Walton Charter Academy Designated “School of Excellence” by Northern Michigan University

 
6/27/2011
Administrators at Walton Charter Academy, a tuition-free public charter school in Pontiac, are proud to announce that the school was recently awarded the “School of Excellence” designation by the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees. The “School of Excellence” designation puts Walton Charter Academy in an elite class and their charter is now approved for a 10-year term, rather than the typical 5-year term. 

To be designated as a “School of Excellence,” kindergarten through 8th grade schools must demonstrate either a three-year average proficiency of 90 percent on the state assessment in reading and math or, as is the case with Walton, a three-year average proficiency of 78 percent on the state assessment in reading and math while serving at least 50 percent free/reduced-price lunch eligible students. Walton achieved 77 percent and 80 percent proficiency in reading and math, respectively, with nearly 83 percent of its students eligible for free and reduced lunch. 

Walton Charter Academy offers a challenging, character-based education through a guaranteed and viable curriculum with academic and social expectations. It prioritizes the academic program and instructional time so each student reads, computes and writes at or above grade level. Students are expected to master basic skills and realize their full academic potential in preparation for higher education and adulthood. 

About National Heritage Academies:  NHA partners with community groups to build and operate K-8 tuition-free public charter schools.  For the 2010-11 school year, NHA partners with 67 schools in eight states serving more than 42,000 students.  NHA schools are designed to eliminate achievement gaps and provide school choice to families while preparing children for success in high school, college and beyond.


Contact: Joe DiBenedetto
(616) 233-0500