The school’s 25th anniversary has coincided with it being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon school. Principal David Hardenburgh and the Chandler Woods staff celebrated the honor Monday, Nov. 18, with an assembly to thank the students and parents for all they have done to make the school a success for so many years.
Chandler Woods staff, students, and parents celebrated the honor of being named a Blue Ribbon school at an assembly Monday.
“This achievement is not just a reflection of our school’s commitment to excellence, but a testament to the collective efforts of our entire Chandler Woods community, our staff, students, families and community partners,” Hardenburgh said. “Your hard work, passion, and dedication has made this moment possible. We owe this prestigious honor to the students who have excelled in their academic and character and the teachers who have gone above and beyond to inspire young lives. Together, we have created an environment where everyone has a place, learning is celebrated, and community is cherished.”
The celebration included cherished memories and sentiments of love and inclusion from former Chandler Woods students compiled in a lengthy video that served as an example of the community the school has built since it opened in 1999. Chandler Woods also was identified as an Exemplary High Performing school, which means it is among the top performing schools in Michigan as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
David Hardenburgh, right, has been principal at Chandler Woods since 2022.
“For 25 years, Chandler Woods Charter Academy has gone above and beyond to ensure kids are prepared for lifelong success," said Michael Cousins, associate director of community outreach at Grand Valley State University, Chandler Woods’ authorizer. "This award celebrates a school community that consistently embraces challenges and empowers students, staff, and parents in the pursuit of excellence. We are proud to authorize Chandler Woods and applaud them on this incredible accomplishment.”
National Heritage Academies (NHA) Founder J.C. Huizenga, President and Chief Learning Officer Nick Sheltrown, and CEO Jason Pater, along with State Sen. Mark Huizenga and State Rep. Bryan Posthumus, were in attendance to support scholars and give words of encouragement.
State Sen. Mark Huizenga, left, and State Rep. Bryan Posthumus congratulate Chandler Woods.
“You are an example and an inspiration to other students across the nation,” J.C. Huizenga said. “The knowledge, the wisdom, and the moral understanding that you are learning right now must serve you well throughout the rest of your life.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program began in 1982 and is given out to public and non-public schools through a nomination process based on student performance on state assessments in reading (ELA) and math, or a composite of performance on these assessments. Other student performance measures such as student growth on state assessments, performance in other subjects on state assessments, and graduation rates are also taken into account.
NHA Founder J.C. Huizenga celebrates with Chandler Woods students.
Other recent accolades for Chandler Woods includes being ranked second on the Best Charter Elementary Schools in Michigan list, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024 school rankings. It also was recognized as a Michigan Reward School by the Michigan Department of Education for the 2022-23 school year, earned an A letter grade in proficiency and growth according to the 2022-23 Michigan School Grades System, and has outperformed the district for 14 years.
Congratulations, Chandler Woods!
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About Chandler Woods Charter Academy
Chandler Woods Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Belmont, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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