or still exploring your options, this event will help you understand the differences between Kindergarten and Young 5’s, ask questions, and get a real feel for life at South Arbor. Before and after-school childcare is also available right on site, making South Arbor a convenient choice for busy families. We can’t wait to meet you and help your future scholar start their school journey with confidence!
We know great families like yours make our community strong! That's why we're excited to introduce NHA Family Refer & Earn.
Want to learn more about South Arbor and all the wonderful things we have to offer? Join us for Discover our Difference Dinner on Tuesday, February 10th at 6pm in our gymnasium. At this parent event we will have a Pasta Dinner and give you an excellent opportunity to hear from our school leadership, our parent panel and ask questions. Learn more about our commitment to academic excellence, moral focus programming, and the extracurricular activities offered here at South Arbor. Doors open at 5:30 PM, this event is open to all interested families for the 2026/27 school year. We kindly ask you RSVP to ensure we have plenty of food. If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Ross at 19.jross@nhaschools or (734)526-9460. We hope to see you there!
Join us for the 3rd Annual Southeast Michigan Regional Honor Band on Saturday, March 1st! This prestigious event unites top student musicians from eight NHA schools, selected for their exceptional talent. Over 100 students will form two bands based on skill level, working with expert clinicians Josh VanGorder and David Middlin. After a day of intense rehearsals, they will perform a concert at Arbor Prep at 2:30pm, showcasing their hard work. This event offers students the chance to learn from world-class conductors, collaborate with peers, and perform in a large ensemble, celebrating the incredible talent within our community. We look forward to welcoming student musicians and families from Achieve, Canton, East Arbor, Fortis, Keystone, South Arbor, Plymouth, and Triumph Academies!
South Arbor outperformed all of the surrounding districts on the 2024 M-STEP assessments!
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We offer advanced learning opportunities for top-performing students who are ready to progress beyond grade level.
New families can expect to find out if their child has been accepted by Tuesday, March 3.
Thank you for choosing a school that values academic growth, strong character, and partnership with parents.
Interested in applying for the 2026-27 school year? Apply here today!
South Arbor has outperformed the local district for the past 16 years.
South Arbor is ranked the #1 school in the area based on academic performance.
85% of South Arbor Charter Academy parents see a positive impact from NHA's Moral Focus™ program.
"South Arbor is an incredible place. I feel lucky to be part of a school with such amazing staff, students, and families."
- Fletcher Morgan, Principal at South Arbor
Learn About Our Pathway to High SchoolGive your child the advantage of a full Y5-12 experience with South Arbor Charter Academy and Arbor Preparatory High School.
At South Arbor, students thrive in a supportive environment that prioritizes academic growth and character development. When it’s time for high school, Arbor Prep continues that momentum—offering rigorous, college-prep academics and personalized guidance to prepare students for what’s next.
South Arbor Parent
South Arbor has a welcoming community feel where students are challenged academically and also learn good values.
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