News and Publications

Your source for the latest news from our Department as well as topics being discussed at the state and national level.

June 1, 2010

On Friday, April 2, 2010, the Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office Phase One Charter Application process closed. We are no longer accepting Phase One Charter Applications.

Phase One ran from January 6 to April 2 and resulted in 57 applications submitted. Grand Valley’s Charter Schools Office will review the applications based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: a promising vision, sound instructional plan, a quality educational program, and a sound business plan evidencing the ability to offer excellent programs. Applicants should be prepared to meet high standards both at the application level and throughout the term of the contract. Grand Valley reserves the right to accept or reject any application and to announce individual or extended application periods. For additional information regarding the application review process, please click here.

Application Status Letters were mailed on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 via United States Postal Service. Please allow 3 to 5 business days for delivery.
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May 20, 2010
 
GVSU charter schools ranked as top performers
 
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -  GVSU's Charter Schools Office released its list of the Top 50 K-8 charter schools, ranked by 2009 MEAP scores. Of the top performing schools authorized by universities, Grand Valley State University has the most, with 14 schools.
 
Grand Valley authorizes 14 of the top 50. They include:
 
Achieve Charter Academy
Arbor Academy
Black River Public Schools
Byron Center Charter School
Chandler Woods Charter Academy
Crossroads Charter Academy
Detroit Merit Charter Academy
Excel Charter Academy
Knapp Charter Academy
Oakland Academy
Vanguard Charter Academy
Walker Charter Academy
West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics
William C. Abney Academy
 
"GVSU charter schools are excelling among the their peers and providing a valuable education option for many communities. GVSU requires performance in their charter contracts and schools are responding." Rob Kimball, Director of research & measurement
 
Grand Valley State University currently charters 28 schools and three urban high school academies, which together serve more than 18,000 students throughout the state.
 
For more information, contact Grand Valley’s Charter Schools office at (616) 331-2240 or GVSU News and Information Services at (616) 331-2221.

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For Immediate Release
April 8, 2010

Grand Valley seeking applications for Urban High School Academies (CLICK HERE).

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Valley State University Charter Schools Office is accepting applications for Urban High School Academies in Michigan. Applications will be considered for a fall 2011 or 2012 opening.

According to Michigan law, applicants demonstrating the following will be given priority in the authorization process:

• The proposed school will operate at least all of grades 9 through 12 within three years after commencing operations.
• The proposed school will occupy a building or buildings that are newly constructed or renovated after January 1, 2003.
• The proposed school has a stated goal of increasing high school graduation rates.
• The proposed school has received commitments for financial and educational support from the applicant entity.
• The applicant entity has net assets of at least $50 million dollars.

Applicants must submit Step #I “Notice of Intent to Apply” and Step #II “Application,” which are available at www.gvsucso.org. The application deadline is Friday, June 4, 2010 by 4 p.m.

Grand Valley currently authorizes 30 charter schools and three urban high schools

Grand Valley State University attracts more than 24,400 students with high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley is a comprehensive university serving students from all 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign c ountries. Grand Valley offers 77 undergraduate and 28 graduate degree programs from campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids and Holland, and from regional centers in Muskegon and Traverse City. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships.

For more information, contact Kristin Middendorf at (616) 331-3656 or at middendk@gvsu.edu.

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  • For media inquiries, please contact:
    Amirah Vosburgh
    Phone: 616-331-2240
    E-Mail: vosburga@gvsu.edu

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