Principal Sabrina Terenzi said the accolade is a testament to the hard work of her students, staff, and strong partnerships with parents.
“I am so proud that our school is being recognized for our hard work in providing students a high-quality education,” said Principal Sabrina Terenzi. “Our staff works tirelessly to ensure our students are getting personalized instruction to grow all our learners. We focus on growth, and it shows in these results.”
Principal Sabrina Terenzi addresses students to congratulate them for their hard work in earning Plymouth Scholars a Michigan Blue Ribbon honor.
The school earned Blue Ribbon status from the Michigan Department of Education and was identified as an Exemplary High Performing school, meaning it is among the top performing schools in the state as measured by state assessments.
With a focus on achievement and Moral Focus™, Plymouth Scholars is not only helping students succeed, but it’s also encouraging character growth. Terenzi said that this combination makes for a welcoming learning environment that inspires students every day.
“Our students are actively engaged,” Terenzi said. “They want to learn. They ask questions, investigate and take risks. Because of our tremendous culture, students feel safe to take these risks and be an active learner.”
Students, staff, families, and community members came together to celebrate Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy’s 2025 Michigan Blue Ribbon honor.
Several community partners joined the celebration, showing their support for students and staff. National Heritage Academies (NHA®) Founder J.C. Huizenga and Chief Learning Officer Nick Sheltrown joined the celebration to share congratulations and words of encouragement. Huizenga shared it was clear why Plymouth Scholars was named a Blue Ribbon school.
“Plymouth Scholars is a family who takes pride in working together toward the goal of student achievement,” Huizenga said. “Together, you’ve created a place where teaching and learning at the highest level is not just valued but expected, and all children are challenged to achieve.”
Eighth-grade student Aashritha Golla also spoke to the crowd of proud students, staff, parents, and partners. She shared how thankful she was to be a student at Plymouth Scholars, stressing the importance of the school’s curriculum and emphasis on Moral Focus. Golla also credited the school’s staff with setting a great example.
Eighth-grade student Aashritha Golla delivers remarks at Plymouth Scholars’ Blue Ribbon celebration.
“Plymouth Scholars is filled with great role models and patient mentors, making a significant difference in the learning experience and our academic achievement,” Golla shared with the crowd. “Overall, I am so thankful and proud to be a part of such a supportive, high-achieving community that has earned the distinction of being a Michigan Blue Ribbon school.”
Other recent accolades for Plymouth Scholars include being named the top charter middle school in Michigan in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report school rankings. The elementary program also ranked third among Michigan charter elementary schools. Niche, an organization specializing in school data, also named Plymouth Scholars as the top charter elementary and middle schools in their 2025 rankings.
Plymouth Scholars was also honored with the NHA Founder’s Award for their work in creating a culture that emphasized Moral Focus during the 2023-24 school year.
National Heritage Academies Chief Learning Officer speaks to the crowd at Plymouth Scholars’ Blue Ribbon celebration.
As Terenzi, her staff, and Plymouth Scholars’ stellar students continue to focus on growth and Moral Focus, they can look to their Blue Ribbon status for inspiration. Plymouth Scholars is not only a great school, but it’s also one of Michigan’s best.
Congratulations, Plymouth Scholars!
About Plymouth Scholars
Plymouth Scholars is a tuition-free, public charter school in Plymouth, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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