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

Elevating education. Building character.™

Welcome to Wellspring Preparatory High School

Wellspring Preparatory High School is a tuition-free public charter school in Grand Rapids serving students in ninth through 12th grade, and part of the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) network of 100+ schools. Our teachers challenge your teen with rigorous coursework while building strong character through our Moral Focus™ program. Every student is known, supported, and prepared for what comes after graduation, whether that's college, career training, military service, or the workforce.

At-a-Glance

Our Academic Success by the Numbers

7%

Top-Ranked for College Prep

Wellspring Prep is ranked in the top 7% of College Prep Public High Schools in Michigan by Niche.

100%

Preparing Students for What’s Next

100% of NHA high school graduates are accepted to a four-year college, reflecting the strong academic foundation students build starting in kindergarten.

86%

86% of Wellspring Preparatory High School parents see a positive impact from NHA's Moral Focus™ program.

a man in a suit and tie

Meet Our Principal

A Note From Israel Ausua

Thank you for considering Wellspring Preparatory High School. 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.

Israel Ausua
Principal, Wellspring Preparatory High School

What Sets Us Apart

Why Families Trust Wellspring Preparatory High School

Academic Excellence

At NHA high schools, students are challenged and supported to reach their full potential. Our research-backed curriculum and data-driven instruction help your teen build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they'll need after graduation. NHA high schools outperform similar schools in both academic growth and participation in advanced coursework, and 100% of NHA high school graduates are accepted to a four-year college.

Character Development

Through our Moral Focus™ program, high school students explore how virtues like integrity, courage, and wisdom apply to the decisions they're actually facing. Lessons emphasize real-world application, so students practice using sound judgment as they take on more independence and prepare for life after graduation. Three out of four parents of NHA high school students say Moral Focus has had a positive impact on their teen.

Student Responsibility

At NHA high schools, students develop responsibility through real opportunities to lead, serve, and take ownership. Community service hours help students see the impact they can have, while leadership roles, athletics, and extracurriculars build discipline and time management. Through a dedicated Advisory class, students work on college and career planning alongside practical skills like financial literacy and goal-setting.

Parent Partnership

As students take greater ownership of their education, NHA high schools keep parents informed and involved. Families stay connected through weekly teacher updates and conferences, and the College Readiness Dashboard gives parents visibility into attendance, grades, and progress toward graduation. Four out of five parents report satisfaction with communication from teachers and school leaders.

Structured Setting

NHA high schools hold students to high standards within a structure designed to build the habits they'll need after graduation. Clear dress code and behavior expectations create a focused environment, while safety procedures balance greater student independence with accountability. Students learn that more freedom comes with more responsibility.

School Leadership

Meet the Leaders Behind Wellspring Preparatory High School

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 Wellspring Preparatory High School helps students grow academically and build strong character.

Our Academics

See how students take on challenging coursework, explore their interests, and prepare for life after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Questions From Families Like You

Complete your teen's online application right here on our website. If more students apply than there are seats available during Open Enrollment, a random lottery will be held. 

You can also apply after Open Enrollment closes. Those applications are considered in the order received, after all earlier applications have been processed.

Wellspring Preparatory High School is a public charter school open to all eligible students in grades 9–12. There are no entrance exams or interviews to apply. Visit our Admissions page to learn more about eligibility and the application process.

No. Wellspring Preparatory High School is a tuition-free public school, funded the same way district schools are. There is no cost to attend.

The best way to experience Wellspring Preparatory High School is to see it in person. Visit our School Tour page or call 616-235-9500 to schedule a tour and see our classrooms, meet our staff, and learn more about what makes our school community unique.