Niche: 13 NHA Partner Schools Earn Top-10 Rankings on Best Public Schools Lists
Grand Rapids, Michigan, (Dec. 16, 2025) – Thirteen National Heritage Academies’ (NHA) partner-schools across Michigan and North Carolina were ranked as top 10 public schools by Niche, an organization that specializes in data and rankings. A leader in education since its founding in 1995, NHA also saw 20 schools ranked in the top 25 of public schools in the two states.
NHA claimed nine of the top 10 spots on the Best Public K-8 Schools in Michigan rankings. Two NHA high schools were ranked in the top 10 for charter high schools in Michigan, as well.
Summerfield Charter Academy, Peak Charter Academy, Johnston Charter Academy and Greensboro Academy all ranked in the top 10 of Niche’s Best Public K-8 Schools in North Carolina list.
NHA’s 2026 Best Public K-8 Schools in Michigan:
- South Arbor Charter Academy, No. 1: A+ grade.
- Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy, No. 2: A+ grade.
- Cross Creek Charter Academy, No. 3: A+ grade.
- Excel Charter Academy, No. 4: A grade.
- Eagle Crest Charter Academy, No. 5: A grade.
- Achieve Charter Academy, No. 6: A grade.
- Chandler Woods Charter Academy, No. 7: A grade.
- Vanguard Charter Academy, No. 9: A grade.
- Canton Charter Academy, No. 10: A grade.
NHA’s 2026 Best Charter High Schools in Michigan:
- Grand River Preparatory High School, No. 5: A- grade.
- Wellspring Preparatory High School, No. 8: A- grade.
NHA’s 2026 Best Public K-8 Schools in North Carolina:
- Summerfield Charter Academy, No. 6: A+ grade.
- Peak Charter Academy, No. 7: A grade.
- Johnston Charter Academy, No. 9: A grade.
- Greensboro Academy, No. 10: A+ grade.
NHA schools feature prominently in Niche’s charter school and local rankings, as well. Fifteen NHA schools rank in the top 25 on the Best Charter Elementary and Middle Schools in Michigan lists. Cross Creek and Chandler Woods ranked in the top five on the Best Public K-8 Schools in Grand Rapids list. Achieve and Canton were ranked in the top five on the Best Public K-8 Schools in Detroit list.
At the high school level, Grand River Prep and Wellspring Prep were in the top five on the Best Charter High Schools in Grand Rapids list, and Canton Prep and Arbor Prep were ranked in the top five on the Best Charter High Schools in Detroit list.
Five North Carolina schools ranked in the top 25 on the Best Charter Elementary and Middle School lists. Summerfield and Greensboro were ranked first and second, respectively, on the Best Public Elementary Schools in Greensboro Area list. Johnston Charter Academy was also named the best public elementary school in Johnston County.
The rankings are based on a rigorous analysis of key statistics and reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more about Niche’s process here.
Great job, and congratulations to all!