About NMU Charter Schools
Northern Michigan University currently charters nine public school academies (charter schools) across Michigan, offering a wide range of learning environments — from tribal schools rooted in Native American culture to Montessori, leadership-focused, and college-prep programs. As an authorizing body, NMU is responsible for ensuring that each school it charters complies with state statute, its contract, and applicable rules; NMU does not administer these schools, but rather appoints a charter school board to carry out ongoing oversight.
NMU has served as a charter authorizer since 1995, under the authority of Public Act 362 of 1993. Two schools NMU once chartered have since closed — Oasis Academy in 2002 and Experiencia Preparatory Academy in 2016 — and NMU is not currently accepting new charter applications; the State of Michigan determines how many charter schools may operate statewide.
These schools also give NMU's elementary and secondary education majors real, hands-on classroom experience as they prepare for student teaching and their future careers.
For more information about any of NMU's charter schools, or about charter schools in general, contact the Charter Schools Office at 906-227-6600. Each school's current, signed charter contract is linked in its profile below.
Board Member Application
The Charter Schools Office at Northern Michigan University appreciates your interest in serving as a public school academy board member. Learn how to become a board member today!
Our Schools
Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe Public School Academy
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Grade span: K–8
School website: jklschool.org
Charter contract: View current contract (PDF)
Opened in 1994 as a tribal school under the sponsorship of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, this school was chartered by Northern Michigan University in 1995 — the same founding year NMU chartered Nah Tah Wahsh, making the two schools NMU's earliest charter schools. It was renamed in 1998 in honor of former tribal leader Joseph K. Lumsden. The school holds dual status as a Michigan public school academy and a Bureau of Indian Education school, with Anishinaabe culture and language integrated throughout its curriculum.
Burton Glen Charter Academy
Location: Burton, MI
Grade span: K–8
School website: nhaschools.com/schools/burton-glen-charter-academy/en
Charter contract: View current contract (PDF)
Approved by the NMU Board of Trustees as a public school academy in 1999, Burton Glen opened that fall as a K–5 building before growing into its current Young 5s–eighth grade configuration. The school is managed by National Heritage Academies, which provides curriculum, operations, and site development under NMU's charter oversight.
East Shore Leadership Academy
Location: Port Huron, MI
Grade span: K–8
School website: eastshoreleaders.com
Charter contract: View current contract (PDF)
Chartered by NMU and opened in 2014 as a K–5 school, East Shore has since grown to serve kindergarten through eighth grade. The school was an early adopter of Stephen Covey's The Leader in Me framework, building student leadership development into its programming from its earliest years.
Francis Reh Public School Academy
Location: Saginaw, MI
Grade span: K–8
School website: francisreh.com
Charter contract: View current contract (PDF)
Founded in 1997, Francis Reh joined NMU's charter portfolio in 2014. The school operates today as a K–8 academy in Saginaw.
George Crockett Academy
Location: Detroit, MI
Grade span: K–8
School website: crockettacademy.com
Charter contract: View current contract (PDF)
Opened in Detroit in 1998, George Crockett Academy joined NMU's charter portfolio in 2014. The school serves Detroit families with a comprehensive elementary and middle school program focused on a safe, nurturing learning environment.
Nah Tah Wahsh Public School Academy
Location: Wilson, MI (Hannahville Indian Community)
Grade span: K–12
School website: hannahvilleschool.net
Charter contract: View current contract (PDF)
Originally established on the Hannahville Potawatomi Reservation in 1975, this school was chartered by Northern Michigan University in 1995 under the name Nah Tah Wahsh — Potawatomi for “Soaring Eagles” — the same founding year NMU chartered JKL Bahweting, making the two schools NMU's earliest charter schools. It holds dual status as a Michigan public school academy and a Bureau of Indian Education school, and teaches the Potawatomi language to students of all ages alongside its K–12 curriculum.
North Star Montessori Academy
Location: Marquette, MI
Grade span: K–8
School website: northstaracademymqt.com
Charter contract: View current contract (PDF)
This school traces its roots to Tri-High School, an alternative high school formed in 1994 through a consortium of three public schools to serve at-risk youth. NMU chartered it in 1997, and it was renamed North Star Academy the following year. After relocating from Ishpeming to Marquette in 2005, the school later adopted a Montessori educational approach and is now known as North Star Montessori Academy, serving students from early childhood through eighth grade.
South Pointe Scholars Charter Academy
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Grade span: K–8
School website: nhaschools.com/schools/south-pointe-scholars-charter-academy/en
Charter contract: View current contract (PDF)
South Pointe Scholars opened in Ypsilanti in 2011 under NMU's charter authority. Like Burton Glen and Walton, the school is managed by National Heritage Academies and built around the organization's academic-excellence and Moral Focus™ philosophy, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Walton Charter Academy
Location: Pontiac, MI
Grade span: Young K–8
School website: nhaschools.com/schools/walton-charter-academy/en
Charter contract: View current contract (PDF)
Approved as a public school academy by the NMU Board of Trustees in 1999, Walton opened that year as a K–5 elementary school in Pontiac and has since grown into a full Young 5s–eighth grade academy. Like Burton Glen and South Pointe Scholars, Walton is managed by National Heritage Academies under NMU's charter oversight.
Charter Oversight
To ensure public school academies comply with all applicable rules, laws, and statutes, NMU develops a contract with each academy it charters. As the authorizing body, NMU implements a comprehensive oversight system holding each academy's board accountable for contractual and legal compliance, academic performance, and financial stewardship. Academy board members are public officials with primary responsibility for their school's governance and operation.
NMU has established a clear appointment process for public school academy board members, which includes completing an application, undergoing a background check, and participating in an interview. Approved candidates must take a constitutional oath of office before serving.