Why Innocademy
A free, charter public school education with an emphasis on meeting the whole child.
An Accredited State of Michigan Charter School
Who We Are
Innocademy is an inclusive Public School Academy that prepares PreK-8th grade students to have a global mindset through whole-child learning, Spanish language immersion and nature-enriched education.
A Charter Education
A charter school is an independently run public school that operates under a contract between an authorizer, the school and the Michigan Department of Education. Charter schools are held to the same educational standards as public schools.
As a charter school, we have the flexibility to personalize attention, meet students at their individual academic level and include teacher input on curriculum development. In addition to meeting national standards, we develop students’ global awareness, including hands-on travel opportunities and our Spanish immersion program, Las huellas.
Tuition-Free Schooling
We are a completely tuition-free public school academy and any Michigan student may enroll in our programs!
Unique Travel Opportunities
Growing Global Thinkers
Our goal is to nurture a global outlook in our students, helping them grow into compassionate leaders dedicated to positive impact and stewardship. Global education is also woven into our curriculum through:
- Stewardship Opportunities
- Travel/Field Experiences
- Daily Second Language
We want students to learn about the world beyond their school, community, state and country. We travel outside the classroom to create real-world learning experiences, understand other communities or cultures, serve others and maintain our love and excitement for learning.
Travel/Field Experiences
One of the more unique ways we enhance student achievement and cultural awareness is through travel experiences—traveling near and far at an earlier age than most traditional schools. The trips increase in nights away and distance as students grow from a “younger friend” to an “older friend” at Innocademy.
We love creating positive and impactful relationships with communities and organizations around the world, and strive to instill those same values in our students!
Youngest/er Friends: Transitional Kindergarten-2nd Grade
Local Attractions: Including city governments, parks, farms, zoos, museums, restaurants, etc.
Middle Friends: 3rd-4th Grade
- 3rd Grade: one-day trip
- 4th Grade: two-day, one-night trip
Older Friends: 5th-8th Grade
5th Grade: three days, two nights
6th & 7th Grades: four days, three nights
8th Grade: five days, four nights
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
MTSS is a research and data-based framework intended to give students the best opportunity to succeed by quickly identifying and supporting students’ learning, behavioral and social-emotional needs.
MTSS doesn’t just offer short-term resources. It also functions as a blueprint for sustainable systemic change, helping our schools maintain and improve student support for years to come through its inherent adaptability.
As defined by the Michigan Department of Education, the essential components of MTSS are:
- Team-Based Leadership
- Tiered Delivery System
- Selection and Implementation of Instruction,
- Interventions, and Supports
- Comprehensive Screening & Assessment System
- Continuous Data-Based Decision Making
Personalized Education
As a charter school, we have the flexibility to personalize student attention and maintain smaller class sizes. We understand each student has unique needs and believe the best learning occurs when educators provide attentive, individualized support. Our educational environments consist of hands-on, student-directed and project-based learning.
WIN Groups
We understand learners work at different paces. Our approach allows us to place students in groups that fit their ability level. We work with parents to make decisions and closely monitor each student’s academic and socio-emotional progress. WIN groups simultaneously allow students who are ready for accelerated learning to be challenged while giving other students extra time to master a concept.
We have a commitment to a small student-to-teacher ratio. We’ve seen our increased individualized instruction and attention lead to higher student achievement.
Multi-Age Learning
Students, staff and parents consistently rank our multi-age Mentor Classes as one of the most valued aspects of Innocademy. Mentor Classes are a partnership between our older and younger students. In class, they work together, providing academic support and mentoring each other during projects. They also regularly participate in stewardship and team-building activities.
These groups not only foster pride in our school but unite students who differ in age, gender and learning ability by a shared interest and passion. This intentional time also simulates a real-world collaborative environment.
Culture of Caring
Our foundation is built on a “Culture of Caring.” We prioritize proactive staff training and encourage our students to embrace uniqueness, collaboration and stewardship. Our goal is for students to carry this culture with them to communities outside of school, always considering, “How do my words and actions make people feel?”
We believe in nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Understanding that each person is a deeply valuable member of our learning team is critical for their holistic development. Our staff works hard to share intentional teaching moments, creating a positive learning environment.
Nature-Rich Education
We know that many times an exceptional education takes place outside the classroom. To support a nature-enriched education, we provide teachers with transportation three times a week so they can plan trips for the year.
We’ve developed a sustained partnership with the Outdoor Discovery Center Education Network (ODC) that supports us in connecting deeper classroom learning with people, land and nature. This partnership allows our students to adventure into nature at the Outdoor Discovery Center and other locations in the area.
To fully participate in these experiences, students must come prepared with proper outdoor clothing, waterproof footwear, skin protection, etc. as the weather dictates. We encourage students to keep an extra change of clothes at school. Time spent outside can lead to extra wear-and-tear on clothes and other gear, and we recommend thrift shopping, networking with other families, and online marketplaces to get quality gear for outdoor exploration.
“Spending time in nature enhances educational outcomes by improving children’s academic performance, focus, behavior, and love of learning.”
Parent Testimonials
“I have three children that attend Innocademy and I just love that this school goes above and beyond to make sure that every student is involved and not left out. They’re very strong in their teaching.”
“Not everybody learns at the same pace. Our daughter has dyslexia so she’s got a lot of opportunities here to learn at her pace, or learn in a way that’s best for her. I think our daughter is very well prepared for high school and beyond.”
About Innocademy
Our Vision
Innocademy focuses on the whole child to positively impact the whole world.
Our Values
Trust
Trust is the foundation in all our relationships. Our families know that their welfare and growth are critical to each one of us. We share information and honor commitments. Our parents trust us with their children and know we treat them as our own.
Service
We service our students and families by recognizing and accommodating their unique gifts and needs. We also encourage them to use their gifts and talents to serve others in our community.
Risks
We take risks…lots of calculated risk, because that is how innovation and improvement are born. We embrace change and new challenges because we know that change inevitably leads to growth.
Fun
We have fun to ensure that we are enthusiastic and passionate. We throw ourselves at problems, smile, laugh, share what we feel, own it and do fun things together as a team. We strive to instill that same mentality in our students while learning.
Teamwork
In our school, each teacher owns school and teaching responsibilities where their passion and gifts can benefit the whole.
Balance
We balance family and hard work. We recognize the importance of pursuing our own personal passions outside of the workplace as well.
Invest
We invest in individuals by empowering, growing, honoring and connecting with one another. Our parents are heavily involved in our vision to invest in our students to give them every advantage for the future. We know that the personal investments that we make with our students and families now will result in lifelong growth.
