West Michigan Businessman and Philanthropist J.C. Huizenga Inducted into Charter Schools Hall of Fame

National Heritage Academies (NHA^®) Founder and Chairman J.C. Huizenga was one of four visionary leaders recently inducted into the Charter Schools Hall of Fame, joining a notable group who have expanded educational opportunity for children and families across the United States.

Established in 2007 by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the Charter Schools Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations whose vision, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on the charter school movement nationwide.

“I am honored to receive this recognition,” Huizenga shared. “Throughout the years, many charter school advocates have walked with me to bring high-quality school choice to families. Our mission at National Heritage Academies is to transform lives, and we are celebrating 30 years of impacting students and communities. I look forward to what the future holds, as thousands more children benefit from educational opportunity.”

National Heritage Academies opened its first partner-school, Excel Charter Academy, in 1995 to 174 students. Huizenga remembers fondly the parents who “took a leap of faith” on the belief that every child should have the opportunity to receive a great education.

Today, as NHA prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, it serves more than 65,000 students in 100-plus partner-schools in nine states, with over 8,000 employees who collectively strive to make a difference for the children and families they serve. Seven NHA partner-schools have earned National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition, and in 2025, 18 were ranked among the Top 10 Best Charter Elementary and Middle School lists in three states by U.S. News & World Report.

Also being inducted into the Charter Schools Hall of Fame for 2025 are:

• Chris Barbic – Founder of YES Prep Public Schools, Houston
• Constance Ranae Jones – Former CEO of Noble Schools, Chicago
• Dr. Elaine Swafford, CEO of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Tennessee

“These four school leaders serve as inspiration for all of us who believe in the infinite power of public education and public charter schools,” Starlee Coleman, National Alliance president and CEO, said. “Every day these transformative leaders show us what’s possible in public education through flexible, innovative approaches that meet student needs, open doors to opportunity, and change lives.”

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.