Q: What is the teaching style/philosophy of Innocademy teachers?
A: We want our Innocademy children to develop a LOVE of learning. We strive to teach through inquiry practice, critical thinking and problem solving opportunities.

Q: Why was Innocademy started?
A: There was a group of local, but global companies who started discussing the possibilities of a non-traditional school setting in 1996. Through those discussions it was determined that a school needed to offer flexibility to families, focus on critical thinking and problem solving skills, and prepare our Innocademy students for a global economy.

Q: What does Innocademy offer my child?
A: Innocademy believes in student-directed learning with small class sizes and multi-aged grouping of students. Innocademy children will study a second language, have field experience in the work place, gain a global stewardship, character development, and a sense of community partnership while attending Innocademy.

Q: What is the school schedule at Innocademy?
A: Innocademy is a year-round school that offers frequent breaks throughout the year instead of one large break during the summer months. Please see the attached link for this year’s school calendar. 2012-2013_calendar_revised_714

Q: What grades are available at Innocademy?
A: Innocademy offers kindergarten thru eighth grade. The 2013-2014 school year will see Innocademy begin to expand into a K-12 school; adding one grade each year for the next four years.

Q: Is there tuition for the school?
A: There is no tuition at Innocademy. We do, however, strongly encourage each of our families to contribute time or resources as they are able.

Q: Is Innocademy a private school?
A: No, Innocademy is a public school academy that is authorized by Lake Superior State University.

Q: What is a “charter school” or “public school academy”?

A: A charter school is a public school meeting all of the Common Core State Standards for each grade level. In this case, instead of reporting to a traditional public school district who then reports to the Michigan Department of Education, we will now report to Lake Superior State University who will report to the Michigan Department of Education.

Q: Is there transportation to and from Innocademy?
A: Currently there is no transportation offered to or from Innocademy.

Q: What curriculum does Innocademy follow?
A: Innocademy follows the Common Core State Standards and curriculum for the State of Michigan. We are allowed the flexibility to try new materials and new programs to teach the content expectations necessary in Michigan.

Q: We would love to tour Innocademy. Is that possible?
A:  Absolutely! We enjoy visitors. Please contact leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com to schedule an appointment.

Q: Is Innocademy for my family?
A: Do you and your family….

• believe in an emphasis in the development of the whole child through small student to teacher ratios and student directed learning?
• support the methods of teaching that Innocademy offers such as character development, global education, multi-age grouping, and a modified school calendar?
• agree that parental involvement is crucial in a child’s education?
• believe that in the 21st century it is imperative to cultivate knowledge of a second language starting in elementary school?
• desire to make a difference in the world and influence students to do the same?

Q: How can I learn more about the ideas, principles and structure of day to day life at Innocademy?

A: Please take a look at our Family Resource Guide for much more information and elaboration on specific topics.

Q: How can I incorporate some of the principles of Innocademy at my school?
A:  For all questions regarding philosophy, structure and implementation, please contact Kelli Gunn at kelli.gunn@innocademy.com or  Leisa Lobbezoo at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com .