U.S. News & World Report: National Heritage Academies Has 14 of the Best Charter Elementary, Middle Schools Across the Country
NHA Schools in Michigan and North Carolina Earned Accolades
Strong schools don’t happen by chance, and this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect the steady work happening inside National Heritage Academies (NHA) classrooms every day. Fourteen NHA schools earned Top 10 spots on the 2026 Best Charter Elementary and Middle School lists across Michigan and North Carolina. Three NHA schools were also named among the Top 10 Best Public Middle Schools, recognizing consistent academic growth built through strong teaching, high expectations, and partnership with families.
Rankings were determined by analyzing math and reading proficiency, state assessments and how schools performed compared to expectations. Read more about the ranking’s methodology here.
NHA middle and elementary schools in Michigan (10) and North Carolina (4) include:
Top Michigan Charter Elementary Schools
- Number 1: Chandler Woods Charter Academy – Belmont
- Number 2: South Arbor Charter Academy – Ypsilanti
- Number 3: Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy – Plymouth
- Number 4: Cross Creek Charter Academy – Byron Center
- Number 6: Canton Charter Academy – Canton
- Number 7: Vanguard Charter Academy – Wyoming
- Number 8: Achieve Charter Academy – Canton
- Number 9: South Canton Scholars – Canton
- Number 10: Excel Charter Academy – Grand Rapids
Top Michigan Public Middle Schools
- Number 8: Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy – Plymouth
Top Michigan Charter Middle Schools
- Number 2: Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy – Plymouth
- Number 3: South Arbor Charter Academy – Ypsilanti
- Number 4: Achieve Charter Academy – Canton
- Number 5: Chandler Woods Charter Academy – Belmont
- Number 6: Cross Creek Charter Academy – Byron Center
- Number 7: Keystone Academy – Belleville
- Number 8: Canton Charter Academy – Canton
- Number 9: Excel Charter Academy – Grand Rapids
Top North Carolina Charter Elementary Schools
- Number 6: Greensboro Academy – Greensboro
- Number 7: Peak Charter Academy – Apex
Top North Carolina Public Middle Schools
- Number 5: Greensboro Academy – Greensboro
- Number 9: Peak Charter Academy – Apex
Top North Carolina Charter Middle Schools
- Number 2: Greensboro Academy – Greensboro
- Number 3: Peak Charter Academy – Apex
- Number 7: Summerfield Charter Academy – Summerfield
- Number 9: Johnston Charter Academy – Clayton