Pembroke Academy in Detroit and Johnston Charter Academy in Cary, N.C., invited guests, board members, and families of their schools to be a part of the celebrations.
Pembroke Academy, a pilot school, opened Sept. 8 with more than 230 students.
"Today we are celebrating an idea that turned into a vision that became a reality," said Jason Puscas, president of the Pembroke Academy board, during a ceremony Sept. 28. "We are celebrating the potential of all of our students to have a bright future."
Speakers included Brian Britton, CEO of National Heritage Academies, and Principal Stephanie Glenn. The Pembroke fifth-grade Mandarin class sang a song for the audience.
During the Pembroke ceremony, a plaque was presented to Principal Glenn by Barbara Zeile, deputy director for school performance at The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools, Central Michigan University.
Those in attendance included J.C. Huizenga, founder of NHA, and the Pembroke Academy Board members: Daniel Vander Ley, vice president, Contessa Rudolph, secretary, and Lana Zaghmout, treasurer.
"Pembroke is truly a unique school," said Britton.
He asked the students to look around them during the assembly.
"See all these people here? They are here for you. You are loved," he told them.
A reception and school tour followed the ceremony.