What is a Public Charter School?
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools who receive government funding for each student at the same rate that other public schools do. Each charter school must have an authorizing entity (usually public university or school district). In exchange for overseeing the charter school, the authorizing entity receives a small portion of the per-student funding from the state. Whitmore Lake is our authorizing entity.
What is classical curriculum?
Classical schools are unique among school choice options for three main reasons – a virtuous education, a content-rich curriculum, and a traditional classroom environment.
Moral character does not come from a flippant approach to teaching character as a means of discipline or when it is convenient. Children need an intentional, consistent and constant teaching of virtue that is why high academic achievement, personal discipline, moral character and responsibility are consistently reinforced through the study of subjects in the classical tradition.
A classical education delivers real content. Students learn about historical events, characters, stories, fables, myths, scientific facts, and mathematical proofs. They read whole literary works in great depth, and they learn to approach books both with moderation to learn and courage to question.
A classical classroom prioritizes the authority of the teacher, and therewith their expertise and responsibility to deliver it to students. Students are not the passive recipients of knowledge, but active participants in the discussion, incorporating the Socratic method of engaging dialogue between the student and the teacher.
Regardless of backgrounds, experiences, economic status or other variables that create uniqueness among students, all will be part of a shared community of learning.
What are traditional teaching methods?
Traditional teaching methods are founded on a student-teacher relationship. This relationship is cultivated as the teacher models sound learning through direct instruction and guides students toward maturity by engaging them in meaningful dialogue or Socratic discussion. Ideas are studied for their own sake because they are beautiful and worth knowing. Assessment is implemented as celebrations of students progress rather than the goal of their studies.
What grades do you offer?
We offer kindergarten-6th grade.
Are your teachers certified?
Yes, as with all Michigan public schools, our teachers are certified in their grade or subject by the State of Michigan.
Will you participate in state-run testing?
Yes, as a public school we will comply with all state requirements for testing.
Will students have recess?
Yes, although our academic program is vital, we also understand the need for children to be active. Grades K-6 have recess time.
Do you require uniforms?
Yes, all students are required to follow the dress code and wear uniforms with our logo patch on the shirts.
Will you teach religion?
No, we are not a religiously affiliated school and as a public school we are not legally allowed to teach religion.