U.S. News & World Report: National Heritage Academies Has 18 of the Best Charter Elementary, Middle Schools Across the Country
NHA schools in Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio earned accolades
Eighteen National Heritage Academies’ (NHA) schools took Top 10 spots in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Charter Elementary and Middle School lists across three different states. A leader in education since its founding in 1995, NHA schools earned honors in Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio.
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 on U.S. News & World Report's website.
NHA middle and elementary schools in Michigan (10), North Carolina (4), and Ohio (4) include:
Top Michigan Charter Elementary Schools
- #1 - Chandler Wood Charter Academy – Belmont
- #2 - South Arbor Charter Academy – Ypsilanti
- #3 - Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy – Plymouth
- #4 - Canton Charter Academy – Canton
- #5 - Cross Creek Charter Academy – Byron Center
- #7 - Vanguard Charter Academy – Wyoming
- #8 - Achieve Charter Academy – Canton
- #9 - Excel Charter Academy – Grand Rapids
- #10 - Walker Charter Academy – Walker
Top Michigan Charter Middle Schools
- #1 - Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy – Plymouth
- #2 - South Arbor Charter Academy – Ypsilanti
- #3 - Canton Charter Academy – Canton
- #4 - Achieve Charter Academy – Canton
- #5 - Cross Creek Charter Academy – Byron Center
- #7 - Chandler Woods Charter Academy – Belmont
- #8 - Excel Charter Academy – Grand Rapids
- #10 - Keystone Academy – Belleville
Top North Carolina Charter Elementary Schools
- #6 - Greensboro Academy – Greensboro
- #7 - Peak Charter Academy – Apex
Top North Carolina Charter Middle Schools
- #2 - Greensboro Academy – Greensboro
- #3 - Peak Charter Academy – Apex
- #7 - Summerfield Charter Academy – Summerfield
- #9 - Johnston Charter Academy – Clayton
Ohio Charter Elementary Schools
- #10 - Apex Academy – East Cleveland
Ohio Charter Middle Schools
- #8 - Emerson Academy – Dayton
- #9 - Pinnacle Academy – Euclid
- #10 - Bennett Venture Academy – Toledo