South Arbor Charter Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Ypsilanti serving students in grades Y5-8. We shape instruction to build on the strengths and abilities of each student and integrate Moral Focus™ lessons into every school day. As a result, our students are well-prepared from young 5s through eighth grade. A Stanford University study found National Heritage Academies partner-school students gained the equivalent of 3.5 months of additional learning each year compared to peers.
I'm Ready to Apply Get More InformationSchedule a school tour and learn more about our personalized teaching, Moral Focus™ program, after-school activities, clubs, sports, and more.
Welcome to the South Arbor Family! We’re excited to have you join our community and invite you to our New Family Orientation—held just before our Back-to-School Carnival. This event is the perfect opportunity for you and your child to get acquainted with our school, meet our dedicated staff, and begin building a strong foundation for the year ahead. At South Arbor, we believe a strong start sets the tone for a successful school year. During orientation, you’ll learn about our programs, expectations, and all the important details to help your child feel confident and prepared from day one. After orientation, we encourage you to stay and join us for our Back-to-School Carnival, where you can continue connecting with staff and other families in a fun and welcoming environment. We can’t wait to welcome you and help your family feel right at home!
Find everything you need to get your child ready for the first day of school! From supply lists, to school meals, to dress code info, everything you need is in one spot!
Summer is here! There are tons of free community resources available to our families throughout the summer, including free meals.
We know great families like yours make our community strong! That's why we're excited to introduce NHA Family Refer & Earn.
Join Us in Our Backyard for Our Back-to-School Carnival! The school year is almost here, and we’re kicking things off with an exciting Back-to-School Celebration at South Arbor Charter Academy! Whether you're a returning family or new to our school community, we invite you to join us for a fun-filled event to reconnect, meet new faces, and gear up for an amazing year ahead. This year, we’re changing up our Carnival format—all staff will be outside, making it easier than ever to connect, ask questions, and get ready for the new school year! Enjoy a variety of activities, games, and treats—there’s something for everyone! You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to meet our incredible staff and learn more about the fantastic programs we have planned. Bring the whole family—we can’t wait to celebrate the start of another great year with you!
Get Ready for KinderCamp at South Arbor! Starting school is a big milestone, and we're excited to help make your child's transition to South Arbor Charter Academy fun, memorable, and full of confidence! We invite all incoming Young 5s and Kindergarten students to join us for KinderCamp—a special evening designed to help our newest students explore their new school, meet their teachers, and begin building friendships before the first day of class. The evening will begin with a complimentary hot dog dinner for families before students head off on a Classroom Scavenger Hunt. As they visit each Young 5s and Kindergarten classroom, they'll participate in fun, camp-themed activities, meet our caring staff, and become familiar with their new learning environment. Throughout the evening, students will enjoy engaging games and hands-on activities that encourage exploration, teamwork, and confidence—all while getting excited about the school year ahead! To help us create a meaningful experience focused on our newest learners, we kindly ask that KinderCamp be reserved for incoming Young 5s and Kindergarten students only. We ask that siblings not attend so we can provide a personalized experience for each child. If your child will be joining South Arbor this fall, we encourage you to RSVP and join us for this exciting event. We can't wait to welcome your family, create lasting memories, and help your child start their South Arbor journey with confidence. We look forward to seeing you at KinderCamp!
South Arbor outperformed all of the surrounding districts on the 2024 M-STEP assessments!
Parent Portal gives parents quick and easy access to their child's information. Click below to learn more!
We offer advanced learning opportunities for top-performing students who are ready to progress beyond grade level.
South Arbor has outperformed the local district for the past 17 years.
South Arbor is ranked the #1 school in the Ann Arbor Public School District based on academic performance.
85% of South Arbor Charter Academy parents see a positive impact from NHA's Moral Focus™ program.
"South Arbor is an incredible place. I feel lucky to be part of a school with such amazing staff, students, and families."
- Fletcher Morgan, Principal at South Arbor
Learn About Our Pathway to High SchoolGive your child the advantage of a full Y5-12 experience with South Arbor Charter Academy and Arbor Preparatory High School.
At South Arbor, students thrive in a supportive environment that prioritizes academic growth and character development. When it’s time for high school, Arbor Prep continues that momentum—offering rigorous, college-prep academics and personalized guidance to prepare students for what’s next.
South Arbor Parent
South Arbor has a welcoming community feel where students are challenged academically and also learn good values.
There are a lot of factors in deciding where your child will go to school and we want to help. Use our live chat or leave your information and we will be in touch.
Contact AdmissionsSchedule a school tour and learn more about our personalized teaching, Moral Focus program, after-school activities, clubs, sports, and more.
Tour the SchoolApply online, in person, or over the phone and don’t hesitate to ask us questions along the way! We are here for you.
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