Fortis Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Ypsilanti serving students in grades K-8. We shape instruction to build on the strengths and abilities of each student and integrate Moral Focus™ lessons into every school day. As a result, our students are well-prepared from kindergarten through eighth grade. A Stanford University study found National Heritage Academies partner-school students gained the equivalent of 3.5 months of additional learning each year compared to peers.
I'm Ready to Apply I Want to Learn MoreSchedule a school tour and learn more about our personalized teaching, Moral Focus™ program, after-school activities, clubs, sports, and more.
Experience the Power of Character at Fortis Academy! Join us for a Moral Focus Counts Tour and discover how National Heritage Academies’ unique educational approach shapes not only strong students — but strong character. At Fortis, we believe that success in school and in life begins with a solid foundation of values. During this special event, you’ll learn how our Moral Focus Programming is woven into daily classroom instruction, helping students grow academically and develop essential social, emotional, and ethical skills. Come see how our students are encouraged, recognized, and celebrated for living out key virtues — and get a firsthand look at our February virtue: Courage, in action! Stop by anytime during the event — we can’t wait to welcome you and show how Fortis Academy helps shape tomorrow’s leaders, one character trait at a time.
We know great families like yours make our community strong! That's why we're excited to introduce NHA Family Refer & Earn.
Give your Kindergartner the best start! Are you ready to start your child’s educational journey? Join us for Kindergarten Round Up and take the first step toward an exciting and successful year ahead! Our Kindergarten Round Up event is designed to give you and your child a sneak peek into life at Fortis Charter Academy. During this fun and informative event, you’ll: Meet Our Kindergarten Teachers: Get to know the dedicated educators who will guide your child throughout their early years of school. Explore the Classroom: Take a tour of our Kindergarten classrooms and see the exciting learning environments where your child will grow and thrive. Learn About Our Curriculum: Discover our engaging curriculum, which focuses on building strong foundations in literacy, math, social-emotional development, and more. Ask Questions: Have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers about registration, school policies, and what to expect in the coming school year. Meet New Friends: Your child will have the chance to meet their future classmates, participate in activities, and get excited about starting Kindergarten! This event is a wonderful way to prepare for the transition into Kindergarten and ensure your child feels comfortable and confident for their first day of school. We look forward to welcoming you and your little one to Fortis Charter Academy!
Readers Are Leaders — and we’re celebrating in a BIG way! Join us for a magical Reading Night at Fortis Academy as we celebrate Reading Month with stories, imagination, and tons of family fun! Step into a world of adventure with beloved storybook characters, explore treasures at the Scholastic Book Fair, and enjoy engaging read-alouds and hands-on activities led by our amazing teachers. We also warmly welcome new and interested families! This is the perfect chance to experience our school, meet our incredible staff, and see what makes Fortis such a special place to learn and grow. Grab your family and dive into the excitement—you won’t want to miss this storytelling celebration!
Parent Portal gives parents quick and easy access to their child's information. Click below to learn more!
We offer advanced learning opportunities for top-performing students who are ready to progress beyond grade level.
New families can expect to find out if their child has been accepted by Monday, March 2.
Thank you for choosing a school that values academic growth, strong character, and partnership with parents.
Interested in applying for the 2026-27 school year? Apply here today!
Fortis Academy has outperformed the local district for the past 16 years.
Fortis Academy is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA) network. NHA Operates 103 tuition-free public charter schools across nine states.
87% of Fortis Academy parents see a positive impact from NHA's Moral Focus™ program.
"I love the sense of community that Fortis has. You cannot walk down the hallway in this building without hearing greetings, seeing smiles, and observing caring conversations between parents, students, and staff."
- Erin Dixon, Principal at Fortis
Learn About Our Pathway to High SchoolGive your child the advantage of a full K-12 experience with Fortis Academy and Arbor Preparatory High School.
At Fortis, students thrive in a supportive environment that prioritizes academic growth and character development. When it’s time for high school, Arbor Prep continues that momentum—offering rigorous, college-prep academics and personalized guidance to prepare students for what’s next.
Fortis Parent
Since my child has come to Fortis she has grown a lot and in many ways. From increased confidence to being a better reader and understanding math, it’s amazing to see her grow so much in a short time. I feel this shows a lot about the school and the staff, that they really care about the students progress here.
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Contact MeSchedule a school tour and learn more about our personalized teaching, Moral Focus program, after-school activities, clubs, sports, and more.
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