Political Visitors Tour NHA School Campuses
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
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When students thrive, people take notice. National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) partner-schools are committed to preparing every student for success in college, career, and life. That commitment has caught the attention of local and state leaders who want to see firsthand what makes NHA partner-schools stand out.
A recent visit from U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado’s fourth district led Sky Ranch Academy Principal Jeremiah Whalen into a role he was excited about: Construction tour leader. After a visit to the K-10 building, Whalen led Mrs. Boebert around the active construction zone that is becoming Sky Ranch High School.
Whalen said Boebert was interested in learning more about Colorado’s rural schools and was impressed by construction efforts as the school prepares to open its high school for the 2026-27 academic year.
“We had great discussions about the charter school model and the benefits we provide to families,” Whalen said. “She was impressed to see and hear how quickly the construction was progressing and how lucky we are to have such wonderful, hardworking construction workers who have done a great job.”
The tour also included stops in classrooms to highlight the school’s personalized teaching. A large map in the hallway also drew Boebert’s attention, as did the school’s Moral Focus™ virtues.
“She loved our map with pins that shows where all our students are from. She loved hearing about the Moral Focus™ virtues, and she appreciated that we offer something different to families who are looking for more for their children.”
Canton Preparatory High School recently welcomed a local politician to school in celebration of National Charter Schools Week. Ranjeev Puri, a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, visited Canton Prep and saw firsthand the high-quality academics and focus on character development that sets the school apart.
Puri met with school leaders and students, hearing directly from the school community about how it differs from traditional public or private schools. Canton Prep graduate Davin Burnell led the state representative on a school tour, giving Puri a firsthand look at everyday life in the classroom.
The day was full of action, as Puri attended a mini poetry slam, watched some of a boys’ volleyball game in the gym, and saw science experiments in action. Puri also visited a civics class for a quick Q&A session. This discussion gave students access to a current member of the Michigan legislature and was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to connect with their government.
Puri also saw how Moral Focus™ is embedded throughout Canton Prep. He learned about the school’s Teddy Bear Project, an effort where English Teacher Elizabeth Harsany gifts students in need of compassion a teddy bear to remind them someone is in their corner.
The stop for Puri was for National Charter Schools Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the important role charter schools play in offering a tuition-free, public education for students and families. NHA partner-schools are founded on the belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality education. Through a strong focus on rigorous academics combined with a character-based curriculum, students are empowered by opportunity to achieve in school and beyond.
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 103 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 67,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.
United States Representative Tours Sky Ranch Construction
A recent visit from U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado’s fourth district led Sky Ranch Academy Principal Jeremiah Whalen into a role he was excited about: Construction tour leader. After a visit to the K-10 building, Whalen led Mrs. Boebert around the active construction zone that is becoming Sky Ranch High School.
Whalen said Boebert was interested in learning more about Colorado’s rural schools and was impressed by construction efforts as the school prepares to open its high school for the 2026-27 academic year.
“We had great discussions about the charter school model and the benefits we provide to families,” Whalen said. “She was impressed to see and hear how quickly the construction was progressing and how lucky we are to have such wonderful, hardworking construction workers who have done a great job.”
The tour also included stops in classrooms to highlight the school’s personalized teaching. A large map in the hallway also drew Boebert’s attention, as did the school’s Moral Focus™ virtues.
“She loved our map with pins that shows where all our students are from. She loved hearing about the Moral Focus™ virtues, and she appreciated that we offer something different to families who are looking for more for their children.”
State Representative Visits Canton Prep
Canton Preparatory High School recently welcomed a local politician to school in celebration of National Charter Schools Week. Ranjeev Puri, a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, visited Canton Prep and saw firsthand the high-quality academics and focus on character development that sets the school apart.
Puri met with school leaders and students, hearing directly from the school community about how it differs from traditional public or private schools. Canton Prep graduate Davin Burnell led the state representative on a school tour, giving Puri a firsthand look at everyday life in the classroom.
The day was full of action, as Puri attended a mini poetry slam, watched some of a boys’ volleyball game in the gym, and saw science experiments in action. Puri also visited a civics class for a quick Q&A session. This discussion gave students access to a current member of the Michigan legislature and was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to connect with their government.
Puri also saw how Moral Focus™ is embedded throughout Canton Prep. He learned about the school’s Teddy Bear Project, an effort where English Teacher Elizabeth Harsany gifts students in need of compassion a teddy bear to remind them someone is in their corner.
The stop for Puri was for National Charter Schools Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the important role charter schools play in offering a tuition-free, public education for students and families. NHA partner-schools are founded on the belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality education. Through a strong focus on rigorous academics combined with a character-based curriculum, students are empowered by opportunity to achieve in school and beyond.
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 103 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 67,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.