Where who she'll be is as important as what she'll be.

Elevating education. Building character.™

Welcome to Foundations Academy

Foundations Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Brighton serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and part of the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) network of 100+ schools. Our dedicated teachers partner with families to help every child succeed academically while building strong character through our Moral Focus™ program. Every student is known, challenged, and supported so they're prepared for success in high school and beyond. 

At-a-Glance

Our Academic Success by the Numbers

14

Years

Academic Excellence

Foundations has outperformed the local district for the past 14 years.

Top 5

Among the Best

Foundations is among the top five schools in the area based on academic performance.

85%

Moral Focus™ Impact

85% of Foundations Academy parents see a positive impact from NHA's Moral Focus program.

a woman smiling in a circle

Meet Our Principal

A Note From Trina Norris-Buck

Thank you for considering Foundations Academy. Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and I'd welcome the chance to show you what makes ours different. Come see us in person, meet our teachers, and ask us anything.

 Trina Norris-Buck
Principal, Foundations Academy

What Sets Us Apart

Why Families Trust Foundations Academy

Academic Excellence

At Foundations, every student is known, challenged, and supported. Our research-backed curriculum and data-driven instruction let teachers meet each student where they are, so your child gets the right level of challenge and the support to grow with confidence. Every classroom is backed by a designated dean who helps teachers strengthen instruction and gives students extra support when they need it.

Character Development

Through our Moral Focus™ program, character development is part of every school day. Students learn and practice virtues such as respect, gratitude, perseverance, and integrity, applying them both in and out of the classroom. Lessons connect each virtue to everyday actions, so students understand the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing.

Student Responsibility

Students are held to high standards and learn to take ownership of their choices, actions, and academic growth. In many classrooms, students help create social contracts that set shared expectations for how everyone treats one another, so they see their role in building a positive learning environment.

Parent Partnership

We believe students thrive when families and schools work together. Foundations Academy builds strong partnerships through progress reports each marking period, conferences throughout the year, and opportunities to volunteer and be part of the school community.

Structured Setting

Clear expectations and consistent routines create a safe, focused environment where students can do their best work. Our Behave with Care approach sets the same standards across every classroom, and dress code policies help students stay focused and feel part of a community.

K-8 School in Canton: Student reading book at desk.

School Leadership

Meet the Leaders Behind Foundations Academy

Get Started

Your Next Step Starts Here

Start Your Application

Apply online, in person, or over the phone, and don’t hesitate to ask us questions along the way! We are here for you.

Schedule a Tour

Schedule a tour to see our school in person, meet our staff, and learn how Foundations Academy helps students grow academically and build strong character.

Our Academics

See how students learn, what they study, and how teachers support them at every level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Questions From Families Like You

Complete your child's online application  right here on our website. If more students apply than we have openings during Open Enrollment, we hold a random lottery. You can still apply after Open Enrollment closes, and those applications are considered in the order received.

Foundations Academy is a public charter school open to all eligible students in grades K–8. There are no entrance exams or interviews to apply. Visit our Admissions page to learn more about eligibility.

No. Foundations Academy is a tuition-free public school, funded the same way district schools are. There is no cost to attend.

The best way to experience Foundations Academy is to see it in person. Visit our School Tour page or call 303-659-9519 to schedule a tour and see our classrooms, meet our staff, and learn more about what makes our school community unique.

Financial & Literacy Transparency

We believe in empowering our community through financial & literacy curriculum transparency.