Choice Schools Associates desires a successful, collaborative, long-lasting relationship with all of our schools, and this requires that our values align with yours.
Choice Schools Associates is a nationally recognized education service provider committed to partnering with school communities, empowering and equipping them to fulfill their unique mission. The key word is unique. We believe that every school community we serve is unique and requires customized support, systems, protocols and assistance. We support and implement numerous academic models that achieve excellent results for children and stakeholders.
OUR SCHOOL MANAGEMENT SERVICES
When Choice Schools Associates partners with a school, we work with the Academy’s Board of Directors to implement the goals of the board and the guiding links of the charter. We provide all of the resources to our schools to ensure a successful, efficient, and meaningful operation. Similar to a traditional public school’s superintendent’s office, we provide and execute all support services.
As we endeavor to provide you with the most effective school management services possible, we offer the full range and scope of functions for school operations. From marketing to finance to teacher development and everything in between, our staff of highly skilled, talented, and resourceful individuals are available to assist with any issues that our schools may face.
We believe that student achievement is the sum of all components of a school and we must teach and serve the whole child in a seamless system. The school budget should be an instructional spending plan, in which every dollar spent contributes to student achievement. Employees should not be independent of financial or instructional accountability so they too can own the results of the school as a whole, rather than in segmented parts. All choices must be for all children.
START A NEW SCHOOL WITH CHOICE
Passionate. Committed. Enthusiastic. Motivated. If those four words describe your thoughts on education and today’s children, then you are in the right place! Choice Schools Associates is devoted to bringing passionate, committed, enthusiastic, and motivated founding members on board by helping them to bring their dream school to life!
Finding the Right Fit
Choice is energized by the opportunity to work with founders who are committed to egalitarian principles and to equal access and equal results for all children. Our decision to work with founders is based on “fit.” Our conversations will be reciprocating discussions to be sure we make a good team and that we are committed to the same principles and practices. Choice believes we have only one reason for trying to create another educational choice—improved, first-class education for all children. We believe all parents send us children that are ready and able to learn, and each is blessed with strengths, gifts, and talents. Together, we can make children’s lives better through partnerships with parents and communities.
So you are interested. That’s great! Below, you will find the first steps needed prior to the start of your dream school.
ATTAINING A CHARTER
How we can help…
Receiving a charter from a Michigan Authorizer can be a difficult and lengthy process. There are four agencies in which you can apply for a charter: a public university, a community college, an intermediate school district, or a local school district. We will consult with you to decide on the most suitable Authorizer for your desired school. For further support, Choice has an application writer who can write, co-author, rewrite, or revise the charter application at each phase of charter development. Additionally, we have a strong relationship with a Michigan law firm with extensive experience in preparation of charter contract documents.
SELECTING LOCATION/BUILDING SITE
How we can help…
Finding a suitable building gets tougher every year due to the increase in charter schools statewide and due to the resistance of public schools to lease or sell vacated school buildings to charter schools. Start the hunt sooner rather than later. Choice will assist you in securing the appropriate square footage required to house the planned educational program, on enrollment projections for the selected area, and on the suitability of an area for a charter school. However, Choice is not interested in being the landlord of a charter school. We ethically struggle with the compromised governance relationship when the management company is the landlord, so we don’t lease property or finance buildings. We have contacts within the school finance community.
In addition to Choice staff, we have a relationship with an experienced architect in charter school building studies, cost-efficient plans, and working with the State Office of Fire Safety. We work closely with a law firm who has extensive experience in charter school law and building leases.
SECURING FUNDING
How we can help…
Choice will provide opportunities for founders to secure startup funding for a new charter school. Choice has a relationship with a Michigan-based bank that will make startup loans available. Founders and the Academy Boards are always welcome to secure startup funding from other sources.
The process is not necessarily an easy one, but our experienced team at Choice Schools Associates is here to help. Your dedication to changing the lives of students in your community will truly make all the difference.
CONTACT US TODAY!
(616) 785-8440
Our partners’ perspective
Choice Schools has created and implemented a vision for every child to learn and grow based on his/her needs. They have instilled this mission in their educators, who strive every day to provide the tools for students to reach their full, unique, and empowered potential and purpose.”
– Lisa Gillon, Principal at Livingston Classical Academy
I have worked with Choice Schools Associates for the last 13 years. The service and support that Choice provides its leaders and schools is top notch. They have figured out a successful formula to support the schools in each facet of operation - human resources, finance, operations, and curriculum and instruction. Their support allows me to focus on the daily operation of my school.”
– Terry Larkin, principal at New Branches Charter School Academy
I could not be happier, prouder, more grateful, amazed, awestruck and relieved by our decision to partner with Choice Schools Associates to operate Ivywood Classical Academy. What an adventure this school has been. Every curveball that came our way we managed to HIT OUT OF THE PARK, thanks to our amazing partnership we have built with Choice. I recommend Choice Schools to anyone who is looking for a trustworthy, competitive, experienced, and mission-driven organization. They are simply the best.”
- Tyler Horning, Founder and Board President at Ivywood Classical Academy