Charter schools are independently operated public schools that do not charge tuition. They are governed by a board of directors made up of public citizens.
Charter schools have the freedom to design classrooms that meet students’ needs. They can establish a unique mission, create a curriculum to support it, and hire faculty who best fit their vision.
Each charter school operates under a contract with a charter school authorizer—typically a nonprofit organization, government agency, or university. This authorizer ensures the school meets high standards outlined in its charter. Our authorizer is Central Michigan University.
All students are welcome to apply. If applications exceed available spots, students are selected through a lottery system.
Every charter school in Michigan is a tuition-free, nonprofit public school. They must follow all state and federal special education laws and are officially known as Public School Academies.
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is a tuition-free pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public charter school in Grand Rapids, MI that is focused on environmental education and open to ages 3 years old and up.