Sometimes, the right place changes everything. For Mona Boersma, that place was Walton Charter Academy. After working at another charter school that didn’t quite feel like home, Mona found what she was looking for at National Heritage Academies (NHA®).
“I came across NHA, interviewed with an amazing principal, and had the chance to be part of opening Walton. From the very beginning, I could see the difference in the structure, the systems, and the heart behind it all.”
That combination of high care and high expectations, Mona said, was what set NHA apart. “You can see it in every school, whether it’s brand new and opening or growing by adding new grades or team members. That consistency is what makes NHA special and it’s what has kept me here all these years.”
Twenty-seven years to be exact!
From Fourth Grade to Leadership
Mona’s career path is a true story of growth from the ground up. She began as a fourth-grade teacher before becoming a reading specialist, where she worked with small groups of students and coached fellow teachers. As Walton’s student population became more diverse, Mona earned her EL certification and served as both reading specialist and EL coordinator before moving into administration as K–2 dean and, later, principal.
“I’ve been lucky to experience nearly every role within our school,” she said with a laugh. “It’s helped me understand how every part of the team works together and how important it is that we all do our part.”
That empathy and perspective have shaped Mona’s leadership style. “When you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes, you understand how hard their job is and how every role affects another,” she said. “It’s never just one person. It’s always a team effort.”
The Joy of Watching Generations Return
After nearly three decades, Mona’s favorite memories are the ones that come full circle. “One of the best moments for me was when a former student came back to enroll their own child,” she said. “It made me feel a little old,” she laughed, “but it also made me so proud. Now, we have so many second-generation families and even former students who’ve come back to teach here.”
She sees that as one of the greatest testaments to the Walton community.
“When our students were younger, they didn’t always love the rules or the high expectations,” she said. “But as adults, they recognize how important those things were. They appreciate the structure and support, and they want their own children to experience it too. That’s what makes this community so special.”
Looking Ahead
As Walton continues to grow, Mona hopes the school always keeps its neighborhood feel.
“I want Walton to continue being the community school for this area,” she said. “We may not have a lot of students who walk here, but families keep coming back year after year because they feel connected. That sense of belonging is what makes this place home.”
And as for NHA’s next 30 years?
“I hope we keep doing what we’ve always done best: setting high expectations and supporting each other to meet them,” Mona said. “I’d love for every NHA school to feel like a neighborhood school, a place where families are proud to be part of the community.”
Fun Fact
When she’s not leading Walton, you’ll likely find Mona at a concert enjoying the energy of live music with good friends.
“I love country music,” she said. “Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and Zac Brown are some of my favorites. There’s just something about live music that makes me happy being part of that shared experience.”
Congratulations on 27 years at NHA, Mona!
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About Walton Charter Academy
Walton Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Pontiac, 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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