Enrollment

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

A:  That depends! 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?
  • Value intentional outdoor learning opportunities?
  • 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?
  • Have a desire to make a difference in the world and influence students to do the same?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Innocademy could be an amazing fit for your family!

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. Visit our curriculum page for more information.

A:  Currently transportation is not offered to or from Innocademy.

A:  Innocademy does not offer before/after school care at this time.

A:  Nope! Innocademy is a public school academy authorized by Lake Superior State University. Any and all families and students are welcome to enroll in our tuition-free programs!

A:  A charter school is a public school that meets all the Common Core State Standards for each grade level but has a different structure than more traditional public schools.

For a typical public school, the school reports to a traditional public school district, who then reports to the Michigan Department of Education. In our case, we instead report to Lake Superior State University who then reports to the Michigan Department of Education.

A:  Innocademy doesn’t have any requirements for parents in terms of volunteering. Students and staff LOVE volunteers and encourage involvement from all Innocademy families!

We also understand that for many parents who work full time, volunteering might look a little different. It could come in the form of helping on a committee that might meet quarterly in the evenings, taking on small home projects, or even supporting an event like our golf outing.

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.

A:  Each day students participate in core subjects such as reading, writing, math, science and social studies as well as daily Spanish. The school day begins at 8:40am and ends at 3:30pm each day.

Innocademy operates on a balanced calendar, offering frequent breaks throughout the year instead of one large break during the summer months. Our families enjoy recess times throughout the year rather than just one long summer break. In June and August, students do not attend school on Friday. Christmas and Spring Recesses are coordinated so that they align with the calendars of the districts surrounding Innocademy.

A:  Class size is determined by “Just Right Learning” groups. That mean Innocademy might have 20 chronological sixth graders enrolled at the school, but because students may be moving up or down a level to accommodate their individual learning needs, their “class size” for math or ELA may be slightly bigger or smaller.

A:  As part of our “Just Right Learning”, students are evaluated and plans are developed to meet their specific learning needs. For example, if—based on in-class, state and national assessments—a chronological third grade student has demonstrated proficiency in third grade math and is ready for fourth grade-level concepts, they’re moved up to that “Just Right Learning” level to support their proficiency. This is the same for reading and writing.

A:  We want our Innocademy children to develop a love of learning. We strive to teach through inquiry practice, project-based learning, critical thinking and problem-solving opportunities.

A:  Innocademy is a public school academy and is open to any student. Each spring Innocademy has a two-week open enrollment period in which students may apply to enroll. By law, if there are more students applying for a particular grade level than seats available at that grade level, a public lottery will be held to determine admission and the waiting list.

A:  Innocademy believes in student-directed learning with small class sizes and multi-aged grouping of students. Innocademy children 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.

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 students for a global economy.

A:  Yes! Las Huellas is the name of our Spanish Immersion Program. Currently, we host grades Pre-K through 8th grade. The Las Huellas Spanish Immersion program was based off the Add-A-Lingua model.