Niche: 13 NHA Partner Schools Earn Top-10 Rankings on Best Public Schools Lists
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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:
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!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.
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.
- Grand River Preparatory High School, No. 5: A- grade.
- Wellspring Preparatory High School, No. 8: A- grade.
- 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.
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!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.