The state’s Schools of Excellence program is a way to identify high-performing charter schools and to replicate their success in underperforming school districts.

“Our children’s achievement in charter schools across Michigan is proof that innovation in education is happening and that it is working,” said Quisenberry. “These schools may have just been recognized as “Schools of Excellence,” but that isn’t telling parents anything they don’t already know. The long waiting lists at two-thirds of the state’s charter schools prove that when given a choice, parents will seek out what’s best for their kids and they are finding it in charter schools.”

Local schools being recognized as Schools of Excellence include:

• Arbor Academy in Battle Creek;
• Black River Public School in Holland;
• Concord Academy in Petoskey;
• Detroit Merit Charter Academy;
• Detroit Service Learning Academy;
• Eagle Crest Charter Academy in Holland;
• Holly Academy in Holly;
• Oakland Academy in Portage;
• Ridge Park Charter Academy in Kentwood;
• South Arbor Charter Academy in Ypsilanti;
• Vanderbilt Charter Academy in Holland;
• Walton Charter Academy in Pontiac

“The Schools of Excellence” designation is awarded each year to charter public schools that exceed state standards. To qualify, K-8 schools must achieve a three-year average 90 percent proficiency rate on state standardized math and reading tests or a 70 percent proficiency rate if at least half of the student body receives free or reduced price lunches. To be eligible, K-12 schools must also achieve at least an 80 percent attendance rate, an 80 percent graduation rate and an 80 percent post-secondary enrollment rate over three years.

“Charter schools succeed by having autonomy, operating more efficiently and stretching each dollar further,” said Quisenberry. “Despite receiving $1,329 less per pupil each year in state funding, charter public schools are outperforming their competitors while parents across the state clamor for more choices. We could not be prouder of these kids and the remarkable teachers and faculty who are educating them.”