Classical Education Approach
- Definition: A time-honored approach rooted in liberal arts and sciences that emphasizes objective standards of truth.
- Methods: Uses content-rich curriculum, primary sources, and traditional instruction like Socratic dialogue and recitation.
- Curriculum: Includes Literacy Essentials, Singapore Math, Literature, Core Knowledge Sequence, Music, Art, and Physical Education.
Enrollment Process & Key Dates
Founders Grove is a tuition-free public charter school open to all Michigan residents.
- Available Seats: 50 seats per grade (K–5) for the 2026-27 school year.
- March 16: Online enrollment applications go live.
- March 31: Open enrollment window closes.
- April 8 (10:00 A.M.): A public, random lottery will be held if applications exceed the 50 available seats per grade.
- Required Documents: Proof of birth date, proof of residency, immunization records. Kindergarten students only need proof of vision screening (must be within the last 3 years), health appraisal, Kindergarten waiver, and dental visit.
Operational Timeline & Infrastructure
- Location: 1025 East Wheeler St., Midland, MI.
- Construction: Closing is set for March 2026, with building construction beginning in May 2026.
- Hiring: Leadership (School Leader and Office Manager) will be hired by April 2026; general staff hiring is slated for August 2026.
- School Hours: Intended to be 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. (pending School Board approval).
Frequently asked Questions
- Do we need to live in a specific district? No. Founders Grove Classical Academy is a public charter school open to families who reside in Michigan.
- Does submitting an application guarantee a seat? Not necessarily. If applications exceed capacity, a lottery will be held.
- Do I need to attend the lottery for my student to be offered a seat? No. Attendance is not required. Families will be notified of the lottery results directly.
- Is Founders Grove tuition-free? Yes. Founders Grove is a tuition-free public school.
- When will we know if our child is accepted? Families will be notified shortly after the lottery or enrollment review process is complete.
- What happens if my child is placed on the waitlist? Waitlisted students may be offered seats as they become available, in lottery order.
- The required paperwork says proof of residency document. If it doesn’t matter where I live, why do I need to do that? You need to submit proof of residency to prove that you are a Michigan resident and to establish your resident district for reporting purposes
- My child has an IEP. Can I apply for them? Yes. Founders Grove Classical Academy is a public school and provides a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in accordance with state and federal law.
- My child wants to meet new friends before school starts. How can I do that? The Academy will set up events for families to connect and build community.
- What are the planned school hours? The intention is to have the hours at 8:00-3:30, but this has not been approved by the School Board. The calendar and school schedule will be shared with our community once they are approved by our Board.
- Will there be a walk through of the new facility for families prior to the start of classes this fall? Yes, an open house will be held in the spring and before school starts.
- How many seats are available in each grade? There are 50 seats in each grade.
- Does each student need an application? Yes. A separate application is required for each student.