Windemere Park was recognized for the exceptional performance of its Black students in sixth and eighth-grade English Language Arts, as well as eighth-grade math. Additionally, students from low-income backgrounds at Windemere Park surpassed statewide averages in third-grade math and English Language Arts, as well as sixth and eighth-grade English Language Arts.
The school's success can be attributed to its emphasis on small-group instruction, consistent assessment of students' learning, and data-backed interventions. These factors have contributed to the school outperforming the district for 14 years.
“I think the biggest piece is just looking at what supports they need and where their gaps are,” said Scott Greiner, Windemere Park Charter Academy principal. “We're very intentional with our workshop time. No matter what grade you're in, there’s always a designated workshop time that gives students time to work on those intervention skills that they need.”
Members of the Windemere Park Charter Academy teaching team.
Greiner emphasized the intentional use of data and the involvement of parents are also key factors in achieving academic excellence. By making data-driven decisions, the school ensures that each student's progress is closely monitored.
“The deans work very hard at looking at where the gap is and being able to talk to the teacher to find out what’s going on. Then using resources like Lexia or DreamBox to help target student needs,” he said.
Greiner said another key is the importance of recognizing and celebrating student growth, even small steps in the right direction. By offering incentives such as special field trips or non-dress code days, the school motivates students to strive for continuous improvement.
You can read more about Windemere Park and the Building the Hope award in an article from The Education Trust-Midwest, here.
Congratulations to everyone at Windemere Park Charter Academy!
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About Windemere Park Charter Academy:
Windemere Park Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Lansing, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten 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.
Visit Windemere Park Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.