Schools Guide: Charter 2023

Charter Schools in Grand Rapids

National Heritage Academies: Young 5s-8th Grade

At National Heritage Academies, preparing kids for college starts on day one.

We set high standards, make expectations clear, personalize teaching, and as a result, our students thrive.

We are tuition-free public schools independent from the local district public schools.

If you’re seeking the quality of a private school education without the cost, you’re in the right place.

We have nine schools in the greater Grand Rapids area:
• Chandler Woods - Rockford
• Cross Creek - Byron Center
• Excel Charter - SE Grand Rapids
• Knapp Charter - NE Grand Rapids
• Ridge Park Charter - SE Grand Rapids
• River City Scholars - SE Grand Rapids
• Vista Charter - SE Grand Rapids
• Vanguard Charter - Wyoming
• Walker Charter - NW Grand Rapids

Be part of a school community that's safe, challenging, and committed to your child's success. Now accepting applications!


"I love how the teachers and leadership at Vista Charter Academy help to build the kids' confidence!" - Vista Charter Academy Parent


Open House Info
• Vista Charter Academy - Grades Y5-8 - Snow Much Fun Open House - January 25, 5-7 PM
• Vista Charter Academy - Grades Y5-Kindergarten - Come Grow With Us - April 25, 5-7 PM
• Knapp Charter - Grades Y5-8th - Painting With the Principal - February 8, 5:30-7 PM
• Knapp Charter - Grades Y5-Kindergarten - Come Grow With Us - April 23, 5:30-7 PM
• Walker Charter - Grades Y5 - 8th - Prospective Parent Information Meeting - Thursday, March 14, 6:30-7:30 PM

Charter Schools in Grand Rapids

National Heritage Academies: 9th-12th Grade

At National Heritage Academies, preparing kids for college starts on day one.

We set high standards, make expectations clear, personalize teaching, and as a result, our students thrive.

Our goal is to help them build the knowledge, skills, and character they need to excel in school and in life.

Our college-prep program and moral focus curriculum help your child reach their full potential.

We prepare students not just for college, but to reach the highest level once they get there.

You’ll see this in our advanced curriculum and classrooms where enthusiastic teachers help students reason through and overcome any obstacle.

We also emphasize extracurricular pursuits and community service.

Our students not only excel but thrive.

Apply Today:
• Grand River Preparatory High School - Kentwood
• Wellspring Preparatory High School - NE Grand Rapids


"The staff at Grand River Prep is amazing! They are very supportive and helpful!" - Grand River Prep Parent


Open House Info
• Grand River Prep - Winter Virtual Open House, January 25, 6 PM
• Grand River Prep - Winter Virtual Open House, February 27, 6 PM

Charter School in Byron Center

Byron Center Charter School

Byron Center Charter School empowers students to reach their greatest potential by emphasizing personal connections, academic excellence, and positive character values.

Offering Kindergarten through 12th grade at one location, Byron Center Charter School is committed to having a low student/teacher ratio.

We believe a safer, more disciplined, and academically challenging environment can be achieved with smaller class sizes.

Byron Center Charter School provides a full array of Education Programs and Services.

We are a tuition-free, K-12 Public School of Choice chartered by GVSU since 1996.


Open House Info
April 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Charter School in Grand Rapids

New Branches Charter Academy

New Branches Charter Academy is a tuition-free PreK-8 public school with a positive learning environment, rigorous academics and nature-based program!

Our students learn outdoors on our 12-acre campus south of downtown Grand Rapids!

We believe every student is unique and an individual. Students work together outdoors and learn the food cycle from farm to table!

We proudly offer:
• Environmental Education
• Eco-Art
• Positive family-oriented culture
• 6-8 Basketball
• Character education program
• Transportation
• Before and After Care